Storm of War by Andrew Roberts

The Storm of War: A New History of the Second World War by Andrew Roberts is a comprehensive and detailed account of the Second World War. Written by British historian and journalist Andrew Roberts, the book covers numerous historical factors of the Second World War such as Adolf Hitler’s rise to power and the organisation of Nazi Germany as well as numerous missteps made by the dictatorial regime. The book has been praised by several publications such as The Daily Beast, The Economist, and The Observer. It also received the British Army Military Book of the Year Award for 2010.

The main theme of the book is how Axis strategy evolved. Roberts’s central question is why the Wehrmacht, the best fighting force, lost World War II. He examines the war in all its theaters: Asian, African and European. Roberts’s descriptions of soldiers and officers are masterly and humane, and his battlefield set pieces are gripping. He also looks at the political and economic problems of the German state and Churchill’s refusal to abandon the fight.

The book provides readers with a clear and accessible account of the war. It offers refreshing judgments on the politicians and commanders in lively prose and denounces the murder of millions of Jews. It is a magisterial new history of World War II and a brilliantly told military history of World War II.

What I Liked

I honestly thought that there was no way to add more to World War II history….but I thought that this book pulled it off.

It’s engaging, and ties so many threads together that it actually allows you to imagine what it was like during the war and why everyone made the decisions that they made.

A key lesson is that a World War can happen again. Actually – it will happen again.

What I Did Not Like

Not a whole lot – amazing book.

Storm of War by Andrew Roberts

$16.29

In Storm of War, Andrew Roberts takes a fresh look at the Second World War, focusing on why the Axis powers, particularly Germany, ultimately lost despite their initial advantages. He dives into various theaters of war and provides a human touch to the soldiers' experiences while also addressing the political blunders of the time. I was genuinely impressed by how Roberts tied together complex historical threads in a way that made the past come alive. Honestly, I didn’t expect to find anything new about WWII, but this book really delivered. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in history, though I didn’t find much to criticize.

Pros:

• Comprehensive and detailed account of World War II
• Engaging writing that ties together many historical threads
• Masterful and humane descriptions of soldiers and officers
• Clear and accessible narrative for readers
• Refreshing judgments on politicians and commanders
• Denounces the murder of millions of Jews
• Award-winning book recognized for its quality

Cons:

• Not a whole lot - amazing book.

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03/15/2025 09:03 pm GMT