Neptune

The Allied Invasion of Europe and the D-Day Landings

By: Craig L. Symonds

Narrated by: Craig L. Symonds

Seventy years ago, more than 6000 Allied ships carried more than a million soldiers across the English Channel to a 50-mile-wide strip of the Normandy coast in German-occupied France. It was the greatest sea-borne assault in human history. The code names given to the beaches where the ships landed the soldiers have become immortal: Gold, Juno, Sword, Utah, and especially Omaha, the scene of almost unimaginable human tragedy. The sea of crosses in the cemetery sitting today atop a bluff overlooking the beaches recalls to us its cost. Most accounts of this epic story begin with the landings on the morning of June 6, 1944. In fact, however, D-Day was the culmination of months and years of planning and intense debate. In the dark days after the evacuation of Dunkirk in the summer of 1940, British officials and, soon enough, their American counterparts, began to consider how, and, where, and especially when, they could re-enter the European Continent in force. The Americans, led by U.S. Army Chief of Staff General George C. Marshall, wanted to invade as soon as possible; the British, personified by their redoubtable prime minister, Winston Churchill, were convinced that a premature landing would be disastrous. The often-sharp negotiations between the English-speaking allies led them first to North Africa, then into Sicily, then Italy. Only in the spring of 1943, did the Combined Chiefs of Staff commit themselves to an invasion of northern France. The code name for this invasion was Overlord, but everything that came before, including the landings themselves and the supply system that made it possible for the invaders to stay there, was code-named Neptune. Craig L. Symonds now offers the complete story of this Olympian effort, involving transports, escorts, gunfire support ships, and landing craft of every possible size and function. The obstacles to success were many.

©2014 Craig L. Symonds (P)2014 Audible Inc.

a great piece

Symonds is a superb historian and a wonderful narrator. A highly recommended author. I will read or listen to all he has written.

Spectacular

Would you consider the audio edition of Neptune to be better than the print version?

I did not read the book, but Audible did a great job with this version. For me the best part of this book is that the author and the narrator are able to get past the obvious historical gravitas of this epic, history changing event and systemically and calmly explain the events. This is a factual account of the planning and execution of the largest invasion in history and it is done in a narrative style that is free of opinion and melodrama. This is solid, well written reporting that will leave you on the edge of your seat as you hear this story from an administrative, logistic, strategic and human standpoint.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The men who gave their lives on the Omaha Beach. It is humbling to hear what these men went through. In my opinion, no Hollywood representation can do justice to this factual account of what really happened to the average young man who found themselves on Omaha Beach. By focusing in the facts, instead of coloring it with artistic interpretation, the author lets the listening/reader come to their own conclusions. These men were heroes and we owe our freedom to their actions. This is a narrative approach that puts the emphasis on the actions of the men on the beach, not the artistic impressions of the writer.

Have you listened to any of Craig L. Symonds’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have not but he did a great job. It was be impossible not to show humanity while telling this story. He did it in a manner that did justice to the men involved, and he did so without becoming over wrought, which I think would be easy to do given the subject matter. He remains detached but appropriately emotional.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Movies have been made of this event and I am glad they have been made to honor the men involved. But the reasons why the invasion unfolded and how the military overcame the odds can only be explained in a book that has the time to adequately weave several important stories of planning, logistics and execution.

Any additional comments?

If you are a fan of military history I think this book be a good addition to your library. If you are even mildly interested in American history this book is a must listen, in my opinion. It provides the detail on a subject that many readers think they knew from movies or TV. The reality of the events are more complicated and heroic than you can imagine. Highly recommend.

D-Day And All The Moving Parts

Wow. This is another exceptional work by Craig L Symonds, as he takes apart operation Overlord (Neptune) from it's inception, planning, and action. The operation was years in planning, and so much of it came together at the last moment. He incredibly captures all personalities, clashes, etc that come with a momentous operation involving several multiple countries, leaders, and egos. He doesn't harp on one issue too long, but gives all equal balance and weight. It's a completely unbiased look at what it took to put this incredible invasion together. And the reader gains an even greater appreciation and wonder for those who planned this and saw it to its completion. It's brilliant.

Also, one must be aware that Craig L. Symonds is an incredible narrator. His measured voice captures all the right notes. I can't say enough good about it. He's that good.

Outstanding Book!

This is a magnificent work! Craig Symonds is now my favorite historian! And the fact he actually READS this books makes it absolutely the most enjoyable piece of history I have ever read!

solid

good solid history

I have no criticism to offer

just lacked a bit of spark to take it from good to great for my taste

great, detailed book

everyone knows the story of D-Day in Normandy, but this book provide exceptional detail of the planning, strategy and the battle itself from all angles. loved it. it is all so excellently narrated by the author himself

Neptune Is A Must Read For All Students Of Naval History

As a student of Professor Symonds at the Naval Academy many years ago, I quickly learned that he was a master storyteller.

His research and ability to bring all the key players to life in Neptune is unmatched. And no historian I’ve ever read comes close to having his gift for educating while entertaining.

I’ve read nearly all of Professor Symonds books. Neptune was the first that I listened to on Audible. And hearing his voice once again took me back to my time at Annapolis, sitting in his class, listening to him educate us all through the power of storytelling.

I’m proud to say that I have been a student of American and Naval History for all of my adult life. And I have Craig Symonds to thank for that. Well done, Professor!!

Details on how the operation came about

Most accounts of Neptune focus on the brave soldiers on Normandy beach on D-day. But the invasion depended on much more than bravery - it also depended on a lot of planning and logistics preparations. This book is an indispensable guide to this lesser-known part of the story.

good reader great story

The back story to the invasion of Normandy is well told. There are many different aspects that the author delves into. Very well done.

Neptune

great book and revealing of America's slow intervention in war. good read with a good explanation of what took place prior to USA intervention.