When the Sea Came Alive

An Oral History of D-Day

By: Garrett M. Graff

Narrated by: Edoardo Ballerini, Garrett M. Graff, full cast

Length: 19 hrs and 33 mins

Publisher's summary

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • “Absolutely gripping.” —Ron Charles, The Washington Post • “A masterpiece of oral history…stirring, surprising, grim, joyous, moving, and always riveting.” —Evan Thomas • “Gripping and propulsive...Readers will be spellbound.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Only Plane in the Sky and Pulitzer Prize finalist for Watergate comes the most up-to-date and complete account of D-Day—the largest seaborne invasion in history and the moment that secured the Allied victory in World War II.

June 6, 1944—known to us all as D-Day—is one of history’s greatest and most unbelievable military triumphs. Though the full campaign lasted a little over two months, the surprise sunrise landing of more than 150,000 Allied troops on the beaches of occupied northern France is one of the most consequential days of the 20th century. It was the moment that turned the tide for the Allied forces and ultimately led to the defeat of the Axis powers in World War II, freeing Europe from the clutches of fascism and tragedy. In the decades since, countless stories of bravery, brotherhood, and sacrifice have made up and sustained our collective memory. Now, Pulitzer Prize finalist Garrett M. Graff, historian and author of The Only Plane in the Sky and Watergate, brings them all together in a one-of-a-kind oral history that explores this seminal event in vivid, heart-pounding detail.

The story begins in the opening months of the 1940s, as the Germany army tightens its grip around eastern and western Europe, seizing control of entire nations on the ground and bombarding others into submission by air. The United States, who has resolved to remain neutral, is forced to enter the conflict after an unexpected attack by the Japanese at Pearl Harbor. For the second time in fifty years, the world is at war, with the stakes higher than they’ve ever been before.

Then, in 1943, as morale and resources start to wane, Allied leaders Franklin D. Roosevelt and Winston Churchill meet in Casablanca to discuss a new plan for victory: a coordinated invasion of occupied France, led by General Dwight D. Eisenhower. Failure, it is understood, is not an option. Over the next eighteen months, under the codename OVERLORD and a deep veil of secrecy, the large-scale action is organized, mobilizing soldiers across Europe by land, sea, and sky. And when the day comes, it is unlike anything the world has ever seen.

These moments and more are seen in real time, through the eyes of those who experienced them: the children and citizens whose towns are suddenly populated by troops training on the coast of England; the COSSAC planners bent over maps and meteorological reports, making sure that every scenario is planned through; the airmen and paratroopers glancing out the sides of their planes, ready to jump into occupied territory and fight; the intelligence operatives seeding disinformation with the enemy so that they don’t catch on to the Allied plan; the army correspondents and journalists taken along for the ride, unaware that they will have a front seat to history; the generals and leaders upon whom the weight of their mission rests; and the young men, with no idea of what awaits them, boarding landing craft bound for Normandy, ready to lay down their lives for a cause greater than themselves.

A visceral drama, When the Sea Came Alive is the most comprehensive account of D-Day that we have yet to see, and an unforgettable, fitting tribute to the men and women of the Greatest Generation.

©2024 Garrett M. Graff (P)2024 Simon & Schuster Audio

The extreme about of information

I thought I knew a lot about D Day but this book blew me away, and I came out of it with a plethora of new information

Amazing Re-telling of the Story of D-Day!

If you are a history buff, or if your grandfather served in WWII or if you simply want to learn, then this is the book for you. No one book can tell each individual's story of his experience on that longest day. However, if you want to learn through the story of men who were there, this is the audiobook for you. If you've got a long drive ahead, this book will keep you company. I highly recommend Mr. Graff's book.

Amazing

Such an amazing book to find the week of the 80th anniversary. Listening to this one was something I glad I did. Many stories from the greatest generation who without we all might be in a different world today.

The testimony of the men

As a combat veteran and a 1st infantry Division veteran,D- Day holds a special place in my heart, this oral telling is a testimony of the trials and heartbreak of combat. Some of the stories brought back memories of my own combat experiences.. but I feel the world owes a debt of gratitude to a generation of fighting men that changed the world forever!

we stand on the shoulders of hero's, and walk in the footsteps of giants among men!

this by far, is one of the greatest D-day books I've read...and a testimony of those great men that made history that day!

bravo!

A unique perspective

Oral history, when artfully done, can provide a particularly unique perspective where the focus is on a very short time period. And in this book, the oral history of D-Day is artfully done. Exceptional selection, organization and framework.

Best audio book I’ve ever listened to.

It’s like sitting on the porch listening to guys tell war stories…stories you never knew.

Comprehensive.

Expansive story. Well told. Many primary sources & voices. Some I have not heard previously. Highly recommended.

Simply Fabulous. One of the best audiobooks I’ve EVER listened to!!!!!

A multi-voice cast reading actual accounts of the day. Massively researched, winderfully told, a MUST listen for any WW2 history buff.

Amazing

This never happens to me but I found myself in tears at time listening to this book. God bless those people who died for me…and for Garett Graff for assembling this book.

Beautiful performance by full cast! The actors brought the first hand accounts to life.

I learned so much about the preparation, details and personal experiences. The books answered questions i didn’t know i had. Very well written and a wonderful listen.