The Guns at Last Light

by Rick Atkinson
The Guns at Last Light cover
Good Books rating 4.25
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  • ID: 7216
  • Added: 2025-12-13
  • Updated: 2025-12-13
  • ISBN: 9781405527262
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2013-05-14
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Rick Atkinson's The Guns at Last Light is the thrilling conclusion to his Liberation Trilogy, detailing the monumental efforts and pivotal battles that led to the liberation of Western Europe. From the daring D-Day invasion to the desperate Battle of the Bulge, Atkinson brings to life the historic events and the courageous individuals who shaped the course of history. This definitive chronicle is not just a retelling of events but a vivid portrayal of the human experience during one of the most significant periods of the 20th century. /n/n Atkinson's meticulous research and engaging narrative style make this book a must-read for anyone interested in military history. The Guns at Last Light is a testament to the power of storytelling and the importance of preserving the memory of those who fought for freedom.

Reviews
Bob's Books · Bob · 2019-06-25
beautifully 4.75

The book is described as the most literary and beautifully written among the seven books read on D-Day. The descriptions are poetic and the images are vivid, making it a standout in the genre.

Bob finds 'The Guns at Last Light' to be the most literary and beautifully written book among the seven he has read on D-Day. The descriptions are poetic and the images are vivid, making it a standout in the genre. Bob appreciates the way Atkinson captures the essence of the period and the human element of the war. The book is not just a historical account but a work of art, offering a unique perspective on the events leading to the Allied victory. The reviewer finds it to be a compelling and engaging read, highly recommending it to anyone interested in World War II history.

Quick quotes

    The most literary and beautifully written of the 7 books I've read on D-day.

    His descriptions are sometimes poetic – the images are vivid and captivating.

    The book is not just a historical account but a work of art, offering a unique perspective on the events leading to the Allied victory.

War on the Rocks · Admiral Stavridis · 2013-07-08
superb 4.50

The book is praised for its superb storytelling of the final months of World War II in Western Europe. The narrative is engaging and vivid, capturing the essence of the period.

Admiral Stavridis highlights Rick Atkinson's exceptional ability to weave a compelling narrative. The book is noted for its vivid descriptions and engaging storytelling, which bring the final months of World War II in Western Europe to life. Stavridis appreciates the depth of research and the way Atkinson captures the human element of the war. The book is not just a historical account but a gripping story that keeps readers engaged from start to finish. The reviewer finds it to be a superb addition to the literature on World War II, offering a unique perspective on the events leading to the Allied victory.

Quick quotes

    Rick Atkinson's superb story of the eleven months that concluded the war in Western Europe from 1944-1945.

    The narrative is engaging and vivid, capturing the essence of the period.

    The book is not just a historical account but a gripping story that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.

The New York Times · 2013-05-23
comprehensive 3.50

The narrative can be confusing as it shifts between different battlefronts and perspectives. Despite this, the book provides a comprehensive overview of the final stages of the war in Western Europe.

The reviewer notes that the narrative structure of the book can be confusing at times, with frequent shifts between different battlefronts and perspectives. This can make it challenging to follow the story line at times. However, the book is praised for its comprehensive overview of the final stages of the war in Western Europe. The reviewer appreciates the depth of research and the detailed accounts of the various battles and campaigns. The book is seen as a valuable contribution to the historical literature on World War II, offering insights into the complexities of the war. Despite the occasional confusion, the book is found to be an engaging and informative read.

Quick quotes

    The narrative line can be confusing. We shift from one battlefront to another, and from one side to the other.

    The book provides a comprehensive overview of the final stages of the war in Western Europe.

    The book is seen as a valuable contribution to the historical literature on World War II.

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