The Steel Wave: A Novel of World War II

Jeff Shaara

Edition	Hardcover
List Price	$28.00
	$18.48 (Save 34%)

Published by	Ballantine Books
Release date	2008-05-13
ISBN	0345461428
Availability	Usually ships in 24 hours

Jeff Shaara, America?s premier author of military historical fiction, brings us the centerpiece of his epic trilogy of the Second World War.

General Dwight Eisenhower once again commands a diverse army that must find its single purpose in the destruction of Hitler?s European fortress. His primary subordinates, Omar Bradley and Bernard Montgomery, must prove that this unique blend of Allied armies can successfully confront the might of Adolf Hitler?s forces, who have already conquered Western Europe. On the coast of France, German commander Erwin Rommel fortifies and prepares for the coming invasion, acutely aware that he must bring all his skills to bear on a fight his side must win. But Rommel?s greatest challenge is to strike the Allies on his front, while struggling behind the lines with the growing insanity of Adolf Hitler, who thwarts the strategies Rommel knows will succeed.

Meanwhile, Sergeant Jesse Adams, a no-nonsense veteran of the 82nd Airborne, parachutes with his men behind German lines into a chaotic and desperate struggle. And as the invasion force surges toward the beaches of Normandy, Private Tom Thorne of the 29th Infantry Division faces the horrifying prospects of fighting his way ashore on a stretch of coast more heavily defended than the Allied commanders anticipate?Omaha Beach.

From G.I. to general, this story carries the reader through the war?s most crucial juncture, the invasion that altered the flow of the war, and, ultimately, changed history.

Customer Reviews - courtesy of Amazon.com ( Marked4Sale.com is not responsible for review content )

Great Read!

Historically accurate. He makes the history come alive. Great book for those who study WWII or those who want to learn more in a novel like fashion!

Shallow & superficial

This was a library loan; no way was I going to purchase this book, based upon previous works of this author I have read. I hold no personal animus against the author, but it amazes me how many positive reviews are generated for these mediocre efforts.
I consider myself very knowledgable about WWII, and I guess the first book I read about D-Day was Cornelius Ryan's classic "The Longest Day," when was originally published. What I would like to know is what Shaara was trying to accomplish with this book? The title would lead one to believe it would cover the amphibious assault upon Normandy, yet it was given cursory coverage at best. Instead, we basically have three main characters; Eisenhower, Rommel, and the ubiqutious Sgt. Jesse Adams, conversing ad nauseum, along with a few battle scenes with Adams. Not a compelling combination, in my opinion.
Small details offend, as in Shaara's previous book; Patton showing up late(??), and with a chrome plated helmet (???) at the famous St.Paul's School briefing prior to D-Day, flak mispelled numerous times as flack, workers stripped to the waist in January on the Channel coast, etc.
I believe the book to be a mismash of themes that do not come together in a coherrent manner, and the book does not generate a real passion or interest in the main characters, especially the fictional ones.
A well written work of fiction on this subject remains to be written, except perhaps for "Disaster at D-Day", by Peter Tsouras.

The Steel Wave

ACtually, I am Eugenia's husband, Steve Parker and I really enjoyed this book. I will say that the pages were cut incorrectly as a group of them had not been trimmed correctly and stuck out beyond the bulk of the pages. That did not detract from the essence of the read, however.

The details of of the actions leading up to and beyond the invasion of Europe in 1944 were terrific. Most reads focus on D-Dayitself, but the rest of the story was equally compelling.

Thanks to the author who continues his military history series well.

Wow

One of Shaara's outstanding works. This author knows how to create credible, moving dialogue which creatively places in you inside historical events. A must read for WW2 buffs and true students of history. Shaara is a literary genius.

Outstanding!

Very instightful. I am biased, for I like anything by Jeff Shaara. Really gets into all of the ramifications of the D-Day invasion, from both sides.