When the Sea Came Alive

An Oral History of D-Day

By: Garrett M. Graff

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

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

Personal, Thorough, Riveting

This is the first book I have listened to that involved the voices of many actors. I found this quite interesting. Also, I enjoyed the broader coverage of all five landing beaches and intense firefights for bridges and other strategic locations.

Just a great "oral" history of d day

nothing to dislike...nicely presented from all points of view...enjoyed listening as I did my daily walk...made the steps and miles "fly" by

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.

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 detail and continuity

arrange of chapters and the cast were excellent. truly glad I listened to this book

Authenticity

There was nothing I disliked. I was interested in all of it, brutal and emotional. Super happy to hear how different countries celebrated the invasion. So much I didn’t realize but I think that was the most rewarding.

The most thorough historical remembrance of D-Day

If you areca military history nerd like me then this is the book for you. It covers before, during, and the end of the longest day in fantastic detail through the notes reports letters etc. I thought I knew D Day pretty well but after reading this fantastical work of arts I was mistaken. I cannot even fathom the time it took to research and find all the material in this masterpiece.

The audio approach.

The book came alive given use of the audio approach. Highly suggested reading . No further time to add additional words

3 Generations Give 5 Stars

In the beginning I thought all the different character voices would be confusing, but I was pleasantly surprised because it was like listening to events as they were happening. It is well organized and gripping. I have really enjoyed listening to this book, and my mom really liked it too. My grandmother (91) who also worried that multiple characters would be confusing, and who thought she knew plenty about D-Day, has found she has learned so much and doesn’t find the multiple voices confusing. This is a terrific audiobook, Highly recommend.