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.
D-Day is one of history’s greatest and most unbelievable military and human triumphs. Though the full campaign lasted just over a month, the surprise landing of over 150,000 Allied troops on the morning of June 6, 1944, is understood to be the moment that turned the tide for the Allied forces and ultimately led to the defeat of the Axis powers in World War II. Now, a new book from bestselling author and historian Garrett M. Graff explores the full impact of this world-changing event—from the secret creation of landing plans by top government and military officials and organization of troops, to the moment the boat doors opened to reveal the beach where men fought for their lives and the future of the free world.
Fascinating, action-packed, and filled with impressive detail, WHEN THE SEA CAME ALIVE captures a human drama like no other, and offers a fitting tribute to the men and women of the Greatest Generation.
“The author of The Only Plane in the Sky has a knack for finding fresh ways to consider exhaustively rehashed historical episodes. . . . The oral-history template lends the tale a striking immediacy, and he excavates stories from a wide swath of people from both sides of the war whose testimonies recall immense bravery and utter devastation while reminding readers of the capriciousness of victory, not to mention survival. As one U.S. Navy veteran put it: ‘Call it luck, divine providence, call it what you please, but here I am.’” ― The Washington Post, “Seven Historical Books to Read This Summer”
“A sprawling history of D-Day from the point of view of participants on both sides. . . . [and] a timely reminder of the cost of war, as well as the bravery of those who stormed the beaches all those decades ago.” ― Kirkus Reviews
“Graff’s collection of 700 participants’ stories provides a compelling window into the kind of military maneuvers few living Americans can remember…. Reading about survivors’ experiences in their own words proves a solemn practice.” — The Los Angeles Times, “10 books to add to your reading list in June”
“Anyone who read Stephen Ambrose or watched Saving Private Ryan should welcome acclaimed author Garrett M. Graff’s new oral history of that remarkable day. In When The Sea Came Alive, Graff captures the endless drama of that day, sharing the stories and insights of everyone from top generals and world-famous writers right down to the brave men storming Omaha Beach.” — Parade Magazine, “The 23 Best New Books of June 2024”
