A mix of history, of anecdotes and speculation

On a frame of events well documented and widely known today, the author embroiders from dune vast compilation of testimonies of all kinds, whether direct or secondhand. It thus produces a rich dune desired narrative originality, served by addition of a certain lyricism making reading enjoyable. But we know little credit quen absence of overlap there daccorder suits testimonies which neither the lucidity or sincerity or integrity are assured a priori. Add to that the free, so arbitrary choice of the author in what he decides den remember, it is obvious originality Quà then the undeniable text overlays an uncertainty that does not at least as ballast compared to the reality of this presentation. At least three aspects of this uncertainty BE deserve mention:
1 / The sometimes glaring deficiencies. An example: the campaign of France in May-June 1940 reduced wholesale by quarrels between senile and incompetent generals. Sil there have been deaths and injuries on both sides, they Nont not numerous enough that the author deems fit or describe the circumstances or den to count at least approximately, what it does yet very often elsewhere. (Confer the comment Jojo67).
2 / The anamorphic rather confusing. An example: the resistance of Commonwealth troops during the conquest of Crete by the Germans in May 1941 described with a wealth of detail which is not entitled, as necessary sen, the Battle of Stalingrad. It is true Quà no Stalingrad fighter na received Victoria Cross. No need to spend a lot more pages to it Quà that.
3 / The sweeping assertions about the feelings and motivations of the actors of the basic soldier Detat leader or government (Hitler and Stalin included) via ViaMichelin military hierarchy (most general except Zhukov, to take into their rating). Not only the author knows what they were thinking and had the intention of doing at all times, but especially he knows for a fact. That's why phrases like "in all likelihood", "may", "probably", "likely", etc. are totally absent of writing. In this regard, more puisquaucun Dombre area doubt become planar. Prodigious!
Finally, allow two sentences to summarize my opinion in substance:
1 / entitle this book "A History of the Second World War told by Antony Beevor, a British writer" would have the advantage of giving a better idea of ​​its contents.
2 / Sil I had to make a list douvrages reference in this global conflict, I should take good care dy include it once the historical veracity must have an insurmountable character.
Conclusion: do read quavec some caution.