The untold story of the bloodiest and most dramatic march to victory of the Second World War. Written with Alex Kershaw’s trademark narrative drive and vivid immediacy, The Liberator traces the remarkable battlefield journey of maverick U.S. Army officer Felix Sparks through the Allied liberation of Europe—from the first landing in Italy to the final death throes of the Third Reich.Over five … Third Reich.
Over five hundred bloody days, Sparks and his infantry unit battled from the beaches of Sicily through the mountains of Italy and France, ultimately enduring bitter and desperate winter combat against the die-hard SS on the Fatherland’s borders. Having miraculously survived the long, bloody march across Europe, Sparks was selected to lead a final charge to Bavaria, where he and his men experienced some of the most intense street fighting suffered by Americans in World War II.
And when he finally arrived at the gates of Dachau, Sparks confronted scenes that robbed the mind of reason—and put his humanity to the ultimate test.
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Authentic,compassionate,shows the glory and courage of infantry soldiers and officers as well as the arrogance stupidity (criminal in my opinion) of some American top commanders.
The Liberator by Alex Kershaw is an excellent read of th e story of Felix Sparks who spent over 500 days in combat from Sicily, through Italy, Southern France to Germant to Dachau. The book gets even better the more you read and becomes increasingly harder to put down, It’s a strory of brotherhood, excellent leadership, tragedy and triumph – one of the best WW2 narratives that I have read. While the mini-series takes some artistic license, it too is excellent although the animation is definitely different.
Kershaw writes at a gut level about infantry combat. Felix Franks and other commanders described in this World War II story were not always glorified but described as real people doing the best they could under harrowing circumstances. It shows how war carries over into life after war as well and gives you an appreciation for being able to carry on after the war has ended.
“Tells it like it is”. I would have liked a slightly greater attempt to integrate Sparks’ observations with what else was going on in the war, but it’s hard to think like a history professor when skilled killers are trying to demolish you.
A look into what it cost American soldiers to defeat the Nazi war machine. Not flag waving but down and dirty – what it took to get the job done. A real warning to those who romanticize the hell that war puts people through
an amazing and long journey for anyone to survive the horrors of war. And he kept going back when he could have gone home.
an amazing story about an amazing man
Good history lesson on things you do not hear much about
Excellent book on WWII and the campaign through Italy and into Germany. You just wonder how these men readjusted to civilian life at their experiences.
The author displays a very specific point of view regarding Felix Sparks’s adventures and the well-known people he encountered, this book certainly adds to one’s understanding of the second world war and its effect on the soldiers who fought i it. I appreciate the original research that informs this account and recommend the book.
A remarkable true story of an unsung hero of World War II.
One of the better WW 2 books
I think they should have stoped the story at the wars end. I liked the guy up until he started thinking that orders didn’t apply to him. Just another elitist jerk.
A great story about a little known WW 11 hero.
Great read and really talked realistically about the horrors of war without being over the top. Such respect for these men.
It’s an eye opener as to what really happened!
Great first hand account.
Excellent!
A great story on the life of a WWII hero.
Because my father was in France during WWII, I haven’t paid much attention to the fighting in Italy. I have met a couple of the liberators of Dachau. They would cry each time they even thought about it.
This book is not for the timid. He paints the true picture of the fighting. I had a hard time putting this one down.