The Longest Day

June 6, 1944

By: Cornelius Ryan

Narrated by: Clive Chafer

Length: 8 hrs and 46 mins

Publisher's summary

The classic account of the Allied invasion of Normandy....

The Longest Day is Cornelius Ryan’s unsurpassed account of D-day, a book that endures as a masterpiece of military history. In this compelling tale of courage and heroism, glory and tragedy, Ryan painstakingly re-creates the fateful hours that preceded and followed the massive invasion of Normandy to retell the story of an epic battle that would turn the tide against world fascism and free Europe from the grip of Nazi Germany.

This book, first published in 1959, is a must for anyone who loves history, as well as for anyone who wants to better understand how free nations prevailed at a time when darkness enshrouded the earth.

©1959 Cornelius Ryan; 1987 by Kathryn Morgan Ryan, Victoria Ryan Baida, and Geoffrey J. M. Ryan (P)2012 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

“What I write about is not war but the courage of man.” (Cornelius Ryan)

“Fifty years from now, the history of D-day, I am sure, will lean heavily on this book.” ( New York Times Book Review)

“A dramatic, moving masterpiece, a living memorial to the men who died, and as suspenseful as the most gripping mystery story.” ( Chicago Sunday Tribune)

Great Dday book

Great account of D-day. Narration was a bit dry. Loved hearing both side of the story. Need three more words

The classic version of the Normandy assault - 1944

Another great work from Cornelius Ryan. An excellent reading by Clive Chafer. The 1962 film borrowed much and changed around some of what really happened on that day of days. From the Leaders of the Axis and Allied powers down to the privates, NCOs, and company grade officers on both sides who struggled in this titanic battle to free Europe from the grip of Nazi terror or try to hold on to it. One of the saddest parts of the book comes near the end, the way the Nazis handled prisoners. Cornelius Ryan also wrote The Last Battle and A Bridge Too Far.

The Definitive Account of DDay

No fluff. Chilling facts. I thought I knew everything about DDay until I read this. A must for all folks interested in WW2.

Seen the movie? Read the book: it is worth it

Any additional comments?

Have you seen the movie? They make such a prominent statement in the opening credits that it is "based on the book by Cornelius Ryan" that I've always had a mind to read it.

After all, while the story is epic, the movie just "tries too hard" in parts. Isn't the breaching of Fortress Europe enough of a plot? No! Movie-goers also need a schmaltzy love story too. Surely the book can't be that contrived?

The good news is that it is not. It shares the "tell a story through a mosaic of slice-of-life vignettes" approach, yet does it with compelling integrity. It is gritty and unrelenting; sometimes poignant, but always authentic. The book's most rewarding and fascinating aspect is how it shows in rich detail the diverse impact of action and inaction, decision and indecision - and often just plain luck - in the final outcome of the day.

Great book

Had a little problem with the reader. He was much to slow and deliberate for me. Once I upped his speed to 1.25, everything was fine. Interesting story of one of the most important days in World War II history. Well researched as well as well written.

Good Listen

You will not find this to be the definitive story of D-day. There is a lot of story with regard to the preparation, the disinformation programs, espionage and counterespionage that is not covered. There is not one word about the simultaneous diversionary attacks at Pas de Calais or of Patton's imaginary First US Army Group. Nevertheless, it does provide a very personal narrative of the experiences of many of those who were involved in the invasion both on the side of the Allies as well as the Germans. It provides some well-documented insights into what each side did right and did wrong on that fateful day. Some reviewers have been very critical of the narrator. I did not find Mr. Chafer's English accent at all offputting and in fact felt that it was entirely appropriate since the invasion was launched from England and there were just as many British and Canadian troops involved as there were American. The only reason I did not give the performance a five star is because the narrative was somewhat monotone and lacking in emotion. Nevertheless, if you have an interest in World War II and in particular the Allied invasion at Normandy, you do not want to miss this book. I have read the print version as well and found the audio presentation every bit as good if not better.

Watched the movie many times

Would you listen to The Longest Day again? Why?

Yes, very interesting

What did you like best about this story?

It is told from individuals point of veiw

What about Clive Chafer’s performance did you like?

Kept it interesting helped paint the picture in the mind

Important Moment in History...a Must-Read

I don't know how this book escaped me all these years but I'm awfully glad it came to me. It is a well-documented account of D-Day, written in a nonemotional manner. While it depicts the highly dramatic and incredibly complex day from beginning to end, and gives detailed accounts from all points of view, it is told in a direct, simple way that is easy understand.

The narration is simple and direct, like the account itself, but sometimes it sounds a tad bland because the narrator tries to keep the story on such an even keel.

If you want an honest account of this important day in world history, you couldn't do better than The Longest Day.

First-hand historical accounts are priceless!

Hearing the stories and accounts of DDay from first-hand sources is the best way to experience history. Ryan has a great writing style that draws you right into the events as thought you were there along-side each witness.

We hear so much about bloody Omaha Beach, but not so much about the paratroopers and other beaches filled with brave soldiers who rose to the situation with ingenuity and bravery.

Other reviews complained about the narrator and I have to agree that there are times when the low droning monotonous voice led me to tune out the narration, but the interesting content kept me engaged.

A landmark in journalism that still grips you

Everyone of a certain age knows the star-packed movie. Fewer have read Ryan's book. But it's the book that's the magnificent achievement.
Ryan built up his history by telling it from dozens of viewpoints. And how did he do that? By advertising across Europe and the US, with little ads asking "Were you there?". He followed up with a three-page questionnaire. Eventually more than a thousand were filled in. Nothing like it had really been done before.
As just one example, Ryan was able to describe in fine and revealing detail Rommel's office in France, courtesy of his adjutant - who if I remember correctly filled out the questionnaire in great detail.
He backed that up with endless books on WWII - on one count, more than 7000. It's unlikely his research will ever be equalled.
And the stories he eventually chose from his huge pile are gripping - not just Allied, but German and French. There's not a dull one in there, and they have not aged at all. I was sad when they ended.
The narration is, as many people have said, flat. It grated a little at first. Yet in the end I'm not that dissatisfied with it; the just-the-facts style suits the story Ryan's telling, and the way he tells it. This is a wonderful listen.