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5 out of 5 stars
By
Scott
on
12-31-14
A great and compelling saga, wonderfully read
This book uses the great German battleship Tirpitz as the focal point for the story of naval warfare in the North Atlantic in WWII, and does it brilliantly. Much of the book isn't about the Tirpitz per se, although the mighty battleship is like a powerful chess piece lurking in the background—influencing events by its mere existence and deadly possiblities.
Generally, the book focuses on Allied supply convoys in the North Atlantic, bound for both America, and significantly—also for Russia. It reveals the naval strategies and political maneuverings which governed the use of naval resources on both sides of the conflict.
Essential to the story, the book gives a detailed description of "Operation Chariot," the successful attempt by the Allies to destroy the dry dock at St Nazaire in German occupied France.
Overall, this is a thrilling and wonderful book—fascinating from beginning to end.
Furthermore, Pete Larkin's narration is really great. He brings the story to life with clarity and professionalism. His reading style is remarkably consistent from first to last. It's his narration that turns this story of WWII naval strategy into a great and compelling saga.
Sadly, the companion book to "Tirpitz," "Bismarck," by the same authors, is not nearly as well read. Where the narration of "Tirpitz" keeps the action flowing and makes it exciting to listen to, "Bismarck" comes across as stilted and confusing. If nothing else, these two books highlight the huge difference that narration can make.
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3 of 3 people found this review helpful
4 out of 5 stars
By
Melissa Gregg
on
11-04-15
Captivating Read
Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?
I would recommend this to anyone who has an inquisitive mind into the full story of the Tirpitz & the role it played in the Arctic convoy battles. This book delivers.
What other book might you compare Tirpitz to and why?
By the same author: "Bismarck: The Final Days of Germany's Greatest Battleship" This book contrasts the other side of the Atlantic convoy battles.
Which scene was your favorite?
Most definitely the scene where the midget "X" submarines are attempted for a daring attack on the battleship.
Any additional comments?
The narrator does a superb job of parlaying this historical story. He has excellent inflection throughout the story and was a pleasure to listen to.
One word of note though, this story will tell you more than just about the Tirpitz. It will lay out many historical instances of the Arctic convoy battles and how the Kriegsmarine's role played in that.
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Customer Reviews
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5 out of 5 stars
By
Mark Hamnett
on
12-28-15
Fascinating book - shame about the narrator
You would have thought that the reader would have been coached on the German and Norwegian names and terms. Not here, making this book laughable in places!
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1 of 2 people found this review helpful