'An Army at Dawn: The War in North Africa, 1942-1943' by Rick Atkinson is a fresh and well-written historical account of the American involvement in North Africa during World War II. The book focuses on the unreadiness of the US military and the coming of age of the US Army during Operation Torch. Atkinson skillfully weaves together narratives from key generals like Eisenhower, Patton, and Montgomery, along with perspectives from the battlefield, to provide a compelling and insightful look at this critical campaign.

Writing/Prose:

The author's prose is engaging and well-crafted, blending meticulous research with vivid storytelling to create an immersive historical account.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative chronicles the pivotal North African campaign during World War II, focusing on its significance in shaping Allied strategy and the development of the American Army.

Setting:

The setting is the North African campaign of World War II, providing a backdrop for the military and strategic challenges of the time.

Pacing:

The pacing varies, balancing between detailed analyses of battles and character development, which can slow the narrative but enriches understanding.

AFEW minutes past 10 A.M. on Wednesday, October 21, 1942, a twin-engine Navy passenger plane broke through the low overcast blanketing Washington, D.C., then banked over the Potomac River for the fina...

Genres:

nonfiction

military history

historical narrative

Topics:

world war ii

north african campaign

leadership challenges

Notes:

Rick Atkinson's book is the first in a three-part series about the liberation of Western Europe during World War II.

The book covers the North African campaign from Operation Torch in 1942 to the capture of German and Italian forces in Tunisia in 1943.

Many regard the North African campaign as less important compared to later campaigns, but Atkinson believes it was crucial for future Allied victories.

Atkinson details how the U.S. Army matured during the campaign, transforming from inexperienced soldiers into an effective fighting force.

The book highlights the challenges of coordinating between American and British military leadership during the campaign.

Atkinson conducted extensive research, utilizing numerous first-person accounts, which contributes to the book's detailed narrative.

One criticism of the book is the lack of detailed maps and illustrations, which some readers found insufficient.

Atkinson's writing style is praised for being clear, engaging, and effective in maintaining reader interest until the end.

The book reveals the Americans' initial unpreparedness for modern warfare and their learning curve throughout the campaign.

General Eisenhower's leadership is examined, showcasing both his struggles and growth during this pivotal period.

From The Publisher:

WINNER OF THE PULITZER PRIZE AND NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

"A splendid book... The emphasis throughout is on the human drama of men at war."-The Washington Post Book World

The liberation of Europe and the destruction of the Third Reich is an epic story of courage and calamity, of miscalculation and enduring triumph. In this first volume of the Liberation Trilogy, Rick Atkinson shows why no modern reader can understand the ultimate victory of the Allied powers without a grasp of the great drama that unfolded in North Africa in 1942 and 1943.

Opening with the daring amphibious invasion in November 1942, An Army at Dawn follows the American and British armies as they fight the French in Morocco and Algiers, and then take on the Germans and Italians in Tunisia. Battle by battle, an inexperienced and sometimes poorly led army gradually becomes a superb fighting force. At the center of the tale are the extraordinary but flawed commanders who come to dominate the battlefield: Eisenhower, Patton, Bradley, Montgomery, and Rommel.

Brilliantly researched, rich with new material and vivid insights, Atkinson's vivid narrative tells the deeply human story of a monumental battle for the future of civilization.

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About the Author:

Rick Atkinson, recipient of the 2010 Pritzker Military Library Literature Award for Lifetime Achievement in Military Writing, is the bestselling author of The Day Of Battle, The Long Gray Line, and In the Company of Soldiers. He was a staff writer and senior editor at The Washington Post for twenty years, and his many awards include Pulitzer Prizes for journalism and history. He lives in Washington, D.C.

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An Army at Dawn: The War in North Africa, 1942-1943

Rick Atkinson

Book 1 in the series:World War II Liberation