When the Sea Came Alive: An Oral History of D-Day

Pulitzer Prize finalist Graff (Watergate) offers a crucial account of D-Day, drawing upon hundreds of eyewitness accounts from those who experienced the June 6, 1944, invasion of Normandy. The contributors include heads of state, military top brass, privates, paratroopers, coxswains, and more. These moving chronicles cover operation planning, the buildup of personnel and equipment, the critical role of Black soldiers, and the contribution of women to the historical event. The remembrances come from both sides of the war and immerse listeners in the slaughter that cost at least 10,000 Allied and 4,000–9,000 German casualties, including 2,501 dead U.S. soldiers. These original source stories provide a timely reminder of the bravery of the thousands of ordinary teenage soldiers who courageously ran headlong into deadly German fire. Primary narrator Edoardo Ballerini’s crisp, impressive performance is augmented by a full cast of 23 additional narrators reading 693 heartbreaking, firsthand recollections. Graff offers a rousing narration of his introductory material.