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The Light of Battle: Eisenhower, D-Day, and the Birth of the American Superpower
A thrilling new biography of Dwight Eisenhower set in the months leading up to D-Day, when he grew from a well-liked general into one of the singular figures of American history.
On June 6, 1944, General Dwight Eisenhower addressed the thousands of American troops preparing to invade Normandy, exhorting them to embrace the “Great Crusade” they faced. Then, in a fleeting moment alone, he drafted a resignation letter in case the invasion failed.
In The Light of Battle, Michel Paradis, acclaimed author of Last Mission to Tokyo, paints a vivid portrait of Dwight Eisenhoweras he learns to navigate the crosscurrents of diplomacy, politics, strategy, family, and fame with the fate of the free world hanging in the balance. In a world of giants—Churchill, Roosevelt, De Gaulle, Marshall, MacArthur—it was a barefoot boy from Abilene, Kansas, who would master the art of power and become a modern-day George Washington.
Drawing upon meticulous research and a voluminous body of newly discovered records, letters, diaries, and firsthand accounts from three continents, Paradis brings Eisenhower to life, as a complicated man who craved simplicity, a genial cipher whose smile was a lethal political weapon.
With a page-turning pace and an eye for the overlooked, Paradis interweaves the grand arc of history with more human concerns, bringing readers into the private moments that led to Eisenhower’s most pivotal decisions. By deftly integrating the personal and the political, he reveals how Eisenhower’s rise both reflected and was integral to America’s rise as a global superpower.
An unflinching look at how character is forged, and leadership is learned, The Light of Battle breathes new life into the man who made “the leader of the free world” the mantle of the American presidency.
On June 6, 1944, General Dwight Eisenhower addressed the thousands of American troops preparing to invade Normandy, exhorting them to embrace the “Great Crusade” they faced. Then, in a fleeting moment alone, he drafted a resignation letter in case the invasion failed.
In The Light of Battle, Michel Paradis, acclaimed author of Last Mission to Tokyo, paints a vivid portrait of Dwight Eisenhoweras he learns to navigate the crosscurrents of diplomacy, politics, strategy, family, and fame with the fate of the free world hanging in the balance. In a world of giants—Churchill, Roosevelt, De Gaulle, Marshall, MacArthur—it was a barefoot boy from Abilene, Kansas, who would master the art of power and become a modern-day George Washington.
Drawing upon meticulous research and a voluminous body of newly discovered records, letters, diaries, and firsthand accounts from three continents, Paradis brings Eisenhower to life, as a complicated man who craved simplicity, a genial cipher whose smile was a lethal political weapon.
With a page-turning pace and an eye for the overlooked, Paradis interweaves the grand arc of history with more human concerns, bringing readers into the private moments that led to Eisenhower’s most pivotal decisions. By deftly integrating the personal and the political, he reveals how Eisenhower’s rise both reflected and was integral to America’s rise as a global superpower.
An unflinching look at how character is forged, and leadership is learned, The Light of Battle breathes new life into the man who made “the leader of the free world” the mantle of the American presidency.
528 pages, Hardcover
First published June 4, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
April 14, 2024
If you will indulge me for a second as I quote a line from the description of this book, "In The Light of Battle, Michel Paradis, acclaimed author of Last Mission to Tokyo, paints a vivid portrait of Dwight Eisenhower as he learns to navigate the crosscurrents of diplomacy, politics, strategy, family, and fame with the fate of the free world hanging in the balance."
This is too much. The Light of Battle is a book which needs to be about 1,000 pages to do justice to everything it purports to investigate. That said, you get a little bit of everything which means there are some very enjoyable passages. However, your enjoyment depends on your point of view and expectations. Let's break it down.
The book succeeds mostly as an intimate personal portrait of Eisenhower as he is positioned to lead the execution of D-Day. Every major name you would expect to hear is mentioned. I would also say each character is given some background in a sometimes gossipy way. Paradis's tone is informal for a World War II book and this won't be for everyone. If you want the facts presented in a neutral way, then you may find it off-putting. If you want to hear how Patton could be a total child without mincing words, then you'll be happy.
I personally found that Paradis tried to handle too many complex people and events. Paradis tries to focus on the events leading up to D-Day, but he has to constantly jump time periods (often in the middle of a chapter) to give backstory. Other characters seem to drop into the narrative and then disappear for extended periods of time. D-Day, the event, is not until the very end of the book and almost feels like a footnote. People who have read a lot of World War II history may find a lot of characterizations of both people and events overly simplified.
What it comes down to is point of view and familiarity with the material. If you have read a lot of World War II literature, then I think this will fall short of expectations. If you are not well-versed and want a high-level overview of Eisenhower and a straightforward narrative, then you should find this enjoyable.
(This book was provided as an advance copy by Netgalley and Mariner Books.)
This is too much. The Light of Battle is a book which needs to be about 1,000 pages to do justice to everything it purports to investigate. That said, you get a little bit of everything which means there are some very enjoyable passages. However, your enjoyment depends on your point of view and expectations. Let's break it down.
The book succeeds mostly as an intimate personal portrait of Eisenhower as he is positioned to lead the execution of D-Day. Every major name you would expect to hear is mentioned. I would also say each character is given some background in a sometimes gossipy way. Paradis's tone is informal for a World War II book and this won't be for everyone. If you want the facts presented in a neutral way, then you may find it off-putting. If you want to hear how Patton could be a total child without mincing words, then you'll be happy.
I personally found that Paradis tried to handle too many complex people and events. Paradis tries to focus on the events leading up to D-Day, but he has to constantly jump time periods (often in the middle of a chapter) to give backstory. Other characters seem to drop into the narrative and then disappear for extended periods of time. D-Day, the event, is not until the very end of the book and almost feels like a footnote. People who have read a lot of World War II history may find a lot of characterizations of both people and events overly simplified.
What it comes down to is point of view and familiarity with the material. If you have read a lot of World War II literature, then I think this will fall short of expectations. If you are not well-versed and want a high-level overview of Eisenhower and a straightforward narrative, then you should find this enjoyable.
(This book was provided as an advance copy by Netgalley and Mariner Books.)
May 31, 2024
I first want to thank NetGalley and Mariner Books for giving me an ARC of this book.
I feel that this was half biography, half funny personal stories from Eisenhower's time as commander in Europe. I felt that there wasn't a lot of new or interesting info on him that I hadn't already read. The last part of the book was kind of interesting, but I just had a sense from this book that it was more showing a more personal side of General Eisenhower than how he rose to the occasion to fight and launch a successful invasion of Europe.
Nice read, but I expected more analysis than just the ending of the book.
I feel that this was half biography, half funny personal stories from Eisenhower's time as commander in Europe. I felt that there wasn't a lot of new or interesting info on him that I hadn't already read. The last part of the book was kind of interesting, but I just had a sense from this book that it was more showing a more personal side of General Eisenhower than how he rose to the occasion to fight and launch a successful invasion of Europe.
Nice read, but I expected more analysis than just the ending of the book.
June 14, 2024
I feel confident in giving this a 5-star rating even though I haven't quite finished The Light of Battle: Eisenhower, D-Day, and the Birth of the American Superpower. I was looking forward to reading it because Eisenhower was president when I was very young and my father liked to talk about Ike and his accomplishments. One of my uncles died in the Battle of the Bulge so I was also interested in that part of World War II.
July 7, 2024
This book makes you feel like you are looking over Eisenhower's shoulder as decisions are made leading up to D-Day. So many details needed to be ironed out over the months leading up to the invasion in order for it to have a chance at being successful and Eisenhower knew who he wanted to lead and the equipment that would be necessary for success. Reading, no only about Eisenhower, but also all the people that he met with, corresponded with, and even argued with shows just how difficult a job it was for him to get everything and everyone for D-Day.
If you've read books about Eisenhower or D-Day, but want to have a really deep look into both, then this is the book you need to read next.
If you've read books about Eisenhower or D-Day, but want to have a really deep look into both, then this is the book you need to read next.
June 27, 2024
My wife won this book for me on Goodreads. I thoroughly enjoyed it! Everyone knows about Eisenhower and his leadership of D- day. I was impressed on how stressful and hard this was for him to be in that position. To have to be leader, peacemaker, diplomat, and every thing else between all the countries involved amazes me! The author does a great job at bringing all this to life and showing exactly who Eisenhower was during this difficult and dark days. Great book!
June 16, 2024
I read this for the 80th anniversary of D-Day. The book is really a biography of Eisenhower around this time as Allied Commander but does a very nice job also giving a general background of Eisenhower to those who are not familiar with him or his up bringing. The writing and research was solid and I really enjoyed it. It brought home to me the gravity of what one man was dealing with in attempt to free a part of the world from horrific tyranny.
July 6, 2024
One of the best WWII books I’ve read and easily the best book regarding Eisenhower. The planning for D-Day with Eisenhower as the protagonist allowed the author to show the strength, weaknesses and challenges facing the team who planned the liberation of France. The author captures why Eisenhower should be thought of as a member of the pantheon of American heroes.
June 15, 2024
great book on lead up to D-Day
All the little things that were Ike’s life leading to day. Particularly interesting description of how he spent D-Day-1 and D-Day itself during the long hours before he received any reports from the front. For hours his reputation and success or failure were sealed without his knowledge.
All the little things that were Ike’s life leading to day. Particularly interesting description of how he spent D-Day-1 and D-Day itself during the long hours before he received any reports from the front. For hours his reputation and success or failure were sealed without his knowledge.
June 14, 2024
Now I know why like Ike
So through, so enlightening, so riveting. I can for the first time say it was like being there. Awesome read
So through, so enlightening, so riveting. I can for the first time say it was like being there. Awesome read
June 24, 2024
very good story on the lead up to DDay
The author bounces a bit between IKE’s history and preparation for command and the actual events that happened. It provides good details on his friends and staff. Over all a good read I highly recommend this book.
The author bounces a bit between IKE’s history and preparation for command and the actual events that happened. It provides good details on his friends and staff. Over all a good read I highly recommend this book.
June 25, 2024
A new approach to seemingly wel covered ground. Readable, insightful and even a little inspirational
July 6, 2024
Excellent and in depth recounting of Eisenhower's activities, trials and tribulations in the months leading up to D-Day. Much new information.
June 16, 2024
Terrific read. The book transports you to the time and place that my dad and his brother served (D-Day and Battle of the Bulge). The sacrifice was amazing. God Bless those who served and serve! 🇺🇸
February 27, 2024
A fascinating examination of America's development as a superpower, through the lens of a general considered by many to be one of the great leaders of the Allied war effort during the Second World War. It's both a micro-biography and a transitional history of the emergence of the 'new world order'.
June 20, 2024
I won the hardcover edition in a goodreads giveaway. I was excited to read it because I am interested in world war 2. The light of battle did not disappoint me. Years ago in school I remember reading a book about Eisenhower. I have forgotten everything I read in that book except that Eisenhower died in 1969.
The light of battle is about Dwight Eisenhower and focuses manly on the decisions were made in the planning for operation Overloard and the canceled operation Anvil that was later renamed to Dragoon and how Eisenhower got to be supreme allied commander.
The light of battle is a long book at over 400 pages. And the text on each page is smaller than text I see in a lot of books so I think it was even longer than the average 400+ page book. For me that was not a problem because I found the book an interesting read. I never got board or thought maybe I will skim over this part or that part.
One of my favorite parts of the light of battle was after operation Overloard was under way and the book talks about the fiction he liked to read. I am pretty sure the westerns mentioned in that chapter are the books that Eisenhower read after D-day was launched.
And for me two interesting people the book talked about were Kay Sommersby Eisenhower's driver and Mattie Pinette who was his secretary. I liked the story of how Mattie Pinette got the job.
I thought The light of battle was well written, interesting and well worth the extra time it to me to read it. It definitely surpassed my expectations.
The light of battle is about Dwight Eisenhower and focuses manly on the decisions were made in the planning for operation Overloard and the canceled operation Anvil that was later renamed to Dragoon and how Eisenhower got to be supreme allied commander.
The light of battle is a long book at over 400 pages. And the text on each page is smaller than text I see in a lot of books so I think it was even longer than the average 400+ page book. For me that was not a problem because I found the book an interesting read. I never got board or thought maybe I will skim over this part or that part.
One of my favorite parts of the light of battle was after operation Overloard was under way and the book talks about the fiction he liked to read. I am pretty sure the westerns mentioned in that chapter are the books that Eisenhower read after D-day was launched.
And for me two interesting people the book talked about were Kay Sommersby Eisenhower's driver and Mattie Pinette who was his secretary. I liked the story of how Mattie Pinette got the job.
I thought The light of battle was well written, interesting and well worth the extra time it to me to read it. It definitely surpassed my expectations.
June 21, 2024
There have been many excellent books written about World War II, its causes and its history. This is no doubt a very well written and researched book. What Paradis has skillfully given us is unique insight and perspectives on momentous events and momentous figures by shining a light on the most important six months of General Dwight Eisenhower’s professional life. The buildup to the D-Day landings. This book reveals how Eisenhower saw these six months, not how a historian saw them. Each chapter centers on an individual who was instrumental during these six months of Eisenhower’s story. His prose lets us into Eisenhower’s private thoughts and allows us to be present at key discussions and meetings and to not just see and hear what Ike was seeing and hearing, but to feel what Ike was feeling.
There is a lot of material to digest in this book and that might hinder who would read this book. For those who like reading about WWII histories it offers a wealth of information. If you are not versed in this subject, you might find some the stories quite dry and not up to your expectations. Personally, I knew little about the buildup and what went into planning the D-Day battle. I found Paradis’ account fascinating and informative, and it will make a welcome addition to my library.
There is a lot of material to digest in this book and that might hinder who would read this book. For those who like reading about WWII histories it offers a wealth of information. If you are not versed in this subject, you might find some the stories quite dry and not up to your expectations. Personally, I knew little about the buildup and what went into planning the D-Day battle. I found Paradis’ account fascinating and informative, and it will make a welcome addition to my library.
June 11, 2024
Paradis’ biography concentrates on the six months leading up to D-Day on June 6, 1944 when Allied forces landed at Normandy. During the previous fall, under Eisenhower’s leadership, Allied armies had taken longer than expected to defeat the Wehrmacht in North Africa. The planning for the invasion of Europe was well underway, but whom the overall commander should be was still under consideration.
Eisenhower’s talent was in managing the competing interests of different countries, their leaders, and the prickly personalities of key generals. Gradually, he earned the expansion of his authority. However, the stress resulted in a 3-pack a day smoking habit, insomnia, and nightmares. While Roosevelt largely left military planning to the experts, Churchill promoted his military ideas and when they were accepted, often proved disastrous.
I found Paradis’ account fascinating and informative—but then I am NOT a seasoned WWII aficionado. Those who are may prefer a more detailed account.
Eisenhower’s talent was in managing the competing interests of different countries, their leaders, and the prickly personalities of key generals. Gradually, he earned the expansion of his authority. However, the stress resulted in a 3-pack a day smoking habit, insomnia, and nightmares. While Roosevelt largely left military planning to the experts, Churchill promoted his military ideas and when they were accepted, often proved disastrous.
I found Paradis’ account fascinating and informative—but then I am NOT a seasoned WWII aficionado. Those who are may prefer a more detailed account.
June 5, 2024
The author uses almost novelistic conversations amongst people with no indication of a referened source. An example in the first chapter is discussions between Eisenhower and President Roosevelt who are being driven on a tour by Kate Summersby and her dog, named telek. No sources or references for information of these discussions can be found anywhere in the book. There are muh better books about what transpired during this and similar events; try Steven Ambrose for example.
June 12, 2024
I enjoyed all the details in this book about the planning for D-Day. I also liked learning about all the decisions Eisenhower faced during the war. There were so many different personalities he had to deal with. Fascinating!
I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway. Yay!
I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway. Yay!
June 24, 2024
I follow Ike's granddaughter, Laura Eisenhower, on social media and was curious about the man. Laura talks about alien disclosure and mentions Ike often, so it was a pleasure to learn more about the man, especially his more personal feelings and thoughts.
June 26, 2024
A different view of Ike and the year leading up to D-Day, this book is full of information I haven't found in many other books covering the period. Also, it is well written and a pleasure to read.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews