Is Paris Burning? by Larry Collins (PDF)

Description

“‘Is Paris burning?’ was a question that Hitler persistently put to his commander in the French capitol during August 1944. Thus begins the absorbing account of the liberation of Paris. You will be moved by the descriptions and want to see Paris to witness what history allowed to survive. Is Paris Burning? is researched with meticulous and riveting detail, well narrated and certain to keep you intrigued.”

User’s Reviews

Reviews from Amazon users which were colected at the time this book was published on the website:

⭐The classic tale of the liberation of Paris in the latter part of world war II. Told from the perspective of participants on both sides, this story revolves around two main themes: Hitler’s ordered destruction of Paris and DeGaulle’s hijacking of the allied plan to bypass Paris. Even though you know how the story turns out, the tension about whether Paris will burn or not is maintained throughout this taught account.The deft blending of small events encountered by the characters as they go about their lives and the major events swirling about them make for an interesting read. There are a lot of characters here, but they are skillfully handled, so you don’t feel lost by their numbers.While there is a lot of detail, some things do get lost in the story. I would have thought that art of the Louvre would be considered the most valuable asset in Paris and thus the most deserving of attention. Instead, it is hardly mentioned and apparently it was not in danger because it had been relocated. Odd that there was so little mention of that. Also, after finishing the book I can’t say I gained an understanding of von Choltitz’ motives. While anyone would hesitate to carry out the order to destroy Paris, he was not just anyone. He was a Prussian officer born and bred to follow orders. The story would have benefited from more analysis of how he wrestled with the dilemma. Instead, we just observe the consequences of his choices.

⭐I’m grateful it came so quickly, being sheltered in New York having lots of time to read.Is Paris Burning, is an incredible read beautifully penned with all the bells and whistles of Germany trying to take Paris while the French hold their own. You feel as if you’re there watching, silently from a secret window.My copy is in good shape for a used book, the cover intact. No writing to speak of. I prefer used books for their history, wondering, whose lap did they nestle in. Were they as riveted on the same pages, could you sit down and discuss what you’ve read?It’s also a salute to the planet to recycle something so special since, you can never put a price too high on a book.

⭐The book brings a human face to an account of the liberation of Paris in 1944 toward the end of world war II – it’s factual but not just a narrative; it associates events, occasions, actions and responses with individuals, both ordinary people (civilians and soldiers alike) and characters now famous in history. The immensity of the potential tragic destruction of such a beautiful city hammers home the madness and stupidity of humanity during brief instances in history. But, perhaps because of this, the stepping back from this brink due to the actions, feelings and consideration of future generations of free thinking people lifts the spirit with hope and optimism. A great read, made a little difficult in parts for an English speaking person because of some of the French language, and more particularly the very long German nouns.Would highly recommend to lovers of history and lovers of Paris.

⭐The historiography is dated (at thetime it was written, the Allied penetration of German intelligence was still classified), but this is a terrific account of the liberation of Paris. The authors make the history personal, and if you know and love Paris, you will know it and love it more after reading this book.

⭐Introduced to the movie which I thought was fairly good and told a straightforward story: the liberation of France. I decided to read the book . Bad mistake. It ruined the movie for me. The book was more interesting, suspenseful, informative, comprehensive, complex, tragic and uplifting. There was a lot more going on than just the fighting. Well worth the time to read the book.

⭐Authors write in a cinematic- you are there style with no boring areas. I found it to be a thrilling account of events occurring over a very brief period that led to Paris’ liberation just in the nick of time– not unblemished however, as it caught some bombing in the northeast area ,and Old Paris suffered some limited but significant explosive damage. It was frightening to realize that the factionalism of the French Resistance itself could have proved very fatal to huge numbers of city residents. That aspect was a nail biter in and of itself. The whole Nazi thing was mindblowing.I read the book twice as there was so much going on–why isn’t there a remake of the film? Or at least dust off the reels of the original film and show the world today what might have happened save Fortune proved otherwise.this is a must read!

⭐Arrived in a timely fashion exactly as described.

⭐Yet another riveting foray into nonfiction. Prior to reading this book, I did not know much about the liberation of Paris during WWII. I was fascinated to learn how desperate Hitler was to have the city destroyed before the Allies could take control of it. And, had it not been for the refusal of Dietrich von Cholitz, the general in charge of Paris, to become a scapegoat of history, he would have had his wish. The Nazis had mined all the bridges in Paris and all of the famous landmarks (The Eiffel Tower, The Louvre, Notre Dame Cathedral), and all it would have taken to decimate the city was the order from von Cholitz. Thank God he thought better of it!

⭐This is a great story, meticulously researched and well told, of the negotiations and actions preventing the destruction of historic Paris and its Seine bridges by the retreating Germans in August 1944. Hitler ordered General von Choltitz to destroy the city and prevent it falling into allied hands..Choltitz was appalled by the order and sought every means of delaying its implementation even if it meant covert negotiations and co-operation with members of the various French resistance organisations and political parties. Choltitz procrastinated over the implementation of Hitlers order at danger of being accused of failure to obey the direct orders of the Fuhrer. Rapid action by Resistance groups, Paris Gendarmes and political parties within Paris held the city whist the allies rushed the French armoured Division under General Leclerc to take the city militarily.The tense atmosphere, the complexity and pace of events and the knife edge ‘will they make it’feelings are well captured. A thrilling and absorbing description of real events and characters which reads like thee very best fiction.

⭐This is a great account of the liberation of Paris under Nazi rule. The complex story is well told with all the elements coming together for a triumphant return of the combined forces of the French resistance and the allied forces.However, the reading experience was ruined by the appalling typographic transfer from book to Kindle. Practically every page contains a line break in the middle of a sentence followed by an indent to indicate a new paragraph on the next line. Who the hell is responsible for such sloppy work-can anybody explain how and who is responsible for transfer from book to kindle?

⭐The pace never lets up with this book. I thought I was reasonably knowledgeable about the history of the period, but how wrong I was! This book is genuienly brilliant, every page a gem of building factual knowledge and humanity. What a contradiction people are, some German occupying soldiers executing French citizens for curfew breeches one morning and on another morning simply making those that had been detained for that offence shine the German soldiers boots before releasing them from custody. Later in August 1944 herding many French resistance to concentration camps as the Allies approached, and yet, we also find a small group of German Nazi SS helping an old lady look for her lost cat. Then there is the power play between the different political sides of the French resistance and of course the English hating ungrateful Charles De Gaulle. What a book.

⭐Most excellent book, full of realistic and true history I could not put it down once l had started. It tell the story of occupied Paris from the German side as well as the Parisian peoples also the liberation by the Allies. Excellent

⭐I wanted to read it after seeing all the plaques in Paris to people killed in the Liberation

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