Taking Paris by Martin Dugard

Brendan’s Alternate Tagline for Taking Paris:

Everybody wants some Paris.

Quick synopsis:

The story of the Allies losing and regaining Paris in World War II. Spoiler alert, I guess.

Fun Fact Non-History People Will Like:

The Allies almost skipped Paris after D-Day. With the focus on defeating the German Army, it took some cajoling to get Eisenhower to agree.

Fun Fact for History Nerds:

Hitler, pleasant human being that he was, threatened to murder the families of any military leaders who didn’t follow his orders.

My Take on Taking Paris:

There is a lazy joke about the French Army and surrendering but I won’t bother. However, you have to admit that Charles De Gaulle had some amazing confidence (arrogance?) when you are run out of your own country and then turn around and start making demands. But I digress.

De Gaulle is only one of the major characters of World War II and each one of them gets their due in Dugard’s book. His writing style is very cinematic and dramatic which makes for a very easy read. The book won’t take you long and if you are someone who has never read before about World War II extensively, you will learn a lot. This is the type of book that is so sprawling, you end up wanting to buy books just on specific people you read about.

You know, like a one-legged, female spy from Baltimore strutting around Paris. Yes, you read that right.

Verdict:

This is the perfect book for someone just getting into World War II. It focuses on the narrative and makes for a compelling read. Buy it here!

If You Liked This Try:

• Lynne Olson, Last Hope Island
• Lynne Olson, Madame Fourcade’s Secret War
• Stephen Ambrose, D-Day
• Wendy Lower, Hitler’s Furies
• Michael Korda, With Wings Like Eagles