A great book for history buffs, especially those who have a special interest in World War II. D-Day is, for Americans, the singular turning point in the war against the Nazis. In THE LIGHT OF BATTLE we have the most detailed and carefully researched study of the architect of this massive and perilous undertaking, Dwight D. Eisenhower. From his surprising appointment as the supreme commander of the most important invasion in American military history to his meticulous attention to detail in the planning of the campaign, the reader is witness to the remarkable skill of the preeminent American military leader. As Eisenhower develops his skill as a leader in diplomacy, strategy and political acumen, he is able to bring dissonant factions together to work for the success of the mission. Author Michel Paradis' meticulous research and skill brings us the definitive portrait of one of America's finest leaders who would go on to become one it's most revered presidents. Highly recommended.

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.

“The Light of Battle,” by Michel Paradis

This covers the planning of Operation Overlord (the Normandy landing), and it is written as an absorbing story. Dwight Eisenhower is the main character. I have read many biographies of him, and “The Light of Battle” is my favorite. It is destined to become a classic on World War II.

Paradis has included details I hadn’t read before. For instance, when President Roosevelt pinned a medal on Ike, who stood at ramrod attention, Ike said, “It’s the happiest moment of my life, sir.” Or the time Eisenhower told his chief of staff, Bedell Smith, “I had never wanted to be anything but a soldier.”

Eisenhower had a self-effacing sense of humor. He once wrote to his wife, “Being lazy by nature, I think there is hope for me.” He wrote to the publisher of the Dickinson County News, “If the home folks try to high hat me and call me by titles instead of Dwight, I will feel I am a stranger.”

He could tolerate being scolded. For instance, the first time Ike met General Montgomery, he was ordered to put out his cigarette. “I don’t permit smoking in my office,” Montgomery said. Eisenhower and Montgomery didn’t always get along, yet Eisenhower admired him for inspiring the men under him.

Eisenhower and his wife, Mammie, entertained friends with funny stories--such as the time he attacked a bat with a sword. The bat had flown into their quarters while they were stationed in Panama.

Eisenhower believed that clear thinking was as important a leadership trait as moral courage. To help focus on one task at a time, he kept only one piece of paper on his desk at a time.

“The Light of Battle” describes how Eisenhower tried to take his mind off the worries about the weather before D-Day. He and his close, personal staff recited poems to each other from memory. It was before the meeting where Eisenhower said, “I'm quite positive we must give the order. I don't like it, but there it is. Gentlemen, I don't see how we can possibly do anything... but go.” You might remember that quote from the movie “The Longest Day.”

After reading “The Light of Battle,” I like Eisenhower even better. Now I understand where the slogan “I like Ike” came from.

This was a well written exploration of Eisenhowers influence on the war. His affect on the development of the strategy cannot be forgotten. The book illuminates his ability to keep several opposing viewpoints all focused on the endgame.

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.)

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'.