Author Garrett M. Graff has been churning out critically acclaimed releases the last few years. Back in 2020, I read and reviewed his oral history of 9/11, THE ONLY PLANE IN THE SKY; a book I still think about often. Since then, he’s crafted a new and updated history of Watergate, an investigative look at UFOs and now, WHEN THE SEA CAME ALIVE, an oral history of D-Day just in time for that transformative day’s 80th Anniversary.

As nearly all those who had participated in the European land invasion are no longer with us, Graff had to comb through north of five thousand personal stories, memoirs and oral histories contained within established texts. The quotes contained within were lifted from – but not limited to – books, magazines, official reports, videos, and audio recordings. You get snapshots from the minds of combatants, generals and politicians alike. What really surprised me is that Graff made sure to include Axis voices whether it was from soldiers, commanders or speeches given by Hitler and his closest allies.

Despite having read so many books about the Second World War, I was not aware that the planning for D-Day began well over a year prior to its execution. It absolutely makes sense given how long it took to amass the sheer volume of humanity from across the Allied forces required to complete the task. Graff pulls from a treasure trove of material to lay out the logistics and hardships endured by the Allies throughout the process and the courage it took to take a run at the Third Reich as failure was not an option. Many of the stories told by those who ventured beyond enemy lines had my stomach in knots. It is simply unimaginable the courage it took to accomplish this, especially those in the “suicide wave” of Company A, the men first off the boats on Omaha beach.

There are moments in this book I will never forget.

I cannot speak highly enough of the work I’ve read to date from Graff. It’s one thing to collect all of this material for an oral history, but it is another entirely to assemble it as he has. I found this book nearly impossible to put down. For those who are fans of Graff’s earlier work as well as Erik Larson’s 2020 book, THE SPLENDID AND THE VILE, I cannot recommend this enough.

I tend not to lean into military history, but when I saw that Garrett Graff was writing this book, I knew I needed to read it. He's easily the most current readable nonfiction history author, in my opinion. Graff makes this event just as gripping as the portrayal in Saving Private Ryan, and because of the multiple perspectives, depths of investigation of the lead up and effects of the invasion, and profound insights, I'd say this sets a high bar for any book on D-Day.

The book is comparable, in its structure, to Graff's earlier work on September 11, The Only Plane in the Sky. As great as Studs Terkel may have been, this is oral history of a different nature: shorter comments that are put into conversation with each other, providing a comprehensive view of the same points in time. Graff does such a great job weaving together known historical figures such as Eisenhower, with voices of lesser known Americans.

This is a great book for those who are looking to understand the significance of D-Day during its 80th anniversary. It's easy to read, but intense and deep; not a quick read. Those who read it will find themselves more appreciative not only of the importance of D-Day, but the human sacrifice and ingenuity that comes with pulling off such a feat.

I typically don’t read military books but since I’m visiting Normandy next month I really wanted to read this. And I’m so happy I did! Very long but super informative!