Ten Days to D-Day Countdown to the liberation of Europe

The must-read D-Day book reissued for the 80th anniversary with eyewitness accounts from those who were preparing for the longest day.

‘Meticulously reconstructed and carefully interwoven . . . it is a double triumph of gripping and sensitive celebration.’ Times Literary Supplement

‘A strong contribution to the literature of WWII, from an accomplished student of the era.’ Kirkus Reviews

‘Stafford does an excellent job of recreating the tensions and anticipations of those who were preparing to fight on D-Day.’ Publishers Weekly

‘It reads like a thriller . . . a gripping read.’ The Times

The Allied landings in Normandy on 6 June 1944 constituted the largest seaborne assault in history and changed the course of both the Second World War and the twentieth century.

While the story of the D-Day landings has been told many times, this is the first to reveal the role that human error, political infighting, deception and double agents played in the crucial ten days leading up to the invasion.

Based primarily on unpublished diaries and letters, Ten Days to D-Day tells the story through the eyes of ten individuals caught up in the drama: men and women, civilians and soldiers, secret agents and political prisoners.

None knew that the landings would succeed.

This book describes in gripping detail the suspenseful preparations the individuals made during the excruciating wait for the day that could have taken a fatefully different turn.

Ten Days to D-Day is an immersive and hugely engaging piece of writing, which tells the truth but reads like a thriller. It is essential reading for anyone with an interest in twentieth-century or military history.

READERS LOVE TEN DAYS TO D-DAY:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Extremely well documented, vivid and easy to read. The idea of reporting the lives of several persons that led up to D-Day is unique and informative.’ Richard F.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Stafford has brought this climactic event and familiar history down to earth by personalizing it . . . to bring a human dimension to the battle.’ Christopher F.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Every perspective chosen provides an interesting view on why and how things played out the way they did. Definitely worth the read.’ Pelaf

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Outstanding.’ Mell B.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Stafford made me feel as I though I was right there on the shores of France. I highly recommend.’ Joanne