The Envoy: The Epic Rescue of the Last Jews of Europe in the Desperate Closing Months of World War II Audiobook, by Alex Kershaw Play Audiobook Sample

The Envoy: The Epic Rescue of the Last Jews of Europe in the Desperate Closing Months of World War II Audiobook

The Envoy: The Epic Rescue of the Last Jews of Europe in the Desperate Closing Months of World War II Audiobook, by Alex Kershaw Play Audiobook Sample
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Read By: George Guidall Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc. Listen Time: at 1.0x Speed 5.00 hours at 1.5x Speed 3.75 hours at 2.0x Speed Release Date: October 2010 Format: Unabridged Audiobook ISBN: 9781449839741

Quick Stats About this Audiobook

Total Audiobook Chapters:

23

Longest Chapter Length:

45:38 minutes

Shortest Chapter Length:

18 seconds

Average Chapter Length:

19:39 minutes

Audiobooks by this Author:

8

Other Audiobooks Written by Alex Kershaw: > View All...

Publisher Description

Hailed as "a master storyteller" (Booklist), Alex Kershaw routinely climbs best-seller lists with his narrative histories. In the waning months of World War II, SS Colonel Adolf Eichmann sent over half a million Hungarians to their deaths at Auschwitz. But one Jewish ghetto remained, and only one man--a Swedish diplomat named Raoul Wallenberg-could stop Eichmann.

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"This book sets up two archrivals--the heroic Raoul Wallenberg and his nemesis, Final Solution master Adolph Eichmann, intertwined with the stories of several Jewish families in World War II Hungary and especially Budapest, then following them as much as possible after the war. Kershaw gives a little more information about the Wallenberg mystery than I've read in other sources. Overall this is a fine book on an aspect of World War II and Holocaust history,one of the better-written entries at this time when so little new or better-explained information is being published on this exhaustively investigated subject. Recommended as a good integration of information about Wallenberg, Eichmann, and the situation in Budapest during the last years of the war, giving that synergisitic whole a better treatment than the sum of its parts (such as biographies of Wallenberg or Eichmann alone)."

— Lisa (4 out of 5 stars)

Quotes

  • “Kershaw dramatically pulls the reader into the diabolical campaign of Adolf Eichmann…With the nail-biting suspense of a winning novelist, Kershaw uses solid research and anecdotal data to show how it felt to be just one step ahead of the SS…Alex Kershaw has delivered a masterpiece about Raul Wallenberg, as witnessed from every perspective.”

    — New York Journal of Books
  • “A tense, fast-moving narrative that shows Wallenberg as a match for Eichmann in intelligence and determination as he utilized fake documents, safe houses, and a variety of other methods to save thousands of Jewish lives. This is an inspiring story that illustrates how one dedicated human can make an impact, even against a monstrous tyranny.”

    — Booklist
  • “An interesting conjunction of two World War II figures, one heroic and one evil, this will most interest general readers just starting to study the Holocaust, although some of Kershaw's details will also interest specialists.”

    — Library Journal
  • “The entwined tales of Raoul Wallenberg and Adolf Eichmann, revisited with new research and this bestselling writer’s narrative flair.”

    — WWII
  • “Much like an adventure story, at times impossible to put down…The Envoy is well-written, thoroughly researched, and an engaging book to read.”

    — Jewish Book World
  • “The life of a courageous, righteous man well told.”

    — Kirkus Reviews
  • “A harrowing book.”

    — Providence Journal
  • “Guidall’s understated tact conveys a story of tragic nobility in the midst of soul-destroying brutality.”

    — AudioFile

The Envoy Listener Reviews

Overall Performance: 4.33333333333333 out of 54.33333333333333 out of 54.33333333333333 out of 54.33333333333333 out of 54.33333333333333 out of 5 (4.33)
5 Stars: 9
4 Stars: 14
3 Stars: 1
2 Stars: 0
1 Stars: 0
Narration: 4.5 out of 54.5 out of 54.5 out of 54.5 out of 54.5 out of 5 (4.50)
5 Stars: 1
4 Stars: 1
3 Stars: 0
2 Stars: 0
1 Stars: 0
Story: 4.5 out of 54.5 out of 54.5 out of 54.5 out of 54.5 out of 5 (4.50)
5 Stars: 1
4 Stars: 1
3 Stars: 0
2 Stars: 0
1 Stars: 0
Write a Review
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Story Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    — Steven Brown, 12/25/2023
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Story Rating: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    — Elizabeth James, 8/27/2021
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I rarely read fiction but this one read smoothly and easily. I admit I didn't know much about Raoul Wallenberg so was easily engrossed in his role in saving upwards of 100000 Hungarian Jews during the Holocaust. The description of the seige of Budapest was very interesting and I was immersed in how Wallenberg used psychology and his understanding of Nazi thinking to outwit them in saving as many Jews as he could be giving them protection under Swedish citizenship. I also never knew that he disappeared upon the Russian liberation of Budapest and that his family tried with very little results until 2000 to ascertain his whereabouts. To this day no one knows his true fate. He was undoubtably one of the most selfless individuals and humanitarians of the 20th century. "

    — Kate, 2/13/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " What an amazing story - can't believe I haven't heard of this before! It was an intense book to read, partly because of the horrific things that happened and the inhuman way some people acted, but also because it was so jam-packed full of detail. But although all the direct quotes and physical descriptions kind of bogged me down at times, I was impressed at how much the author really got to know this story. I wish there was a happier ending, but I think it's an account of history that is well-told and is very valuable to read. "

    — Jennifer, 2/3/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I highly recommend this book. Everybody should know about a hero like Raoul Wallenberg "

    — Eva, 1/28/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " A quick read concerning Raoul Wallenberg -a Swedish diplomat who save thousands of Jews in Hungary at the end of WWII. He demonstrated incredible courage in many situations. "

    — Michael, 1/18/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I would recommend that you put down whatever book you are reading at the moment and start reading this incredible true story about one of the most touching and fascinating events in history that few people know about. At least I didn't know about it, which added an extra element of fascination to this gripping, tragic, and heroic tale. The book unravels the history of the Nazi capture of Budapest during WWII and the Swedish diplomat who made it his personal mission to save as many Jews as possible from the cruel Nazi death camps. Not only is there a central figure whose heroism still leaves me in awe, but his foil, the Nazi mastermind behind the Final Solution of the Holocaust, is equally haunting for his pure evilness. By far, one of the best non-fiction books I have ever read and a historical account that everyone needs to know about. "

    — Cameron, 1/10/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I am stunned by the events described in this book, both murderous and heroic. As Adolph Eichmann and his accomplices, the Hungarian government, set out to systemically destroy every Jewish person living in the country, a young Swedish diplomat, Raoul Wallenberg successfully saved thousands. As a backdrop to the historical events, Alex Kershaw highlights a group of individuals who personally lived through the events, adding the authenticity of their experiences. The brutality was nightmarish and should never be forgotten. Mr. Wallenberg disappeared into the Soviet Gulag after the Russians "liberated" Budapest. Despite the lifelong efforts of his relatives to discover his fate, it remains a mysery. His brave actions are an inspiration. It is a pity that Eichmann, after being tried in Israel for his crimes against humanity, could only be hung once. "

    — Florence, 1/1/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I learned about a whole chapter in Holocaust history that I knew very little about. A very good read! "

    — Tami, 12/24/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Great book- reads like fiction and tells the story of Raoul Wallenberg in Hungary at the end of WW2. "

    — Kate, 11/18/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " the bravery and resilience of humans never ceases to amaze me, and this story of Raoul Wallenberg is a prime example. loved this. "

    — bethan, 11/18/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " An amazing book! It's a MUST READ! Powerful, enlightening, moving, and much more. "

    — Nikki, 10/28/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " very readable despite the subject. Did not know a thing about Wallenberg before. Remarkable man "

    — Caroline, 8/23/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This may very well be one of the best books you'll ever read. It's a true story, well researched and excellently written. I'll never forget it. "

    — Augustin, 4/18/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Read this along with The invisible Bridge by Orringer. Fascinating "

    — Marilyn, 4/8/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " This was a very very informative and well written book "

    — Robertjruttenberg, 2/15/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Listened to it on CD in my car. I hate driving, but I found myself looking forward to going out so I could hear what happened next. "

    — Dani, 12/10/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Stunning and heartbreaking story of the courage and morals in Budapest in WWII. "

    — Marti, 11/19/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Just started reading this Kershaw book. I know it will be a 4 or 5 star when I finish. Alex Kershaw knows how to write nonfiction. Read most of his books and now I'll read another this week. "

    — Charlie, 1/3/2012
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Amazing true story of the best and the worst of people. We are so very fortunate to be here now in this country. "

    — Jim, 8/7/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I learned about a whole chapter in Holocaust history that I knew very little about. A very good read! "

    — Tami, 6/27/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " very readable despite the subject. Did not know a thing about Wallenberg before. Remarkable man "

    — Caroline, 2/2/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " the bravery and resilience of humans never ceases to amaze me, and this story of Raoul Wallenberg is a prime example. loved this. "

    — bethan, 1/2/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Great book- reads like fiction and tells the story of Raoul Wallenberg in Hungary at the end of WW2. "

    — Kate, 11/30/2010

About Alex Kershaw

Alex Kershaw is the British author of several popular books about World War II, most notably the New York Times bestsellers The Longest Winter and The Bedford Boys. Previously, Kershaw has been a writer at the Guardian, Independent, and Sunday Times and has worked in television, writing and producing an award-winning documentary on Bobby Kennedy. Along with his other nonfiction work, Kershaw is also an accomplished biographer. He currently lives in Williamstown, Massachusetts.

About George Guidall

George Guidall, winner of more than eighty AudioFile Earphones Awards, has won three of the prestigious Audie Award for Excellence in Audiobook Narration. In 2014 the Audio Publishers Association presented him with the Special Achievement Award for lifetime achievement/ During his thirty-year recording career he has recorded over 1,700 audiobooks, won multiple awards, been a mentor to many narrators, and shown by example the potential of fine storytelling. His forty-year acting career includes starring roles on Broadway, an Obie Award for best performance off Broadway, and frequent television appearances.