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War Memoirs Audiobook
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The complete war memoirs of the resistance leader Charles de Gaulle, who led France out of its darkest hour during the Nazi occupation during World War II
“Faced with the political disaster, I had to become France.” This was how Charles de Gaulle answered the call of history. One of the few French battlefield leaders to have distinguished himself in May 1940, he had become the undersecretary of state for national defense. But when the government rejected his calls to fight on and prepared to capitulate to Hitler, he escaped to London.
There he instigated a resistance calling on “all the French who want to remain free to listen to me and follow me” in the legendary radio address of June 22. He was sentenced to death in absentia as his country made a disgraceful peace, but his Free France movement rallied people around the world to resist German occupation and fight for the liberation of Europe.
Originally published in three volumes, The War Memoirs of Charles de Gaulle is the story of the resurrection of France from its darkest hour collaborating with Hitler and the Nazi empire.
The first section, “The Call,” examines the years leading up to France’s defeat and the confusion and despair triggered by Hitler’s blitzkrieg. The second section, “Unity,” describes de Gaulle’s struggles to rally the French in both Africa and underground movements throughout Europe and in often bitter conflicts with the Allied leaders as he sought legitimacy and resources. “Salvation,” the final installment, chronicles the turning of the tide of war against Nazi Germany, de Gaulle’s triumphant return to France and the reincarnation of the French Republic as a major international presence.
De Gaulle’s great prophecy of 1940 had been fulfilled: France had lost a battle, but she did not lose the war.
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“The imperishable record of one man’s achievement in the years between 1940–1946 when France’s survival as a sovereign power was imperiled…Together, the three volumes provide an essential—if often differing—view of the war years, the leaders of the allied governments, and the part played by France.”
— Kirkus Reviews on the first edition
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“A literary masterpiece.”
— Saturday Review
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About Charles de Gaulle
Charles de Gaulle (1890–1970) was wounded three times in World War I and the leading French advocate of armored warfare between the wars. Following the defeat of France in May 1940, he escaped to London and raised the Free French forces. After liberation, he became the provisional head of the French government. He was the founding father of the Fifth Republic, president of France from 1959 to 1969, and one of the leading statesmen of the twentieth century.
About Raphael Corkhill
Raphael Corkhill grew up in central London and attended the renowned Eton College before moving to the United States to attend Princeton University, after which he completed his MFA acting degree at the University of Southern California. Raphael’s recent credits include the Los Angeles Theatre Center’s production of Short Eyes, A Happy End at the Museum of Tolerance, and Luke Eberl’s latest film, The Movie. Raphael’s voice-over work includes the Weinstein Company’s upcoming feature Lawless and the award-winning short film Wrecks and Violins.