Ortona Audiobook By Mark Zuehlke cover art

Ortona

Canada's Epic World War II Battle

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Ortona

By: Mark Zuehlke
Narrated by: William Dufris
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In one furious week of fighting in December 1943, the First Canadian Infantry Division took Ortona, Italy, from elite German paratroopers ordered to hold the medieval port at all costs. When the battle was over, the Canadians emerged victorious despite heavy losses. Over 2,500 Canadians died or were wounded there. Military historian Mark Zuehlke blends reminiscences of the Canadians, Germans, and Italians who were there together with a blow-by-blow account of the fighting to create a harrowing, ultimately hopeful rendering of one of World War II's defining moments.

©2004 Mark Zuehlke (P)2011 Audible, Inc. World War II Wars & Conflicts 20th Century Military Europe War Italy Modern Canada World War Ii

Editorial reviews

A nine-time finalist for the prestigious Audie Awards for audiobook performance, performer William Dufris brings his authoritative but gentle tone to a harrowing account of hand-to-hand warfare during a decisive World War II Battle.

Ortona is the story of Canada’s heartbreaking but ultimately heroic contribution to the Allied war effort in the port town of Ortona, Italy, over one week in December 1943. Master Canadian military historian and novelist Mark Zuehlke has assembled his chronicle from a wealth of sources, including interviews with soldiers from all sides of the conflict. For its studious evocations of the battle itself to the lovingly rendered details of the men involved, Ortona is sure to be of interest to any student of the "peak experience" that is warfare.
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I enjoyed this book very much. We usually don't hear about what other countries did in WWII.I would recommend this book to others.

Ortona

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Thank you for writing and narrating this piece of history in such a professional manner.

Very somber story

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The story of Ortona should be taught to every Canadian High Schooler. Mark Zuehlke along with William Curtis narration tells the story of the brave Canadians that need to be heard throughout Canada. Well done!

Powerful book

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This book is a well put together and written account of the Canadian battle for Ortona.

What is notable is that a non-Canadian narrator was selected. names of institutions and places are badly mispronounced, and he continuously pronounces 'lieutenant' in the American way, rather than that of the Commonwealth (pronounced: Lef-tenant)". As other comments mentioned, he also struggles at times with common English words.
These mistakes take away from the story, and make it feel less of a Canadian Epic, and more of an American teacher trying to give you a history lesson.
Great piece of literature, but maybe next time have a Canadian read a Canadian book by a Canadian author about a Canadian battle.

Amazing story, poor choice in narrator

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This book is a great history on the events at Ortona. I heard the names of many find Canadians known to my forefathers that fought in Italy. Thankful that the author and a fellow regimental officer, Mike Boire took the time to capture this costly battle in Canadian. history. Bravo Zulu.

Great Canadian History.

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