Countdown to War

by David Elstein

An audio dramatisation of July 1914 Countdown to War by Sean McMeekin.

'The story of the 37 days that led Europe to war after the assassination of the Archduke Franz Ferdinand in Sarajevo in June 1914.

Genres: Audiobook, World War I, Nonfiction, Russian History, History

Audible Audio

Published November 7, 2019

Reviews

[Debalina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Personally it was a good learning experience. Having read about the World War 1 in school I had forgotten many important points of the story. And anyway, when you read history at an older age, it isn’t just a set of decisions and dates but gives perspective. Have some comments on this adaptation though-

1. A good effort to reach out to a more lay-audience. The abridgement, I assume, was definitely not an easy one but was well done. I don’t exactly understand the classification of episodes so far, but maybe some historian friend can comment? Dear void?

2. Still, too many characters, too many places, if you aren’t well acquainted with European history and resultantly it gets confusing A LOT. But in general as basic skeleton can still be followed with some points of confusion and acceptance that you did not get it fully. It feels very weird to write and acknowledge this point, almost as accepting defeat on a book on war! 😕

3. It seemed that in general no one wanted war, but still they wanted it and made sure it happened and then felt sad for it. That’s what happens when those aren’t fighting the war make the war.

4. There seemed to be many discords, not just in Germany, but even in Russia and Austria-Hungary, between the prime-ministers/chancellors and the Kings; the Kings seemed more powerless here in front of their ministers who seemed to be dictating most of the times, and wanting wars.

5. Also, everyone is everyone’s cousin, and they still war! MORONS! 🙄😡

6. Germany and Britain should have been more flexible and not warred even when they apparently hated to. And Russia too shouldn’t have jumped in. But who am I!?! Apparently they are still playing spies and poison.😒

7. Makes me wonder at and reconsider this who is whose ally and international relations bits. It is quite different now I know but still nations speak on each others’ issues. Can be dangerous sometimes, can’t it be?! But then in some cases, as in human rights abuses, it becomes important too. What should one do!?

8. Also national pride, ‘patriotism over pragmatism’ are just rubbish, especially when you are not looking internally into and towards your nation to help it, but wish to maintain an outward facade, and we should please give this hollow cast of pride up for our civilisation’s own sake.

I am no historian. Forgive me and correct me too, and especially please enlighten me on my mistakes or points of errata, if I am wrong. I do know when I will get time to read on this topic in more detail and accuracy, but this audiobook has surely heightened my interests.

Happy reading, and don’t war! 🙃
[War is stupid and people die, as if we already don’t have enough on our plate, although the intended audience will perhaps never read my review- so . . . , bye-bye void!]

[Dhruva Narayan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want this to be made into movie!

This is a great dramatization of the events that lead up to start of the great war. The thoughts, feelings and hesitations of all the different foreign ministers, generals and rulers was brought out beautifully through enactments of their conversations with each other and their letters. This series gives you an idea about the forces that moved the chess pieces on the European chessboard and how the continent descended into the chaos that was world war 1.
I love how all the characters have so much emotion in their voices. The voice actors in this were amazing. I really liked the exchange of the "dear Nikki" and "dear Willi" letters between the Kaiser and the Tsar. Audible should make more originals like this.

[Abhi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative and enjoyable audio dramatization of the events (spanning just a few weeks) leading to the first world war. Total listening time is just under 2 hours.

The more I read/learn about this war, the more unsure I am which sovereign power or nation state to blame for its instigation.

[Magpie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting but too many things crammed in meant I had difficulty following who's who.

[Boipoka · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting dramatization of the events leading up to the first world war. Doesn't go into too much details - it's mostly targeted to people who know next to nothing about the first world war. The limitations of the format were clear, there's no discussion of the motivations of the individuals, or of the political currents in the countries that motivated the decisions. But it was a quick listen, and the dramatization did effectively build up the tension, so don't regret spending my time on this!

[Brandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Usually I am not into military books specially about wars. I know it happens but I just don't pick them up to read in my spare time. I usually would have to be told to read it for a class when I was going to school. But I thought I would branch out this year and try. This was interesting from hearing it from different sides of the people involved. I still not sure if what was in this book is 100% but it was interesting and I enjoyed it. I will be picking up the countdown to peace.

[Premnath Alwarsamy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The dramatisation of the events was really good and interesting. Need to listen with patience and do some background research in order to keep up with the numerous characters introduced here and there.

[Željko Filipin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dramatization of the events about a month before the first world war.

[G M]

Only a little book, but thought it brought alive the painful diplomacy of the great powers into terms of dragging each other into war because of treaties. Enjoyed it.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very quick listen on Audible books.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting listen to the days leading up to the start of the great war.

[Asil Hindi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick listen on Audible

[Hilary Cockshaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook

[Poornima Jha · Rating 3 out of 5]

eye-opening how politics and individual dynamics lead to change in history like this.