Five Days That Shocked the World : Eyewitness accounts from Europe at the end of World War II

by Nicholas Best

‘A gripping account of the last days of World War II… It reads like a thriller, informs like a scholar and is not to be missed.’ - Randall Hansen, author of Fire and The Allied Bombing of Germany 1942–45 On 28 April 1945 Benito Mussolini was dragged from his mistress’s bed and executed. Just two days later, surrounded by the Soviet Army, Adolf Hitler put a gun to his head and committed suicide. Living through the pivotal five days that saw the war in Europe draw to an end were a collection of individuals who already were, or would go on to be some of the most recognized faces in the world. Drawing on a wealth of unfamiliar material and first-hand accounts, Nicholas Best tells the compelling tale of those who witnessed the final days of the war in Europe, from Jack Kennedy to Bob Dole, recuperating in an Italian hospital, and Private Henry Kissinger, back on German soil for the first time since his family fled before the war. Racked with depression, Spike Milligan swigged stolen champagne while Audrey Hepburn was starving in Holland. Roman Polanski was playing with grenades in Krakow and a future Pope was on his way home, terrified of being shot for deserting the Wehrmacht. Blending historical discourse with the thoughts and reactions of both famous and ordinary individuals, Five Days that Shocked the World is an insightful look at the most dramatic 120 hours in history. Praise for Five Days that Shocked the ‘Riveting’ - Daily Mail ‘Fascinating’ - The Times ‘Beguiling … a good story well told’ - BBC History Magazine Nicholas Best grew up in Kenya. He was the fiction critic for the Financial Times before becoming a full-time author. His books have been translated across the world, and he has been shortlisted for the Sunday Times Short Story Award.

Genres: History

314 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 4, 2020

About the author

Nicholas Best grew up in Kenya and was educated there, in England and at Trinity College, Dublin. He served in the Grenadier Guards and worked as a journalist in London before becoming a full time author.
His first novel ('As a satire on military bigotry and shambling officialdom, Where were you at Waterloo? is in places as sharp as Waugh and sometimes better' - Times Literary Supplement) was written at Harvard. His second, Tennis and the Masai ('The funniest book of the year - Daily Telegraph) was serialized on BBC Radio 4.
He has since written many other books, including Happy Valley: the Story of the English in Kenya, The Greatest Day in History, about the Armistice of 1918, and Five Days that shocked the World, about the end of the Second World War.
Best was the Financial Times's fiction critic for ten years. In 2010, he was long-listed for the Sunday Times-EFG Bank award of £30,000, the biggest short story prize in the world. He lives in Cambridge.
For more information, visit www.nicholasbest.co.uk

Reviews

[Paul baker · Rating 2 out of 5]

Old Tales

Reading this book I wondered if I might have already read it some years ago but concluded I hadn’t but so many of the anecdotes are familiar that I thought I must have done. In many ways the tale told here follows the propaganda of the war itself with stories about the brutality of the Russian troops who are said to be more interested in mass rape than winning the war, an obsession with Western media even at the time. The stiff upper lips of the German Army and stoicism of the German people are said to be the other side of that coin. There is unfortunately a distasteful interest in naked women who apparently are keen for sex even as they face death - a very male belief perhaps?

[Steve DePangher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I only wish there had been more footnotes/references!

An excellent, fast-moving account of the last days of WWII. The author does a great job of giving sufficient background for the many, many characters he presents. The ugliness of the end of the Nazi regime is revealed in the many grotesque and poignant episodes.

[Phillip Mclaughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

the events and recollections of VE Day

As a follow up to Nicholas Best volume on the end of the Great War, this is a great read.
Highly recommend

[Neel Preet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book: Five Days That Shocked The World
Author: Nicholas Best
Publisher: Lume Books (2021)
Total Pages: 332
Reviewed By: Neel Preet

This remarkable title, "Five Days That Shocked The World" by Author Nicholas Best is a captivating historical narrative that brings the final days of World War II to life through the eyes of its eyewitnesses. Drawing on a wealth of firsthand accounts and archival material, author Best paints a vivid picture of the chaos, fear, and exhilaration that gripped Europe as the war drew to a close!

The book delves into the personal experiences of a diverse cast of characters, from world leaders to ordinary civilians. We follow Jack Kennedy and Bob Dole as they recover from injuries in an Italian hospital, Private Henry Kissinger as he returns to Germany for the first time since fleeing the war, and Audrey Hepburn as she struggles to survive the famine in Holland. We witness the despair of Spike Milligan, haunted by his wartime experiences, and the resilience of Roman Polanski, who narrowly escaped death in Krakow.

Author Nicholas Best skilfully blends historical context with the personal stories of these individuals, offering a unique perspective on the war's final days. We learn about the political machinations behind the scenes, the horrors of war, and the hopes and fears of those caught in the crossfire.

One of the book's greatest strengths is its ability to humanise the events of World War II. By focusing on the personal experiences of its characters, Best reminds us that the war was not just a series of battles and strategic decisions; it was a human tragedy that affected millions of lives.

Undoubtedly, "Five Days That Shocked The World" is a must-read for anyone interested in World War II history. It's a powerful and moving book that offers a fresh perspective on one of the most pivotal moments in human history!

Book's Link: https://www.amazon.in/dp/1839013168

[Chad Manske · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best’s book is a riveting and compelling look at the final days of World War II in Europe. Through firsthand accounts from those who witnessed the events, Best brings to life the chaos, confusion, and devastation that marked the end of the war. The book covers five pivotal days in April and May 1945, including the death of Adolf Hitler, the fall of Berlin, and the surrender of Nazi Germany. Best weaves together accounts from soldiers, journalists, civilians, and political leaders to create a vivid and immersive portrait of the period. What sets this book apart is the depth and breadth of the eyewitness testimonies. Readers are transported back in time to experience the fear, uncertainty, and hope that characterized the final days of the war. From the horrors of the concentration camps to the joy of liberation, the accounts in this book are both heartbreaking and inspiring. One of the most powerful aspects of the book is the human element. Best does an excellent job of highlighting the individual stories of courage, sacrifice, and resilience that emerged during this tumultuous period. Readers will be moved by the bravery of the soldiers who fought on the front lines, the resilience of the civilians who endured unimaginable hardships, and the compassion of those who risked their own lives to help others. Overall, “Five Days That Shocked the World” is a must-read for anyone interested in World War II history. Best’s meticulous research, engaging writing style, and powerful storytelling make this book a standout in the genre. Whether you are a history buff or simply looking for a compelling read, this book will not disappoint.

[Jorge3 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating

This was a fascinating, captivating, and educating book. Wide-ranging in its coverage of various individuals. It was very engaging in its in depth story telling. I only wish there was more to read.

[Natalie Durr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating read.

This was an absolutely fascinating read. I couldn't put it down. Thanks to the author for the incredible amount of research to put this together. A different angle on the war, and so interesting.

[Rick · Rating 5 out of 5]

well researched and great read for history buffs

If you’re into the side stories and little known details of the war, this is the book for you. With a massive bibliography and extensive quotes from the people who were there, this is an outstanding read.

[David Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this. Had already read much of this story in other books but this was a fresh perspective ( from a new to me writer) and appreciated the anecdotal stories of individuals who lived through it.

[robert mckenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptionable account of the final days of WW2 in Europe in that Best is able to interweave the stories of famous actors, authors, politicians. clergy and other famous personalities of modern times into his story , thus making it even more interesting and relevant.

[Glenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

I would consider this a must read for anyone who thought they knew it all about the end of WW2.

[nypdblusbcglobal.net · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read

Crazy time in the history of the world. Well researched and written. Eight more words, I've said enough. Thank you