PENGUIN Sicily '43: A Times Book of the Year

I have now read so many of James Holland’s books that if I am honest I have lost count. Why? Simple, full of content, personal accounts, views from both sides in short how military books should be written. I have read so many military history books where they are hard to follow, just full of facts and find I have to put them down frequently and push myself to come back to and try an continue. I cannot put down a James Holland book. Sir my compliments.

James Holland tells a complicated story with ease; and this is a complicated story, especially if you are unfamiliar with the territory. There are a good number of - rather complicated - maps but they are not placed with the narrative to which they relate, nor are there any references from the text to the maps. Likewise the thumbnail portraits of the principal characters are grouped together at the start of the book rather than placed against the text with which they are introduced to the narrative. These are design issues and do not detract greatly from the research and writing which, as always, are first class. The principal characters are well described and the story is told with humanity. The author endeavours to correct what he perceives to have been previous unfair criticism of the way in which the campaign was run, adding new perspective and further food for thought. Overall, an excellent account, if somewhat heavy going for those who do not take the trouble to study the territory.

How refreshing to read a book where the story is told through the eyes of all the participants not just by those running the show. In this book we get both sides of the conflict as well an understanding of the management of each of the participants. In addition we get individual personal snapshots throughout the conflict at both high and low levels. The story is well documented with maps and photographs that cover events in great detail. A really excellent book covering a very significant point in WW2 that has been largely ignored. Well done.

An author clearly at the top of his game - a clear, engaging narrative that encompasses the whole span of the campaign from both allied and axis perspectives. The well known tensions with the allied high command are dealt with excellently but so is the 'grunts eye' perspective of combat. Sea, air and land aspects of a truly joint operation appropriately covered. Well illustrated with an abundance of maps - almost worth buying for those alone.I have read his brother, Tom's books before but this is my first foray into James' work. I will definitely go back for more.If you get the chance catch James' talk on HUSKY from the 2020 Chelsea History Festival - it gives a great flavour of his passion and articulacy.

Very well researched , does not get bogged down in too much detail, I liked the experiences of the german side of the war. Really shows how appalling war is.Its also interesting to note that 71 Italian POWs plus two German POWs were massacred by an American Sergeant at Biscari. The sergeant was courtmartialed sentenced to life, but on appeal was reinstated into the army. Died in action towards the end of the war. Atrocities were not always one sided.