While at work I heard two people discussing the movie and ripping on it because of how historically inaccurate it was. They were talking about bad leaders and quick to surrender French and other typical armchair General stuff. If they had read this book, they probably would change their tune.

The entire situation was a giant clusterfck. Communications were sporadic if even available. Panic was at a high. The bravery of the BEF and French soldiers that held back the German advance can not be overlooked.
The book uses many first hand accounts of what was going on during the two weeks or so leading up to and during the evacuation which brings a nice personal touch instead of just listing large numbers. Also gives a sense of frustration that many of the soldiers must have felt when you read about someone who has lived through a week of pure hell only to have their ship bombed a mile off the coast.

I haven't seen the movie so I can't compare the two of them.

I actually quite liked this book. I expected it to be a novelisation of the movie but was pleased surprised when it actually turned out to be more about the events surrounding the retreat to Dunkirk rather than the people involved in the retreat.

What I also found interesting is that the book isn’t just told from the British perspective, it delves into the German and the French perspectives too, and adds a new dynamic to the scale of the retreat. This isn’t a book glorying the British army and its impact on the war, it’s a book about the events that led to the largest retreat of the war, and the bravery of the average human beings that offered support and services to the British troops.

Fascinating book. Highlighted my lack of knowledge but also how much I really want to learn. I really liked how it was written. I appreciate another reviewers comment about it being like someone telling a story but getting sidetracked with the next but I enjoyed the multiple perspectives.

3.5 stars.

For someone that enjoys nonfiction, especially biographies, this is a great read. I'm surprised it's not rated higher. Very interesting with priceless interviews and historical tidbits.

Gave me a very good understanding of what Dunkirk was about rand the significance to the British people.
I wasn’t too interested in the last chapter about the making of the film.
Looking forward to seeing the film now.

The event documented here is enthralling and exhilarating. This book is entertaining and educational. There is nothing wrong with that, however I wish more of the excitement had made its way into the book.

The guest few chapters dragged on. Thankfully once the event began to be described as an event, the pace improved. I

I'm now interested in the movie.

3.5