CURRENTLY READING
Paris 1944: Occupation, Resistance, Liberation by Patrick Bishop
Monday, March 10 through Friday, March 21, 2025
Read by Norman Gilliland
The liberation of Paris on August 25, 1944 was the biggest party of the century: champagne flowed freely, total strangers embraced—it was a celebration of life renewed against the backdrop of the world’s favorite city, as experienced by the likes of Ernest Hemingway and J. D. Salinger. But there was nothing preordained about this happy ending. Had things transpired differently, Paris might have gone down as a ghastly monument to Nazi nihilism.
THEME: “Suite Francaise” by Darius Milhaud performed by the London Wind Orchestra, Denis Wick conductor
(Pegasus Books; ISBN10: 1639367039)
Readings are archived for just one week after their broadcast due to publisher copyright restrictions.
Latest Episodes
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Paris 1944 7 of 10 – The Plan for Retreat
Von Choltitz attempts to negotiate for the safety of his retreating troops with the Mayor. The Mayor agrees that the General’s men will be spared, provided they do not blow […]
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Paris 1944 6 of 10 – Paris Becomes A Fortress
General von Choltitz prepares for the defense of Paris. The plan is to hold the city for as long as possible before destroying its infrastructure upon retreat and immobilizing the […]
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Paris 1944 5 of 10 – The German Defense Prepares
As Allied troops move closer to Paris and the German forces face ever growing losses, General Dietrich von Choltitz is called in to turn Paris into an unpenetrable fortress.
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Paris 1944 4 of 10 – Aftermath of Early Resistance
Following his assassination, Parisians hold a state funeral for Philippe Henriot, the Vichy regime’s Minister of Information and Propaganda which is followed by executions of various collaborators and known members […]
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Paris 1944 3 of 10 – The Allies Have Landed
Although German troops are eviscerated in northern France, the liberation of Paris by the Allies is still not in sight. But as news of their success reaches the City of […]
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Coming Next
The Art Thief by Michael Finkel
monday, march 24 through friday, april 4, 2025
Read by Bruce bradley
Stéphane Bréitwieser is the most prolific art thief of all time. He pulled off more than 200 heists, often in crowded museums in broad daylight. His girlfriend served as his accomplice. His collection was worth an estimated $2 billion. He never sold a piece, displaying his stolen art in his attic bedroom. He felt like a king. Until everything came to a shocking end.
NPR’s Book Concierge
