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To Hell and Back
- Narrated by: Tom Parker
- Length: 8 hrs and 4 mins
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To Hell and Back
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Publisher's Summary
Four years later he was living in Hollywood trying to get an acting career off the ground when he and a friend decided to turn his story into a book. Instantly recognized for its grim authenticity and its unblinking accounts of some of the most terrible fighting in the war, To Hell and Back became a best seller and, in 1955, the basis for one of the most successful WWII films ever made, with Murphy playing himself.
What the critics say
"Audie Murphy hit the big time with this simple, compelling narrative....It is a book of raw honesty, clipped descriptions and simple courage." (AudioFile)
"Tom Parker brings this terse yet vivid and articulate memoir to life....Parker's clear and well-paced reading is a joy." (Library Journal)
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What listeners say about To Hell and Back
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Gerald Lefebvre
- 2023-02-14
Excellent story Excellent characters
This book and its characters are enthralling. The narration was also well done. I couldn't stop listening.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Langer MD
- 2024-01-13
Great - Somewhat Confusing - Read
If author Audie Murphy hadn't been so highly decorated (including earning the CMoH), I would take this unapologetically heavily-dramatized account - undoubtedly embellished to an extent - as fictionalized. The book reads more like a screenplay than a War Memoir (co-author David "Speck" McClure's artistic license mandate is on full display).
The fact is, however, that the contained combat exploits are extensively documented to have occurred. I had to repeatedly remind myself of that fact while listening to Murphy's 'Band Of Brothers'-script-clone narrative (including love scenes and comic-relief playful camaraderie). The incongruity between content and style in this book is striking.
Reader Tom Parker is likewise imperfect but believable. He reads too slowly (listen at 1.10X), and his upbeat reading timbre/tone is great for the between-action encounters.. but too lighthearted for the death & destruction events. On the other hand, Parker's diction is impeccable, his reading cadence is natural, and his voice-acting is cinematic (with realistic accents and easily distinguishable characters).
Altogether, this obvious audition for a soon-to-be-made motion picture (book published 1949->movie filmed 1954) is worthy of 8/10-stars. As a 'Plus' selection, it was a fantastic diversion for a couple of snowy afternoons. It would even rate a Credit for listeners satisfied with buying what amounts to a "based-on-a-true-story" WWII radioplay.
Just don't expect - as I did - a war diary from a genuine hero, and you'll do fine.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- kal penner
- 2023-12-13
An amazing recollection.
This book gives me so much gratitude. Thankful that there are/were people like Audi Murphy in this world. Greatness with grace and humility.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Alfred Birchmore
- 2023-06-26
Great book
A very gritty down to earth story about war. I highly recommend this book. Amazing courage.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Derek
- 2021-08-30
Great book
Wild how the author writes a single sentence with so much mayhem that is just glanced over like nothing. If you’re not paying close attention you can easily miss massive moments. Takes a second listen to get it all! Wow
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