Brendan Fraser’s WWII Movie ‘Pressure’ Will Move You—and These 5 D-Day Historical Fiction Books Bring the Story Even Closer
The Academy Award-winning actor stars as General Eisenhower in the film hitting theaters on May 29
Key Takeaways
AI-generated summary reviewed by our editorial team.- 'Pressure' follows General Eisenhower and a meteorologist whose weather report changed D-Day.
- The film hits theaters on Friday May 29 and stars Brendan Fraser and Andrew Scott.
- These five historical fiction books will deepen your appreciation of the D-Day story.
Historical fiction lovers, we have some exciting news! Brendan Fraser is starring in a new World War II epic centered around the Normandy landings—an event best known as D-Day. The movie is called Pressure, and whether you’re planning to see it in theaters this weekend or will wait to stream it, you might want to learn more about this pivotal moment in history. One of the best ways to do that is by reading. And historical fiction books make these moments feel personal—a beautifully written book set during a pivotal moment in time can change the way you see the word. So we’ve rounded up the five best historical fiction books to read before or after watching Pressure. Read on for everything you need to know about the new movie, then check out our book suggestions.
What to know about the film ‘Pressure’
Pressure follows General Dwight D. Eisenhower (Fraser) and Captain James Stagg (Andrew Scott) as they debate whether they should launch the D-Day invasion. It’s based on a true story, and according to Fraser, “this one is for the weathermen.”
“The invasion was originally planned for Monday, June 5, 1944, but it was delayed two weeks, until the 18th, when the moon would cycle through and the tides would be the right height for the invasion to take place. Inclement weather the weekend before was brought to the Joint Chiefs of Staff by a meteorologist played by Andrew Scott, who stands his ground, speaks truth to power like a boulder in a stream and tells them something they don’t want to hear: There’s going to be a storm on Monday,” the actor told Today show co-host Craig Melvin earlier this week. “Later, he returned with a narrow window of hope. ‘If you’re going to go,’ he told them, ‘there’s a lull in the storm tomorrow morning—but only for eight to 10 hours.’ That tomorrow was Tuesday, June 6, 1944—the day we now know as D-Day.”
In the decades following, D-Day became one of the most talked-about moments of World War II. During the attack, the Allied Forces—led primarily by the United States, Great Britain and Canada—banded together to storm Normandy, France, in the hopes of defeating the Nazis and Adolf Hitler. Many people lost their lives, but the day served as one of the turning points of WWII.
5 historical fiction books to read after watching ‘Pressure’
There are countless fiction and nonfiction books about D-Day, but we’ve rounded up some of the best historical fiction options.
‘All the Light We Cannot See’ by Anthony Doerr
This bestselling novel explores life before, during and after D-Day, through the eyes of two unforgettable young people. In a walled French city, a blind girl named Marie-Laure hides from the war by clinging to hope and the memory of her father. In Germany, a radio whiz named Werner is pulled into the Nazi war machine, using his skills to help Hitler track the resistance, even as doubt gnaws at his conscience. Neither knows the other exists, until fate brings them together in a moment that changes everything.
“This was one of the first historical fiction novels I ever read, and it certainly lived up to the hype,” raves one reader on GoodReads. “I was eagerly turning the pages, needing to know what happened next—and by the ending, I was bawling my eyes out.”
‘The Black Swan of Paris’ by Karen Robards
This gripping historical mystery set in 1944 Paris follows singer and resistance ally Genevieve Dumont after her mother is captured by Nazis. Knowing she’s most likely next, Genevieve reunites with her long-lost sister and does her best to avoid getting captured. Will it work? Only time will tell.
Says one reader: “As a voracious reader, I don’t always remember the plot or characters of novels, but The Black Swan of Paris is one to remember. It has everything that makes a book memorable: espionage, romance, well-developed characters, a plot that twists and turns and of course, drama. I could not put it down.”
‘The Baker’s Secret’ by Stephen P. Kiernan
From award-winning author Stephen P. Kiernan comes a tale of courage, determination and love. Emmanuelle has been baking bread for her village for as long as she can remember, but when the Allies attack the coast of France, her whole world changes. Now Emma must use her position as a trusted baker to help keep hope alive in her village—hope that the Allies will come to save them. A breathtaking tale that showcases just how much joy and community matter.
“This book is in the vanguard of alternative World War II stories. It provides a unique viewpoint on the Normandy invasion and the years that led up to it from the perspective of a young woman who does not believe it will ever happen but gradually is drawn into a web of relationships and acts that affect the survival of her community,” says one reader. “As fine a portrayal as I have read of the everyday conditions and evasions in a civilian population seeking to create a semblance of normality when their military protectors have been defeated and they must come to terms with living among their enemies.”
‘Allies’ by Alan Gratz
The stunning young adult novel follows Dee, a young U.S. soldier on the ground fighting during D-Day. Elsewhere, a girl named Samira works as a spy in France, paratrooper James fights for freedom above the skies and Henry, a medic, searches for people he can save. A fast-paced tale perfect for fans of interwoven stories told from multiple POVs.
“Our history has not always been pretty and some harsh issues are raised, however as the book is written from multiple points of view it gives a rounded perspective that is not too scary for a young reader,” says one reader.
‘The Last Correspondent’ by Soraya M. Lane
After it’s revealed that journalist Ella Franks was writing under a male pseudonym, she loses her job. Having risked everything for her career, she has no issues accepting a job as a correspondent in war-torn France. There, she meets American photojournalist Danni Bradford and her best friend Andy, and soon the three find themselves on the front lines of D-Day, determined to expose what really went on between the Allies and the Nazis.
Raves one reader: “This book is among the best that I have read in the last 10 years. It tells a story that is interesting and gripping and really wonderful. I usually read books of adventure and mystery, but this one captured my mind and I must admit my heart. You gotta read it folks!”
‘Pressure’ movie release date
Pressure releases in theaters on Friday, May 29.
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