Together, Rickett’s commentary and his son’s light touch chronicle the intricacies of man’s wartime condition, at which official records and most battle accounts only hint.
Marie maintains that everything America needs for victory is already present … as a readable, thoughtful presentation of that argument, Marie’s book deserves a wide readership.
"One of the historian’s jobs is to take all the shards—all the accounts, statistics, stories, and documents of a particular time—and make them click into place like a pattern in a kaleidoscope...Miller discloses the details with a master’s touch for synecdoche..."
"Readers will need concentration and stamina to reach the end of this densely detailed, but thought-provoking and painstakingly researched material. Those who persevere, however, will find the journey worthwhile."
"A fast-paced WWII historical novel that dramatically illustrates how war can transform ordinary citizens into heroes and villains alike. Ultimately, the novel explores human endurance in wartime, and well-crafted descriptions
… solidly written, assiduously researched and vividly detailed novel ... a thoroughly rewarding read.
The characters are vividly rather than deeply drawn, and Cronin’s prose is more serviceable than beautiful. What gives his novel its powerful impact is its moral passion …
Lyn Alexander has woven a beautiful tale of the struggles of a boy who will become a man far greater than his father. As I read the last few pages my heart ached for my new friends.
This is obviously a labor of love and will be a valuable tool for researchers. General readers will most likely dip in and out of the stories selectively.
It is difficult to exaggerate, or even adequately convey, the picaresque charm of Leaving Brogado. It has the jaunty, knowing air of True Grit and the breezy intelligence of Catch-22.
… an interesting read by an author who clearly knows his material, but a little more work on technique …and a more plausible ending would greatly improve it.
Unfortunately, even her best anecdotes are sometimes sadly undermined by writing that needs polish and organization.
… the author offers an uncommonly nuanced look at the armed forces and the war. This is an evident labor of love and a valuable piece of collected history.
Once you got passed the beginning, this book was entertaining. It posed a lot of thought-provoking concerns about nations and their tendency to contain technology and use it
While [Weaver’s] descriptions are not always as rich as they could be, there is enough realization throughout the story to keep readers interested.
Though obviously not for the squeamish, [Taiso] offers a well researched view of an era largely unfamiliar to a Western audience, while telling an engaging, fast-paced story.
"Mitchell, a Civil War scholar, brilliantly evokes the miserable physical environment of war, but he is equally adept at depicting the banter, complaints, dark humor and moments of common decency, loyalty and bravery among the men."
"The writing in The Irish Rebel could use some refining. The narrator’s language is consistently inconsistent… While the story is often interesting, all of those issues contribute to making The Irish Rebel a slow and uneven read overall."
Gutierrez, a Vietnam veteran, obviously understands war … However, good fiction requires strong characters, conflict and plot movement toward resolution.