James Scott (7)

I am glad that this book did not read like a commander's log book. Scott sews together many events to provide emotional glimpses into a submariner's life, both good and bad. The human element comes through in almost every chapter without bogging down the reader with technical details. These submarines were technically primitive and very uncomfortable but were effectively operated by men of unusual caliber. As a former submariner, I rank this as one of the best books of this genre.

This is a gripping account of three submarines, their different commanders, and their attacks on Japanese ships. Its detailed descriptions of submarine strategy and the difficult decision-making involved in it are very interesting. The end of the story veers off into a lengthy account of Japanese internment camps, reminiscent of Unbroken.

Excellently written, the author weaves the stories of 3 US WWII submarines, their crew, skippers, and war on Japan's shipping. Excellently researched, gives unique insight into the 'War Under the Pacific'.

Engaging and at times gripping, and filled with more than a little material not directly related to the subject three submarines. Reads more like a novel than a non-fiction narrative - Scott clearly takes a lot of liberties with the story...dialogue impossible to know (i.e. what a skipper said during the course of an event), but admittedly not impossible to reason out.

Scott includes lots of very specific details, demonstrating good research in to the post-war records. A good book, but not show more one I'd recommend to a submarine enthusiast. show less