The Restless Wave: A Novel of the United States Navy (Scott Bradley James)

An early-WWII coming-of-age story with flat prose, uninteresting characters, and a galloping case of "tell, don't show." Another review notes that it doesn't approach the literary quality of Patrick O'Brian, and that's certainly true, but I don't think that was the target Stavridis (with his WWII setting and newly-minted-ensign hero) was aiming at. More to the point (and more disappointing) is that it doesn't approach the literary quality of Hornblower and the Atropos, Buller's Guns, or Lieutenant Cameron.

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The Restless Wave: A Novel of the United States Navy by James G. Stavridis is a historical fiction book following Scott Bradley James’ journey from his childhood in Florida, to a naval officer in the Pacific theatre during World War II. Mr. Starvridis is a retired Navy admiral

Scott Bradley James, lucky enough to have three first names, always wanted to be a naval officer after hearing his father’s war stories in Florida. Aiding the young men’s decision was hanging out with the likes of Ernest Hemingway.

James joined the Annapolis Plebe class of 1941, and quickly made fast friends and together they were stationed in Hawaii on the USS West Virginia. On December 7, show more 1941 their fortunes changed when Pearl Harbor was attacked.

This is a fantastic piece of historical fiction weaving historical accuracy with an engrossing story. The novel captures both peacetime training and wartime service, as well as the transition between them and the difficult choices young officers must make. The ambition of these young men, as well as the moral ambiguity one often must embrace during war time is a notable theme which many struggle with no matter the rank.

The author places the protagonist in the middle of many Pacific battles including the Doolittle Raid, the Battle of Midway, and the Battle of Guadalcanal. This is not a “Forrest Gump” type of book though as James doesn’t affect the outcomes, but acts more of an observer and participant.

One of the more interesting aspects of The Restless Wave by James G. Stavridis is the vivid account of the pressure and complexities officers face when under fire. Mr. Stavridis has several observations about leadership woven into the narrative which I found fascinating and committed to memory.

True to its historical fiction promise, the book blends a bunch of fictional characters with historical luminaries. Admirals William Halsey, Chester Nimitz, and Ray Spruance are the most notable, enriching the narrative in a relatable and realistic way along with Mess Attendant 2nd Class Doris (Dorie) Miller. The portrayal of navy life, and traditions was very much as I would have imagined, and the battle descriptions were fascinating and, as far as I could tell, very accurate.

This is the first of a series following Scott Bradley James, and it ends in 1944 in a way which made me immediately check the planned publication date for the second book, which unfortunately is not yet known. show less

Very readable, certainly. The interplay among the fictional characters is predictable, and they lack the development that we find in Patrick O'Brian. Stavridis focuses on the love story, and so we get only a superficial sense of life at sea and condensed accounts of the engagements.