The protagonist Zachary O'Hara grew up in the Civil War years in the home of his dad the legendary U.S. Marine Paddy O'Hara. All Zachary ever wanted to be was a Marine like his dad. He enlists in the Marines and soon finds himself on the cutting edge of a fight to save the Marines themselves from being abolished from the U.S. military forces. Many powerful men are strongly convinced that the Marines are not needed. Zachary is firmly convinced that the Marines are not only needed but will play a very critical role in the security of the country in the not-too-distant future. He is not only convinced but driven to be convincing to all those who matter in the fierce debate. His very significant efforts are soon recognized in the form his receiving a field commission as an officer. Overlaying this is the fact that he falls in love with the beautiful daughter Amanda of a civilian shipbuilder Horace Kerr, one of his strongest opponents. Zachary becomes obsessed with completion of a huge project showing the importance of amphibious warfare and the overlapping and extremely important roles to be played by both the Marines and the Navy. A most significant part of the convincing of the powers that be comes in the form of his prophetic anticipation of the aspirations of the Japanese for domination of much of Asia and the Pacific Ocean. He is soon faced with having to make his “choice” between his love of the Marines and his love of Amanda. Leon Uris is a wonderful author. While I would not include this novel as one of my favorites of his, it is quite good. I did enjoy listening to the reading of it on CD and recommend it to his fans.[Book 52 of revised 2012 target 70 (Jan-10; Feb-11; Mar-9; Apr-8; May-7; Jun-7)]
I forgot how much I like Uris' writing style in the years since I've read any of his books. I enjoy his kind of history, which is saying a lot because history is very rarely something I want to read about. I have no idea if this story is one-sided or riddled with inaccuracies as some claim about his other books. I know that while I was reading it I was feeling history come alive for me - which was rare and enjoyable.I enjoy his strong and vivid characters, which were as strong in this book as in others. Perhaps stronger than in QB VII and not quite like Ari from Exodus.I will definitely recommend this book even though I haven't included in my must reads.
Since he was a World War II Marine, it seems fitting that Leon Uris' last novel like his first center around the Marine Corps. Zachary O'Hara is a second generation Marine, son of a Congressional Medal of Honor winner. The story jumps around over a sixty plus year period at the end of the 1800s. O'Hara has some personal demons and falls in love with a rich girl. Uris portrays the discrimination and prejudice that dominated during the period. He also deals with the Marine Corps struggle for its existence.
—Fredrick Danysh
I found this book at a 2nd hand store and decided to read it because I loved Trinity, Exodus and Mila 18, all by Leon Uris. This book did not even come close to any of those books, so I was disappointed in it. I was also disappointed to discover that Leon Uris began using some pretty bad language and descriptions in his later years. That is not to say the story wasn't interesting, but it was not great. I was expecting great. And by the way, O'Hara's choice was pretty predictable. I saw the end coming way early.
—Janet
