I liked this book but people who are not interested in WWII probably wouldn't. The book is very tense-many descriptions of combat. I had to take a break and reading something else now and then. I like that Shaara changes narrators often in the book, but wish there would have been at least one more soldier narrator to break it up. The first narrator was a submariner and it would have been interesting to hear from that person more than once. Tremendous if horrifying and disturbing novel that takes the reader on a bloody and demoralising journey across the heavily-defended island of Okinawa - particuarly over the infamous Sugar Loaf Hill - that will be remembered as being the final campaign in the Pacific War. Shortly afterward, of course, comes the twin detonations of atomic bombs on the Japanese cities Hiroshima and Nagasaki.As with Shaara's previously excellent work, the points of view switch from Admiral Nimitz, to the commanding Japanese general on Okinawa, to Paul Tibbets, the man most credited with the dropping of the first nuclear bomb and President Truman, but features mostly Clay Adams, a green Marine Corps private who plunges deep into the hell of Okinawa, and, though he lives to tell the tale, experienced the absolute worst of humanity on a despicably giant stage.It took a little while to get going, but 'The Final Storm' is relentless towards the end. Shaara describes the fight for Sugar Loaf Hill with such detail and feeling that you're left feeling in awe of the Marines and disgusted by the actions of the Japanese. Their treatment of the Okinawan native population was particularly brutal. Indeed, in these pages, you get the real sense that the Nazis had great competition for brutality and barbarism in the Second World War.The final chapters tell the story of the Enola Gay's mission over Hiroshima - a great and terrible day for the world - and the preparations of Tibbets and his crew prior to the mission that contributed greatly to Japanese surrender. Despite knowing how it all ends, it's terrifically gripping stuff.Another excellent job by Shaara. Can't wait for his new Civil War novel to be published in June 2014.
What do You think about The Final Storm (2011)?
Thoroughly enjoyed thias book, all "true to life" history fiction books are right up my alley...
—Taylor
Gr8 read. If you enjoy history you will love this book. Shaara rocks!
—Planitlover
Good book, but sort of disjointed. Not my favorite by this author.
—omar_mest
I liked it-very interesting. Enjoyed the stories etc.
—grof
Thanks again to this author for the history lesson.
—DAX
