Tremendous if horrifying and disturbing novel that takes the reader on a bloody and demoralising journey across the heavily-defended island of Okinawa - particularly 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.
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