CRUCIBLE OF WAR is subtitled "The Heroism and Tragedy of Okinawa, 1945." Although the Pacific theater of WWII was drawing to a close in the early summer of 1945, America still had to push out the Japanese troops on every island near to the approach to the mainland. Okinawa itself was a small and seemingly unimportant island, but it was defended basically to the death from a faairly large contingent of Japanest troops and native Okinawans. In fact, the Americans lost many thousands of troops, sailors and ships in this battle that raged for weeks.

Author Saul David is a noted historian who has been awarded a number of times for his other historical writings. Reflecting a lot of research, David goes on a thorough look back at this bloodies battle in the entire Pacific Theater, looking at the buildup, strategic points of the battle both from land and sea, and then with the tragic aftermath for all sides. There is much information and background supplied from the Japanese and Okinawan side of this event, along with the American troops and leaders.

This is for anyone with an interest in military history, and especially of WWII. Highly recommended!

This is a well-written and researched addition to the Battle of Okinawa with some great insights into the often overlooked plight of civilians, used and often abused, by the Imperial Japanese during the deadly battle on the island. My only criticism is that the author tends to neglect the U.S. Navy, which took considerable losses to kamikazes. The Japanese had ten massed kamikaze attacks known as kikusui ("Floating Chrysanthemum") that proved nerve-wracking and often deadly to sailors off Okinawa. Other kamikazes, such as the rocket-powered Ohka's and suicide swimmers also get short shrift. Although not very effective, they demonstrate the desperation of Imperial Japan's military forces as the Allies increasingly approached the home islands.

Overall, the book was an easy, enjoyable read and the author made good use of source materials. I believe it is an important part of providing new or little used material when an American author can make use of foreign records to interweave into the narrative.

Couldn’t wait to read this and it over delivered. The writing style was great and enrapturing. Must read— no matter your preferences.

Thanks to netgalley for an arc!
An excellent history book. Well researched, well written, informative and entertaining.
A good read and recommended to learn more about the pacific theatre and okinawa. I really like that it presents events from multiple perspectives and both sides.
4 stars, would recommend.

Saul David has written a thrilling and insightful account of the Battle of Okinawa that appears during the 75th anniversary of possibly the biggest air, sea, land battle in human history. The book examines the battle from American and Japanese perspectives in a narrative that moves from the vantage points of political leaders, generals, junior officers, regular soldiers, and civilians. It is a dark story told without romance, but one that is deeply moving for modern readers regardless of their previous knowledge of the battle. Saul David gives praise where it is due and criticism where warranted, and is especially interesting in his portrayal of General Simon Bolivar Buckner Jr. By the end of the book, the battle itself is understood but so too is its wider impact on the Pacific War and world history. Received ARC from publisher.

ARC from Net Galley

I thought two books on the same battle back to back would be too much. But while Whelan writes more to the macro Saul takes the reader literally inside the boots and backpacks of individuals who find themselves tested in the coral charnel house that was the battle of Okinawa. A terrible reminder of the PRICE that was paid by so many!!

Excellent!!

This book is fantastic. Each chapter is a small vignette related to the Battle of Okinawa, shifting back and forth well between U.S. and Japanese forces and offering the continuity of a well-written story. I highly recommend this book