by Richard Snow
Published 2010
In this non-fiction book, Snow tells us about America’s World War II effort in the Atlantic Ocean. While not as dramatic as the Pacific theater (although probably plenty dramatic if you were actually there!), the Atlantic nonetheless offers plenty of scope for adventure, what with convoying goods to Great Britain and fighting off German u-boats. Snow’s father was in the Navy and served in the Atlantic during World War II, and so he lends a personal touch to the story. Actually, I think that Snow strikes a perfect balance – we aren’t dragged down with details about his father and family, but by checking in with Snow Senior throughout the book, we are given some personal perspective of how things worked.
This book reads quite easily, managing to give an interesting and engaging overview without bogging down too much in details. As with most war books, there is a tendency to introduce dozens of names that are basically impossible to keep straight, but that’s life in the war.
Definite recommendation if you have any interest in World War II – this book presents an excellent outline of a little-talked-about part of that war.
The Aroma of Books 