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Summary
The classic New York Times bestselling story of heroism and sacrifice--by the author of Flags of Our Fathers, The Imperial Cruise, and The China Mirage.
Once again, James Bradley has proven his writing prowess with this gripping sequel to Flags of Our Fathers. The level of research and execution in Flyboys: A True Story of Courage is truly remarkable! If you have even the slightest interest in World War II, don't miss out on this incredible story. Make it a priority on your reading list!
The account of the pacific campaign is captivating. It's clear that Bradley heavily draws on his research from Flags of Our Fathers. Some of the descriptions of deaths are exaggerated with peculiar, out-of-place details, such as the emotions of the servicemen right before their demise. This gives the book more of a historical fiction vibe rather than a completely factual retelling.
Bradley, who hails from Michigan, has a distinctive accent that stands out in the area. His pronunciation of "A's" is notably flat, turning "Chicahgo" into "Chikaago," with an "a" as in "fat."
While his Japanese pronunciation is average, his consistent pronunciation of "Samurai" as "SamuROY" is quite frustrating. The term "samurai" has been widely known in the West for decades, appearing in numerous movies and TV shows.
Moreover, Bradley's intonation is reminiscent of someone who isn't a professional narrator, giving the impression that he is reading a book to a class.
However, the most surprising aspect is his tendency to go on lengthy tirades, spanning entire chapters, about Japanese atrocities in China, without any prior indication or explanation of his sources. He introduces multiple Japanese veterans who suddenly appear to recount gruesome atrocities, but it's unclear if he personally spoke to these veterans, as he never clarifies.
It seems possible that Bradley may be paying homage to his friend Iris Chang, who achieved great fame for her book on the Rape of Nanking. I wouldn't be surprised if the stories about Japanese veterans discussing atrocities were taken from Chang's works; I might need to consult his bibliography to confirm.
Bradley appears to argue that every country has a history of atrocities, and he specifically focuses on America's actions in the Philippines as a significant example. He also delves into the early Americans' mistreatment of Native Americans, which, to his credit, is historically accurate. The question remains whether all of this content truly belongs in a book titled "Flyboys," which is supposed to center around the capture of eight Americans during the battle of Iwo Jima, as stated on the dustcover.
Overall, Bradley seems to be uncertain about the main subject matter of his book, shifting from graphic accounts of senseless murder to political discussions on the development of aviation in the American military.
I'm only a third of the way through the book, and while I appreciate the author's evident dedication in compiling all this material, I do wish he had a diligent editor who could have offered some much-needed guidance.
I found "Flyboys: A True Story of Courage" to be incredibly educational. However, there are certain sections of the book that may not be appropriate for a younger audience. Despite this, I would still highly recommend it to others.
I gotta say, this book let me down big time. It's not so much about the brave WWII pilots and their incredible experiences, but more about pushing a strong anti-war message. While I can appreciate that viewpoint, it wasn't what I signed up for when I bought this expecting a story about WWII pilots.
I've come across numerous accounts of the U.S.'s impact on global trade and World War II, but this book uniquely combines the two. It sheds light on how America has forcefully taken so much from other nations, a fact that remains true even today. No amount of reparations can ever make up for the countless stories of theft.
The book tells the remarkable tale of brave men who willingly risked their lives for what they believed was the truth. It makes me wonder how different the world would be if such a war had never occurred. If Japan hadn't felt threatened, who knows what they could have achieved?
This story is not something you'll find in any standard American history textbook. That's why I'm immensely grateful for James Bradley's extensive research into this often overlooked part of history.
My heart goes out to the countless men and women who have fought in wars throughout history. I also think of their families and the mothers who have carried the heavy burden of uncertainty, some even passing away without ever knowing the fate of their children.
I plan on visiting Arlington National Cemetery again this year, and every year that I'm stationed in the Washington DC area. When I'm there, I'll take the time to deeply reflect on the lives lost by my fellow brothers and sisters. May God protect and hold them close.
I didn't get what I was expecting from this book at all. It wasn't until I was halfway through that it started to grab my interest and focus on the flyers. If I had known beforehand what it was really about, I don't think I would have bought it.
The narration of 'Flyboys: A True Story of Courage' came across as rather dull and lacking in enthusiasm. It could be just a matter of personal preference regarding the narrator's tone. Apart from that, the book itself was captivating and worth delving into.
I really enjoyed this book because it provided an intriguing and well-balanced perspective on the world views and practices leading up to and during the war. Unlike many Pacific war POW books that solely focus on brutality, this book successfully explores the reasons behind such brutality while maintaining a broader perspective. It highlights the importance of not solely vilifying the Japanese while acknowledging the historical actions of past American and Western nations. However, I must admit that after listening for 10 hours, I decided to switch to reading the physical book due to the narrator. The narrator's peculiar regional dialect, particularly when saying "world war twouuuuu" and other phrases, as well as the lack of distinction in voices for different characters, both Japanese and American, made the story confusing and less impactful. My recommendation would be to do yourself a favor and read the physical book instead. Thumbs up!
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