Ghost Soldiers by Hampton Sides

Ghost Soldiers by Hampton Sides is a riveting narrative that brings to life the heroic mission to rescue 513 POWs from a brutal Japanese camp in the Philippines. The book vividly recounts the meticulous planning and execution of the raid, offering a minute-by-minute account of the daring operation. Sides also delves into the lives of the prisoners, highlighting their resilience and camaraderie in the face of unimaginable hardships, including starvation, disease, and torture. The story is not just about the mission but also a testament to the human spirit, showcasing acts of bravery and self-sacrifice that defied the odds. /n/n The book is meticulously researched and written, providing a detailed and immersive experience that captures the essence of the era and the people involved. It is a powerful blend of historical narrative and personal stories, making it a compelling read for history enthusiasts and general readers alike. The author's vivid descriptions and intimate portraits of the characters bring the past to life, making the events feel immediate and real.

Reviews

The Little Man Reviews · 2022-02-22

emotional 4.75

The book is described as intensely emotional, with a raw and powerful narrative that reminds the reader of the harsh realities of war. The reviewer appreciates the emotional impact and the depth of the story.

The Little Man Reviews describes this book as intensely emotional, with a raw and powerful narrative that reminds the reader of the harsh realities of war. The reviewer highlights the emotional impact and the depth of the story, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in World War II history. The book is praised for its vivid and detailed account of the mission and its impact on the soldiers involved. The reviewer appreciates the depth of research and the emotional impact of the narrative, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in World War II history.

Quick quotes

Intensely emotional

Gut-wrenching and tear-jerking

The rawness of it reminds me how easily whole

The Memoir of a Writer · 2020-05-07

intriguing 4.50

The book is described as a forgotten epic story of World War II's most dramatic mission, bringing to light the harrowing experiences of prisoners of war. The narrative is praised for its vivid and detailed account of the mission and its impact on the soldiers involved.

This book is a powerful account of a mission that was previously overlooked. The reviewer highlights the vivid and detailed narration, which brings to life the harrowing experiences of the soldiers. The story is both poignant and inspiring, showcasing the resilience and bravery of those involved. The reviewer appreciates the depth of research and the emotional impact of the narrative, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in World War II history.

Quick quotes

The forgotten epic story of World War II's most dramatic mission

It can no longer claim to be forgotten

The book is described as a cruel book in a sense, one that spares no details

The New York Times · Michiko Kakutani · 2001-06-11

harrowing 4.00

The book is described as a harrowing and poignant account of a remarkable mission, with a focus on the savagery of Japanese behavior. The reviewer appreciates the detailed and vivid narration of the raid and the prisoners' experiences.

Michiko Kakutani from The New York Times describes this book as a harrowing and poignant account of a remarkable mission. The reviewer highlights the detailed and vivid narration of the raid and the prisoners' experiences, which are both inspiring and heart-wrenching. The book spares no details of the savagery of Japanese behavior, making it a powerful and emotional read. The reviewer appreciates the depth of research and the emotional impact of the narrative, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in World War II history.

Quick quotes

Harrowing, poignant, and inspiring

The mesmerizing story of a remarkable mission

A cruel book in a sense, one that spares no details

Appears in Lists

100 Best Military History Books of All Time