On Desperate Ground

by Hampton Sides
On Desperate Ground cover
Good Books rating 4.51
History, Political, Military, Adventure
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  • ID: 7248
  • Added: 2025-12-13
  • Updated: 2026-01-03
  • ISBN: 9781101971215
  • Publisher: Anchor
  • Published: 2019-10-29
  • Reviews: 4

On Desperate Ground chronicles the extraordinary feats of heroism by the First Marine Division during one of the most epic battles in American military history. The book provides a detailed and vivid account of the Marines' struggle to break out of a frozen hell near the Chosin Reservoir, facing temperatures plummeting to 20 degrees below zero and overwhelming enemy forces. Hampton Sides' superb narrative relies on years of archival research, unpublished letters, declassified documents, and interviews with survivors, offering an immediate and gritty view of history. The story highlights the follies of American leaders and the incredible courage and ingenuity of ordinary men in extreme circumstances. Sides' masterful storytelling brings to life the propulsive elements that make this a compelling and powerful read, showcasing his prowess as one of the best nonfiction writers of his generation.

Reviews
Bob's Been Reading · 2024-10-27
compelling 4.75

The book is praised for its vivid and detailed account of the Korean War, highlighting the heroism and leadership of the Marines. The narrative is engaging and well-researched.

The reviewer highly recommends the book for its vivid and detailed account of the Korean War. They appreciate the author's thorough research and engaging narrative style. The reviewer also highlights the book's focus on the heroism and leadership of the Marines, making it a compelling read. They note that the book provides a unique perspective on the war, offering insights into the experiences of the soldiers involved.

Quick quotes

    Selected by my SEAL book club at my recommendation, after hearing so much good about it.

    The book provides a unique perspective on the war, offering insights into the experiences of the soldiers involved.

    The author's thorough research and engaging narrative style make it a compelling read.

KGNU · 2024-05-24
gripping 4.50

The book is celebrated for its account of extraordinary heroism by Marines during the Korean War. It offers a gripping narrative that highlights the bravery and determination of the soldiers.

The reviewer praises the book for its gripping narrative and detailed account of the Korean War. They highlight the extraordinary heroism of the Marines and the book's ability to capture the bravery and determination of the soldiers. The reviewer also notes the book's engaging style, making it a compelling read. They appreciate the author's ability to bring the experiences of the soldiers to life, offering a unique perspective on the war.

Quick quotes

    He gives an account of the extraordinary feats of heroism by Marines called on to do the impossible during the greatest battle of the Korean War.

    The book's engaging style makes it a compelling read.

    The author's ability to bring the experiences of the soldiers to life, offering a unique perspective on the war.

History Nerds United · 2024-04-19
engrossing 4.50

The book highlights the fluid nature of war, showing how fortunes can change rapidly. The narrative captures the intense and unpredictable dynamics of battle.

The reviewer emphasizes the book's depiction of war as a fluid and unpredictable experience. They appreciate how the narrative illustrates the rapid shifts in fortune that can occur on the battlefield. The reviewer also highlights the book's ability to capture the intensity and chaos of war, making it a compelling read. They particularly note the book's focus on the human element, showing the bravery and resilience of the soldiers involved.

Quick quotes

    On a small scale, this is a perfect example of how war can be very fluid and the victors on one day can be caught in a vise the next day.

    The narrative captures the intense and unpredictable dynamics of battle.

    The book's focus on the human element, showing the bravery and resilience of the soldiers involved.

Arcadia Pod · 2023-11-26
compelling 4.30

The book provides a detailed account of the Korean War from the perspectives of individual soldiers. It is a compelling narrative that highlights the personal experiences of those who fought in the battle.

This book offers a unique and compelling narrative of the Korean War, focusing on the personal experiences of the soldiers who fought in the battle. The author does an excellent job of capturing the raw emotions and challenges faced by the Marines, providing a deeply human perspective on the conflict. The detailed descriptions of battlefield strategies and the heroism of the soldiers make the book both informative and emotionally resonant. The vivid battle scenes and the nuanced treatment of leadership add depth to the story, making it a must-read for anyone interested in military history.

Quick quotes

    This book shifts from the perspectives of individual soldiers that fought in this battle taken from their personal experiences recorded after the war.

    It's a towering tale of official ineptitude and battlefield fortitude that plays out against the backdrop of American's most forgotten modern war.

    This account features abundant heroism, vivid battle scenes, and nuanced treatment of the judicious, determined leadership of General Smith.

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