On Desperate Ground

by Hampton Sides
On Desperate Ground cover
Good Books rating 4.58
History
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  • ID: 7248
  • Added: 2025-12-13
  • Updated: 2025-12-13
  • ISBN: 9781101971215
  • Publisher: Anchor
  • Published: 2019-10-29
  • Reviews: 3

On Desperate Ground chronicles the extraordinary feats of heroism by Marines during the Korean War's greatest battle. With temperatures plunging to 20 degrees below zero, the surrounded and outnumbered Marines fought their way to the sea with ferocity and courage. Hampton Sides' account relies on extensive research, including unpublished letters and interviews, to provide a grunt's-eye view of history, highlighting the follies of American leaders and the resilience of ordinary men in extreme circumstances./n/nHampton Sides, hailed as one of the best nonfiction writers of his generation, delivers a gripping narrative with propulsive momentum. His meticulous research and vivid storytelling bring to life the epic clash at the Chosin Reservoir, offering a powerful portrayal of human capability in the face of adversity.

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.

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