This novel details moment by moment a trans-Atlantic convoy cruise during World War II. Vividly described with the accuracy of nonfiction are the complex manoeuvres with which the convoy commander shepherds his close-packed flock of 37 escorts and tankers as they evade or occasionally destroy the deadly U-boats of Hitler's infamous wolf packs. The reader experiences the action from the perspective of the man who alone bears the ultimate responsibility for the fates of the 3,000 men under his command, as well as countless ...
Read More
This novel details moment by moment a trans-Atlantic convoy cruise during World War II. Vividly described with the accuracy of nonfiction are the complex manoeuvres with which the convoy commander shepherds his close-packed flock of 37 escorts and tankers as they evade or occasionally destroy the deadly U-boats of Hitler's infamous wolf packs. The reader experiences the action from the perspective of the man who alone bears the ultimate responsibility for the fates of the 3,000 men under his command, as well as countless other lives dependent upon the safe arrival of the convoy's cargo; this novel explores the decision-making process of the commander who must thoroughly analyze all the tactical and moral element of each situation yet act in seconds with unflinching decisiveness. From start to finish it is a suspenseful, compelling account of naval training, seamanship, and self-discipline put to the ultimate test. The novel was widely acclaimed for its authenticity, accuracy, and detail.
Read Less
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Good. Size: 5x1x8; Classics of Naval Literature series; 256 p., clean and unmarked anywhere on strong paper only mildly age-toned; occasional small faint stains on end pages; black ribbon book mark; binding firm; gray boards with still bright gilt lettering on black patches on front and spine, have a few tiny white flecks and light rubbing at upper corners and crown of spine.
I would never have guessed that this book was written by C. S. Forester...it lacks his usual crispness, character development and attention to detail.
The book plods from one "crisis" to the next, and by the time I finished, I was nearly exhausted from boredom. Also, the captain spent a lot more time in the john than most protagonists.
If the Hornblower novels were no better written than this book, we'd never have heard of C. S. Forester.
Yachtsman
Feb 5, 2009
Duty, Duty, Duty
This is, in my opinion, Forester's best. It is a study in seamanship, leadership and dedication to duty. It should be required reading at the US Naval Acadamy. It describes all the attributes that make a fine naval officer.
TerryRussianHill
May 7, 2007
The Good Shepard
Only the second novel with an American hero by the master of naval fiction it uses biblical quotations to dramatic effect. I had always thought that author Forester shared his most famous character's (Horatio Hornblower) freethinking ways so I was surprised at his biblical mastery.
