MATTHEW BARLOW'S 50 BOOKS READ IN 2015

[Matthew]

46. by Mary McCarthy
Finish date: September 30, 2015
Genre: Vietnam War history, primary document
Rating: B-
Review: This is a book that once again has me split. It is clearly a damning indictment of the US in Vietnam, but is written in a style that is tiresome to read.

Written during the mid-late 60s the essays that McCarthy presents predates the commonly perceived view of the war, specifically the war as it played out, both in country and on the international stage, following the Tet Offensive. McCarthy shows the hypocritical behavior of the US government in in its practice of fighting a "dirty" war, all well presenting a humanitarian face to the world. McCarthy points out that the US claim of widespread refugee aid was a lie since these so called refugees moved not of their own accord, but were gathered up by the US in an attempt to create idealized hamlets in which free market economics could flourish and Western ideals take hold.

Additionally McCarthy reveals the interactions between service personal, civilians, the ARVN, and the VC. Far and away from the racist hate usually associated with this era McCarthy shows a feeling of mutual respect between all sides, one that undoubtedly became polluted as the war stagnated and killing became more indiscriminate.

McCarthy is quick to point out the US government's manipulation of media and public perception to paint enemy action as terrorist activities, even when engaged against legitimate military targets. Additionally the military and its leaders covered up US actions that caused civilian casualties, either by supressing numbers or justifying military necessity. This ranges from the "pacification" of villages (euphemism for slaughter) the "defoliation" of stretches of crop and forest areas (napalm and Agent Orange), and the wide-spread bombing of South Vietnam.

McCarthy ends by examining the pressure on LBJ to end the war, but shows the difficulties of doing so, in which South Vietnam would be left crippled and would fall (as it eventually did) or the troops would be encircled and massacred in incidents reminiscent of the Dunkirk evacuation.

McCarthy's first person eye witness account of her trips to Vietnam are not my favorite type of writing, especially knowing the end result of the war and troubles to come. This being said it serves as a powerful document that shows frustration with the war even in its early stages.

[Matthew]

OCTOBER

47. by William Craig (No Photo)
Finish date: October 8, 2015
Genre: WWII History, Japanese History
Rating: A
Review:This was an excellent and well detailed look at the final weeks of the Japanese military rule of WWII. For those who have read Stephen Harding's Last to Die it may be repetitive at times, but offers a different perspective. This book is much more focused on the Japanese perspective of the surrender.

In addition to the Japanese perspective the book offers a excellent look at the development of the atomic bomb and the lives of the men charged with the task of dropping it. The evolution of the book allows for this to transition to the surrender debate and the difficulties faced by the Japanese government faced with a military whose traditions were so strongly linked in honour.

The difficulties of preparing for occupation were felt by both sides and is something deeply examined. The transition from combatants to a occupied/occupiers relationship is one that is difficult to navigate and the book tackles it well.

Finally this book offers a good look at the role that ritualistic suicide plays in the Japanese honour code. Officers who failed to commit sepaku/hari-kari were ostracized by their families and peers for failing to uphold their honour.

I am impressed with this book a recommend it to everyone interested in the Pacific war.

In this review: by Stephen Harding

[Jill]

I thought it was a very well done book, Matthew and see that you agree. I echo your recommendation to those who are interested in the Pacific theater of WWII.

[Matthew]

48. by Simon Read
Finish date: October 11, 2015
Genre: British History, Biography
Rating: A
Review: An enlightening look at the pre-political career of one of Britain's greatest leaders. This book takes us back to the late 1800s when Churchill was an officer in the British calvary, and a well known war correspondent.

Beginning with the pedigree of his parents this book takes us through his childhood and the issues between him and his father, a matter of pride that would not be resolved before the elder Churchill's death. Following his father's death Winston finally achieved academic success and began a notable military career.

His first foray into journalism resulted from a desire for adventure and a need for financial independence. Reporting on the revolution in Cuba Churchill first got his taste of combat, something he would experience no less than 50 times during his lifetime.

Deployment to India, along with political wrangling, ensured that he saw action in the North-West campaign (Afghanistan) and in Sudan. Both conflicts which produced successful books from the young writer.

His true test of fire would be during the Boer war, which he initially entered as a civilian, having resigned his commission. Following a harrowing experience during which he was taken prisoner, he achieved escape, returning once more to conflict, have resumed a military career. The total of his experiences catapulted his political career which began upon his return to Britain.

As a fan of Churchill I found this to be a highly interesting read, but acknowledge a feeling of glorification by the author, who seems reluctant to criticize Churchill. That being said, this is clearly a must read for Churchill fans.

[Matthew]

49. by Peter Harmsen
Finish date: October 28, 2015
Genre: Chinese history, Japanese history
Rating: Information=A, Writing=C-
Review: Once again I am split on how to rate this book. One the one hand it contained a great deal of fascinating information and research, but on the other hand it was poorly written and presented, especially in the first half which dragged on and nearly made me abandon the book completely.

With the atrocities that occured in Europe during WWII it is not surprising that the Japanese invasion of China is often overlooked, but as this book shows it in fact served as a precursor to the European violence and in some aspects surpassed it.

I applaud the author for including so many eye witness accounts from both Chinese and Japanese participants and bystanders, rather than relying solely on the foreign observers accounts. This lends a sense of authenticity to the book.

My major issue is with the writing, especially the first half of the book which deals almost exclusively with the political situation. It is over detailed and monotonous, causing confusion and disinterest for the reader. The back and forth between Chinese and Japanese accounts is also confusing, especially for westerners, who are unfamiliar with the differences between the naming practices of the two cultures.

I also would have liked to seen more than two quick chapters at the end dealing with the aftermath of the battle, as this is where the true humanitarian crisis occured. While I can see the usefulness of this book to some researchers I would generally advise looking elsewhere if you are looking for something capable of holding your attention.

[Matthew]

NOVEMBER

50. by Bathroom Readers' Institute
Finish date: November 6, 2015
Genre: Trivia
Rating: A-
Review: Another great read from the BRI. I love this type of random trivia books and Uncle John never lets me down. While some of the entries may be a little long to count as "bathroom" reading, they are nonetheless interesting. With random factoids on the bottom of every page you will always have something to read and think about while sitting on the can.

[Matthew]

51. by Richard Foreman
Date finished: November 6, 2015
Genre: Historical fiction, WWII history
Rating: B-
Review: A heartbreaking account of life in the Warsaw ghetto that uses a mix of historical fiction and fact to bring to life the relationship between the Jewish captives, the unrelenting SS, and the the powerless Wermarcht troops.

The book itself suffers from a slow start that will undoubtedly throw some readers off, especially combined wuth the author's frustrating habit of using both first and last names to identify his characters with no conceivable logic to how he switches between them. That beeing said there are sections of the text that are frought with emotion and heavy with the gravity of the situation.

While the author does, at times anyway, have a tendency to overwrite a scene, taking the drama to extents that would make Williams Shatner shake his head, he, for the most part produces a readable and passion filled text.

As it is historical fiction so aspects are stretched to the edge of believability and accuracy, but these aspects aid the novel on the whole and are acceptable. While not the greatest book I have ever encountered I do recommend it to fans of the genre.

[Matthew]

52. by Andrew Hatcher (No Photo)
Date finished: November 16, 2015
Genre: General History, 20th Century History
Rating: C+
Review: An average book that doesn't add anything significant to the historical timeline of the 20th century. Rather it is best treated as an introductory overview to the events and issues that shaped the century.

It is worth noting that despite the reference to Britain in the title, the book fails to make it its focus. Instead it deals with global issues that more often focus on the US. This is not to say that British investment is not significant with issues such as the World Wars, the Falklands, and colonial collapse playing important roles. Additionally the author seems to have an overwhelming obsession with Margaret Thatcher, one that likely colours his writing.

The writing style itself is average with the book reading more like a student essay than anything else. I would consider this as an interesting read for those looking for an introduction to 20th century history, but advise experienced readers of the subject to let this one pass them by.

[Jill]

It looks like it should be good.....too bad it wasn't up to par and I will give it a pass. Thanks for the tip.

[Matthew]

are 50 in 2016 going to be set up?

[Jill]

Yes, we will be doing that this week-end, Matthew.