Dan King's "A Tomb Called Iwo Jima" has thus far been one of the most enlightening and humanizing reads I have experienced in my study of the Pacific theater. The book is an in-depth telling of the personal experiences of the few surviving Japanese defenders of the island of Iwo Jima. The 228 pages are packed with details about several men's pre-war life, family, combat, captivity, and post-war experiences; the book provides a comprehensive view of the lives of these soldiers before, during, and after one of the most brutal battles in World War II.
The true-life figures featured in King's book said goodbye to family and friends, dealt with brutal discipline handed out by drill instructors, braved submarine-infested waters on transport ships, endured harrowing air and naval bombardment, suffered terribly in the hot, dark tunnels under US servicemen's feet, and fought, sometimes even killing each other, over the debate of surrender. The defenders survived weeks of deprivation, only leaving their tunnels under the cover of night to scavenge discarded American rations and drinking sulfur-tainted water. The book goes to great lengths in presenting the point of view of the Japanese defenders, giving us a human perspective into the lives and minds of some of the fiercest opponents the US military has ever faced.
King's meticulous research and empathetic storytelling brings these forgotten voices to life. The narrative is not just about the battle itself but also about the personal sacrifices, moral dilemmas, and the enduring human spirit. The inclusion of pre and post-war experiences adds depth to the characters, making them more than just soldiers in a historical event but real people with dreams, fears, and hopes. The book showcases over 250 black and white photographs, maps, diagrams, and battle plans detailing the brutal fighting on Iwo Jima. Many of these original photos can only be seen in the book. Also featured are portraits of the men and their families whose stories are told within the books pages
If you enjoyed reads such as "With the Old Breed" by Eugene Sledge, you will certainly fall right into the pages of "A Tomb Called Iwo Jima". King's writing style is engaging, and his dedication to preserving these stories is evident throughout the book. I highly recommend this book, and Mr. King is a pleasure to communicate with.
In addition to the captivating content, the author was gracious in signing and dedicating the book to me, and including a bag of the infamous black volcanic sand of Iwo Jima. This personal touch added a tangible connection to the history described in the book, making the reading experience even more profound. To get your own copy of "A Tomb Called Iwo Jima", or any of Mr. King's other books, visit the author's website at www.historicalconsulting.com.
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