Victory in the Pacific
This book combines the best of readability and high quality writing with accurate information and a glimpse into
history.
This book of nonfiction provides an overview of World War II's battles for control of the Pacific. From Pearl Harbor
to Tokyo Bay, Marrin provides high action with attention to detail and to the people involved. Marrin's work is easy
to follow and well organized, hitting the high points and primarily providing a solid overview of the Pacific front of WWII.
One aspect of Marrin's prose that is appealing his the information interspersed in the prose. Marrin details what
soldiers ate and where they slept. He gives detailed information on the ships, planes and carriers used during the war.
Marrin takes the reader inside a submarine toward the end of the novel, explaining what it was like to work on such a fragile
yet strong piece of machinery. A submarine is always working to find a balance in order to stay under water - a
feat that is not easy at all. Soldiers aboard the submarines were required to have special skills - both social and
mechanical, even the cook needing to be highly skilled in case he might have to take the place of an engineer. They
had to have extremely positive attitudes and be able to endure working in close quarters and with no daylight. According
to Marrin, "A submarine was never a comfortable place. You always had the feeling of being closed in.
There were no portholes, so you couldn't look outside or tell if it was day or night." In this way, Marrin weaves
substantial portions of information and facts into his ongoing narrative on the battle for the Pacific.
Marrin's work always focuses on the people in relation to the facts of the war. In this way, he brings WWII closer
to today's readers. According to Lindsey, "Emphasis is placed upon the part played by individuals and the horrendous
hardships and dangers faced by them at sea. . . This, along with a generous sprinkling of anecdotes and quotes, constantly
remind the reader that it was human flesh, blood and courage that brought about the ultimate victory" (1983).
At the beginning of the novel, Marrin describes what it was like the morning of December 7, 1941, when the world heard
about the news of Pearl Harbor. This portion of the book is compellingly written and even more so to read. It
reminds readers of the same feeling of desperation, anxiety and worry they may have experienced on a similar morning - September
11, 2001. Marrin's work blends information with a certain perspective, allowing the reader to experience a solid overview
of the battle for the Pacific in WWII.
Marrin, Albert. Victory in the Pacific. New York: Atheneum, 1983.
