This story is powerful and compelling. This time period is so easy to write tragic stories about, and it's refreshing to read an inspiring account. There's immense suffering and out of it comes remarkable redemption. I listened to the story (Ed Hermann is a great narrator), and the first half really felt like a history book to me. A lot of dates and names and technical terms without explanation and without spending much time with the characters around him for a good lonnngg while. It does narrow in scope midway through part two, and it's much easier to connect with the story then. And it's worth sticking it out for sure. There aren't many stories out there talking about Allies’ experiences in the Pacific Theater. Out of all the World War II nonfiction lit I've read, this is near the top and I definitely recommend it. 4⭐️!