Pearl Harbor: A Novel of December 8th » (Bargain)

Newt Gingrich, former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, is the author of seven
books, including the bestsellers Gettysburg, Contract with America, and To Renew America. He is the CEO of The Gingrich Group and an analyst for the Fox News Channel. He holds a Ph.D. in history from Tulane University.

“Begins what will be a fascinating alternative history of the war in the Pacific.”—The Roanoke Times

Fresh from their series on the American Civil War, bestselling authors Newt Gingrich and William R. Forstchen apply their imaginations, knowledge, and acclaimed “active history” approach to launch a bold new epic adventure about the “Date of Infamy”

Pearl Harbor

This powerful saga covers the heroic highs and horrifying lows of America’s darkest day—from the White House to the Wheeler Army Air Field, from top-brass military officers, national leaders, and admirals to the ordinary citizens caught in the chaos of war. Compelling and meticulously researched, this novel of valor stretches from the chambers of the Emperor of Japan all the way back to the lonely office of Commander James Watson, an American cryptographer who suspects the impending catastrophic attack. A story of intrigue, double-dealing, the brutality of war, and the desperate efforts by men of reason on both sides to prevent a titanic struggle that becomes inevitable, Pearl Harbor inaugurates the dramatic new Pacific War series—one that entertains as well as informs—from two masters of the genre.

“Masterful storytelling.”—William W. Butterworth IV, New York Times bestselling author of The Saboteurs

Publishers Weekly

Having completed their Civil War trilogy, ex House Speaker Gingrich and historian Forstchen return their attention to World War II (they previously collaborated on 1945). The attack on Pearl Harbor occupies the final quarter of the book, and the extensive leadup begins in 1930s Japan and provides readers not well versed in Japanese history a decent thumbnail sketch of Japanese culture and the events that preceded the attack. The authors' research shines in accurate accounts of diplomatic maneuvering as well as the nuts-and-bolts of military action, beginning with the Japanese invasion of China. Fans of the authors will expect their trademark "alternative" ending. In this case, the Japanese attack far more vigorously and devastate a larger chunk of the U.S. Pacific fleet than they actually did. How this affects the war's outcome will be revealed in the sequel. Gingrich and Forstchen, though adept at bigger-picture issues, falter when it comes to establishing and developing characters; FDR, Churchill and Hirohito come across as caricatures who move the plot along by mouthing historically appropriate lines, while the soldier-heroes exist to explain their nation's point-of-view to the reader. The recent success of Letters from Iwo Jimamay attract readers who would otherwise shy away from military history fiction. (May)