Rating: 
Summary: Another outstanding book from James Webb.
Review: Terrific character development and story telling about the end of World War II. Buy it and enjoy a great book.
Rating:
Summary: Another outstanding book from James Webb.
Review: Terrific character development and story telling about the end of World War II. Buy it and enjoy a great book.
Rating:
Summary: Superb - One of my all-time favourites.
Review: The Emperor's General is set at the end of World War 2 in the Pacific and centres around the American occupation of Japan following the surrender of the Japanese. It tells of the political chess game played out between the Japanese Emperor and General MacArthur, Supreme Commander of the allies in Asia. The story is told through the eyes of Captain Jay Marsh, an aide to General MacArthur. The three main characters in the story are Jay Marsh, General MacArthur and number one advisor to the Emperor, Lord Privy Seal Koichi Kido. Although the surrounding events to the story are based on historical facts and the major historical figures did exist, the author James Webb tells us the story is otherwise one of fiction, and the interplay of the characters is drawn from his surmise and deduction. Nonetheless, one can't help but ponder how much Webb has accurately deducted from his research. I thoroughly enjoy historical novels, but tend to lean towards ones that have a deal of action in them. The Emperor's General has no battlefield fighting and no action in the normal sense of the word contained within the story, so it was going to be a test for me and I think a test for the book to see if it could hold my interest. I wasn't disappointed. This is a beautifully written book. It draws you into the story in such a subtle way that it has a mystical quality to it. Webb has masterfully created the atmosphere of the Asian cities where the story unfolds. Reading about the Philippines, one can feel the prickly heat and the rain soaked roads leading from the capital Manila. The destruction of Tokyo is contrasted vividly with the elegance of the few remaining buildings deliberately left untouched by allied bombing. Webb has portrayed Japanese culture and tradition in a very convincing manner and has woven it into the story intricately. This aspect plays a lead part in the crafting of this story and from this perspective the book will appeal to those with an interest in Asian cultures and is a wonderful introduction to those interested in knowing something about the Japanese psyche. Running parallel to the political mind game being played out in Tokyo, where Captain Jay Marsh is stationed for most of the story, is the romance between Marsh and his Philippine lover Divina Clara. Marsh is torn between his love for Divina and his love for the diplomatic role he plays in the shaping of Japan. The relationship between the young American Captain and the beautiful Philippine woman is a swirling mix of romance, clash of cultures and a surreal Asian atmosphere which is all marvellously rendered by Webb. The unfolding relationship between Marsh, MacArthur and the Lord Privy Seal Koichi Kido is where the obvious drama in this story takes place, but always hauntingly in the background is this yearning romance which culminates the book. My hat is off to the author. This is an engrossing and stunning stage-show penned in the highest calibre. I know these words have been used before to describe this book, but they are so appropriate I feel obliged to reiterate them. The Emperor's General is "sublime, romantic" and utterly mesmerising. "An unforgettable read".
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Summary: Two great stories, intertwined.
Review: This book has two main stories. The first is the "inside story" of McArthur's reconstruction of Japan, as seen by a young aide. The tale told there is one of deception, betrayal and manipulation, where the "old order" in Japan emerges unscathed in the guise of the "new." The monsters that were responsible for the horros of Nanking and Manila are left untouched and an honorable man is hanged in their place.The other story is the coming of age of the young aide; his love of a woman he cannot, in the end, have; and his inner turmoil as he watches -- and participates in -- the sham that is the General's New Japan. Jay's story is made more interesting in contrast to the historical events. That his story manages to overshadow the politics of victory and occupation makes it all the more potent. A great book, highly recommended.
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Summary: Read this book
Review: This book was extremely interesting to read as it mixed military history with insights of other cultures and several fascinating stories that run in parallell. It's always risky business to compare authors with other authors, but I dare to say that the style of this book reminds me both of the novels by authors like James Clavell and Hammond Innes (if you can imagine what that could be like...). To make a long story short; get this book and read it.
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Summary: I want to contact the Author! I am visiting the Philippines
Review: This book was great! I was rivited through the entire story line. This book offers great insight into MacArthur, the Philippines, and the Second World War. This book convinced me to study the Philippines in a class at the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business titled "The Politics and Economics of Development". Soon I will travel to the Philippines to complete this class. I desperately want to talk to the author! Can anyone help me contact the author of this book? Thanks, Scott
Rating:
Summary: I want to contact the Author! I am visiting the Philippines
Review: This book was great! I was rivited through the entire story line. This book offers great insight into MacArthur, the Philippines, and the Second World War. This book convinced me to study the Philippines in a class at the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business titled "The Politics and Economics of Development". Soon I will travel to the Philippines to complete this class. I desperately want to talk to the author! Can anyone help me contact the author of this book? Thanks, Scott
Rating:
Summary: A must read
Review: This has to be the best book I have read in a long time. The story of Jay Marsh and his victories and failures of his navigation through post-war Japan and the Philippines is masterfully told by Mr. Webb. I was totally absorbed in this story and could never put the book down, reading it cover to cover in one sitting. A must read for anyone who has even the smallest interest in Eastern Asia.
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Summary: A Treat for the Ears
Review: This is a fantastic book to listen to on tape. David Dukes, a fine actor, is also a gifted reader. He masters the many voices of the book with believable accents and affectations. He does great justice to the broad range of emotions Capt. Jay Marsh experiences. The reading of the abridged edition by Mr. Dukes has inspired me to buy the book to read for myself.
Rating:
Summary: A Treat for the Ears
Review: This is a fantastic book to listen to on tape. David Dukes, a fine actor, is also a gifted reader. He masters the many voices of the book with believable accents and affectations. He does great justice to the broad range of emotions Capt. Jay Marsh experiences. The reading of the abridged edition by Mr. Dukes has inspired me to buy the book to read for myself.
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