Rating: 
Summary: A rivetting historical novel of MacArthur in postwar Japan.
Review: This is a ripping good historical novel about General MacArthur's leadership of the American occupation of Japan--the first time in over a thousand years that the "nation family" of Japan suffered defeat and conquest. The author tells the story from the perspective of one Jay Marsh, a young Japanese-speaking American captain and aide-de-camp to General MacArthur. Seen from Marsh's perspective, we see MacArthur from what seemed to me to be an authentic portrayal of a complicated man who was vain, brilliant, ambitious, and charismatic.The essential theme of the novel (no spoilers here) is that in 1945 although MacArthur represented the victor and the Japanese were in fact utterly beaten and indeed devestated by war, the interaction between occupier and the Japanese power structure was complex. The Japanese ruling class, although forced to endure American-inspired democratic reforms, remained the ruling class, at least for a time. In particular, the novel shows how, in exchange for the Japanese establishment's cooperation for a remarkably tranquil and calm occupation, most of the truly culpable Japanese war criminals escaped prosecution. The infamous Rape of Nanking, in particular, largely went unpunished. Although the novel is wonderful history, it never loses sight of its first mission--to entertain. The story is beautifully told, with compassion and humor, as we follow Captain Marsh through his love affairs with beautiful Phillipine and Japanese girls, and his interaction, friendships, and ultimately his outmaneuverings of key Japanese government figures. The most rivetting part of the novel, and its central story, is the trial and hanging of Japanese General Yamashita. Author Webb does an excellent job persuading the reader that this was in fact a travesty of justice in which MacArthur essentially made Yamashita a scapegoat for war crimes committed by others--others in the Japanese power establishment whom MacArthur was shielding from prosecution in exchange for the establishment's cooperation in the occupation and democratic reform process. An unforgettable novel that I have read more than once, each time with added insight and enjoyment.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent book with great historical significance
Review: When I bought this book, I did not know what to expect. Perhaps just another adventure novel of WWII. What I got instead was a combination history lesson of great significance and a great love story. The protagonist of the story, Jay Marsh, relates the initial occupation of Japan by General Douglas McArthur. Marsh is McArthur's , " gofer", and is privy to much of the intrigue in McArthur's administration of Japan. The main crux of the story is the trial of General Yamashita, evidently railroaded to execution by General McArthur for the purpose of shielding the Emperor and the royal family from any culpability in the rapes of Nanking and Manila. Easily the best book I've read this year. I couldn't put it down. Five stars to be sure.
Rating:
Summary: Must read for All DoD and DoS
Review: You know who you are. Probably a Marine officer possessing some seemingly-solid bond with the author. Maybe an Army officer or cadet, with a mild interest in MacArthur or WWII. An idealistic young History major from an above-average school thinking you could become a member of the Diplomatic Corps. Maybe an urbane young Asian-American with a yearn for deeper knowledge of your past. Regardless, this is a must read for all of you. Webb possesses the gift to create strong prose intertwined with reality. You will be saddened, intrigued, and confused. You realize first hand that simpler wars ended upon completion of WWII. Was Back Track Mac a genius? Was he complex? Yes. Douglas may have been our greatest military mind ever, but this novel tells you why he may have been our most misunderstood. Although Webb caveats this as a work of fiction, there are few historical errors in it. The beauty of the novel leaves you with your interest level to determine who really won. Honor, love, and diplomacy are weaved together to create a fine historical cloth. In typical Webb fashion, he begins and ends in the present, and the majority of the novel rests in the past. A somewhat tired format for him, but required nonetheless. This should be on every first-year law school, the Commandant's, the SecState's, and the Army's mandatory reading list. You will not be disappointed. You may even become an Ambassador or General someday.
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