Ed B. reviewed on 10/7/2010 + 2 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 2

This book really changed my views about the behavior of the Japanese troops during WWII. I've read about and met survivors of the Bataan Death March. I've read about the atrocities in China, the Phillipines and in Thailand and could not imagine what had driven their sadistic behavior. Bradley makes a convincing case justifying these attitudes tracing back to Perry and his landing in Japan. He tells how the American (Christian) treatment of the Indians reinforced the Japanese idea of sub-humans and justified purging the natives of conquered armies and countries. He tells about the brutality of the Japanese NCOs and officers towards their own troops. He tells of the brutality of LeMay's firebombing of the cities in Japan. He also shows the character of the elder George Bush. He tells of some extremely kind actions and in the end I learn I have to get over it - that was then and this is now. If the participants can put aside their bitterness we need to do it as well.
A great history story but also a great story of the triumph of the human spirit. A real change agent and I'm very glad I read it.

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