Lieutenant Fern’s warm and personable letters, spanning two years at sea in the South Pacific, offer an alternative view of life aboard ship during World War II. Seizing every opportunity for an adventure, he muses upon his assignment living at sea and its inherent challenges. His varied duties aboard three different ships afford Fern numerous vantage points regarding his unique war experiences. Lieutenant Fern’s letters are descriptive, intriguing, and amusing, often evoking smiles and laughter from the reader as he reveals his quick adjustment to life at sea, the camaraderie he readily establishes with his fellow officers and crewmates, and his opportune ventures to the surrounding islands. He embraces every situation with an eagerness for novelty and excitement.
Fern’s gift for language, marked not only by scholarliness but lightheartedness as well, is a refreshing blend of fluency and vitality. His appreciation and extensive knowledge of nature enhance his eloquent descriptions of the islands, the sky, and the sea. His narrative is enticing and entertaining while at the same time informative and educational.
These letters present a stimulating view of the events of WWII constructed by a person who lived them during his assignment in the South Pacific. They speak to us across time, offering a personal perspective of living history. One need not be a military buff to appreciate this first-person war story. Another Side of World War II will hold the attention of a wide audience.
