Dragon of the Mangroves: Inspired by True Events of World War II [Paperback]

Yasuyuki Kasai (Author)

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Yasuyuki Kasai was born in Tokushima, Japan. His great-great-grandfather was a samurai dispatched as a coastguardsman against the first U.S. fleet to sail to Japan, and his father was an army artilleryman during World War II. Educated at Musashino Art University, Kasai now lives in Mima, Tokushima, and works as an illustrator.

Product Details

• Paperback: 152 pages
• Publisher: iUniverse, Inc. (December 13, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0595390269
• ISBN-13: 978-0595390267
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,250,031 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Horror story and war novel, March 24, 2007

By 

Higgins (Omaha, NE USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dragon of the Mangroves: Inspired by True Events of World War II (Paperback)

Books in English about the experience of Japanese soldiers in WW II are rare, although this may change with recent popularity of the movie 'Letters from Iwo Jima.' This novel, 'Dragon of the Mangroves,' is based on a "war story" about a Japanese unit that was annihilated by saltwater crocodiles while retreating through a mangrove swamp. The anecdote itself may be apocryphal but the concept is not totally implausible, as anyone who's seen troops of crocodiles pulling down migrating wildebeests on Discovery Channel can attest. The author, Yasuyuki Kasai, is the son of a WW II Japanese artilleryman and appears to have incorporated some of his father's personal observations and experiences into the story, which gives it a certain authenticity. The novel itself is not simply written from a Japanese point of view but by a Japanese, and so includes many unique cultural elements in the background and plot, especially the foreshadowing. The characters, primarily a heavy machine gun crew and a young officer who went for his commission to escape the drudgery and harsh discipline in the enlisted ranks, are sympathetic and well drawn. The language is not always smooth and the pacing is uneven here and there, but these are minor criticisms. As much a horror story - a la 'Jaws' - as it is a war novel, 'Dragon of the Mangroves' is well worth a read.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars tragedy and heroism, December 29, 2007

By 

Anne K. Edwards "AKE" (Pennsylvania) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dragon of the Mangroves: Inspired by True Events of World War II (Paperback)

Many stories of World War II are untold on both sides of the battles fought in the Pacific theater that should be told of the bravery displayed by the ordinary soldier on both sides and the terrors they often faced. This is one such story, based on events that occurred during the Japanese withdrawal from Ramree Island.

How does one look through the eyes of an ordinary man conscripted to fight a war he doesn't really understand and depict what he sees or what is happening around him? Talented author Yasuyuki Kasai has used his understanding of human nature to craft a tale that shows us how men react when faced with certain death.

This is a tale that could be applied to any group of men in any similar situation. The confusion caused by orders that call for defense and retreat at the same time, send Second Lt. Yoshihisa Sumi and his men on a rescue mission to remove as many soldiers as possible from Ramree Island. He must find transport to the island when no boats are available, he is given an inadequate map, arms and food, yet he finds the way to obey his orders.

Both the retreating army and rescuers are unaware of dangers awaiting them as they proceed toward a meeting place. There is a definite tension in this story that will hold your attention. History unfolds as you red and you will understand once again the untold horrors of war.

An interesting tale that I'm pleased to recommend to any fiction fan. History, horror and suspense all mingle with facts that prove life can produce experiences worse than any imagination. It is a read that will open your eyes and I can honestly say I learned something about another side to this war and the men who fought it.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Love it!, September 11, 2010

By 

Marcia (Florida, USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Dragon of the Mangroves: Inspired by True Events of World War II (Paperback)

My husband bought this book and LOVED IT! Used it in his high school classroom as well.