Dutch Clarke: The War Years [Paperback]

Brian D. Ratty (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 2, 2008

In 1942, as American blood is about to be spilled in far-off Guadalcanal, a young man boards a train and blindly heads towards his destiny: boot camp with the United States Marine Corps. These tragic times of World War II were the defining years for millions of cowboys and plow boys. This book is a compelling chronicle about these years and one not-so-ordinary young man. 'The War Years' is a heartwarming and harrowing saga about Dutch Clarke who, over the objections of his prominent family, answers his country's call. Just as Dutch is about to complete boot camp, family influence steps in and propels him through the ranks and into the Office of War Information. Here he puts down his rifle and takes up photography. Here Dutch learns the power of the lens and the courage to use it. This is a uniquely different war story about men who fought their way across the Pacific, not with guns but with cameras. This tapestry covers more than just guns and bullets; it is also about the human threads of prejudice, friendship and the ultimate sacrifice. After surviving a Japanese POW camp and a daring escape, Dutch is given the opportunity to be one of the first American photographers to set foot on homeland Japan. . .here he turn his assignment from reconnaissance to revenge. This story is as fresh as today's headlines and as true as yesterday's sins.

Editorial Reviews

Review

The War Years is an engaging and insightful look into WWII as a combat photographer. It's an action filled, satisfying read for any reader, especially if you like a good military novel.

--Gary Adams, author of Felicity - Hard Times - Happy Days

The novelist misses nothing as his narrative snaps pictures of racism, injury, death, heroism, revenge, and redemption in nonstop action. A skilled storyteller, Ratty has moments of elegant prose.

--ForeWord Clarion Review

From the Inside Flap

Winner: Eric Hoffer Literary Award
Book of the Year Finalist - ForeWord Magazine

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 512 pages
• Publisher: AuthorHouse (July 2, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1434395332
• ISBN-13: 978-1434395337
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,441,793 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Brian is a retired media executive and graduate of Brooks Institute of Photography. Brian is an award-winning historical fiction novelist.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Future Classic, July 3, 2011

By 

Steve L. Miller - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Dutch Clarke: The War Years (Paperback)

I have read all of Brian Ratty's historical fiction and must say that these books are certain to become classics for future generations. The author has a way of writing that pulls the reader in and makes him (or her) not want to put the book down until the very last page (even then, still wishing for more!). If you like a good adventure story akin to such works as Horatio Hornblower, this and the rest of Brian Ratty's works are well worth reading!

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the Best Books I Have Read, February 2, 2009

By 

Katherine S. Beebe - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Dutch Clarke: The War Years (Paperback)

This book was captivating from the first paragraph. A wonderful twist to the "common" stories about WWII. Following the experiences of Dutch Clarke, as a photograher with the US Marines, was very informative and insightful. This book has it all......from the glitter of Hollywood to the devastating conditions and treatment in a POW camp. I can't wait until the next Dutch Clarke book is published!!
Kathy Beebe

5.0 out of 5 stars Dutch Clarke: The War Years, October 26, 2008

By 

John Wirch (EWugene, Oregon) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dutch Clarke: The War Years (Paperback)

What a great story. This book takes Dutch, and us, from the glitz of 1940s Hollywood to the fury of combat in the far-flung Pacific, to the numbing despair of a Japanese prisoner-of-war camp. Wrapped richly in the legend created by the US Marine Corps in World War II, it is a tale of this country's shaky start in this great conflict, it's recovery and seizing the iniative in the Pacific Campaign, and the inevitable triumph of the Allies over the Empire of Japan. It is also a wonderful tale of the triumph of the human spirit over staggering odds. The author gets a grip on the reader at the beginning and doesn't let go until the final page. In a word, read it!