Bottom Line Up Front: There is not a lot of material drawn straight from Donitz's memoir. Reference to that source consists mostly of the author paraphrasing Donitz. Second, and much larger oversight, this book essentially stops chronicling events in September 1943.
I figured there would be a great deal of comparison and contrast between what Donitz wrote after the war and what the British experienced during the war. But there is not. Its almost as if both sources have been edited so they agree on most things, with the exception being that Donitz did not know about ULTRA or some of the radar systems. So I am docking one star for objectivity and somewhat overzealous editing/interpretation/paraphrasing by the author.
Am also not sure this book would appeal to anyone other than a specialist. The author has fallen somewhat short of the mark while attempting to amalgamate his sources. I cannot tell if Donitz has been paraphrased but it appears that is the case. The British accounts seem to be written in both past and present tense, so I cannot tell if the author has edited them or not. The author does inject some commentary and correct mistakes, but not on a regular basis.
Finally, either the editors or the author failed to do a good job proofreading. We find "but" replaced by "hut" and "and" replaced by "arid" plus other examples.
In summary, this book reads like it started off as one thing but the publishers told the author it wouldn't sell so he added some more material to it plus some commentary. The British antisubmarine reports that comprise the core of the narrative, however, are well worth acquiring. Only for the specialist - which is not the case for some of his other books as I bought this one based on earlier acquisitions of works by the same author.
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club?
Learn more
Join or create book clubs
Choose books together
Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required. Learn more
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle Cloud Reader.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Enter your mobile phone or email address
Processing your request...
By pressing "Send link," you agree to Amazon's Conditions of Use.
You consent to receive an automated text message from or on behalf of Amazon about the Kindle App at your mobile number above. Consent is not a condition of any purchase. Message & data rates may apply.
Flip to back
Flip to front
Follow the Author
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.
Customer reviews
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
Reviewed in the United States on October 20, 2018
Verified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on June 19, 2015
Verified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on September 20, 2016
Verified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on August 28, 2015
Verified Purchase
Top reviews from other countries
edward
the war under the sea
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 9, 2014Verified Purchase
GranddadH
Disappointing
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 5, 2014Verified Purchase
