A Matter of Honor

Brief Summary

A Matter of Honor by Anthony Summers explores the complex aftermath of the Pearl Harbor attack on December 7, 1941. The book delves into the controversial handling of Admiral Husband Kimmel, the Commander-in-Chief of the Pacific Fleet at the time, who was publicly blamed, accused of negligence, and relieved of his duties. The authors, with access to a plethora of documents, diaries, and family cooperation, shed light on whether Kimmel was unjustly scapegoated to protect more prominent political figures, including President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The book uncovers layers of political and military duplicity and aims to restore Kimmel's honor, now championed by his grandsons.

Main Themes and Topics

The primary themes of A Matter of Honor revolve around the concepts of scapegoating, justice, and redemption. Anthony Summers delves into the political intrigue and military dilemmas of the World War II era, focusing heavily on the moral and ethical responsibilities of leadership and the consequences of intelligence failures. The narrative scrutinizes the systemic cover-ups and the perpetual struggle faced by Admiral Kimmel's descendants to vindicate his reputation.

Writing Style and Tone

Anthony Summers employs a meticulous investigative style, characteristic of his journalistic background. The tone of the book is one of revealing and scholarly rigor, interwoven with a narrative that navigates through historical documents and personal correspondences. The storytelling has a compelling depth, crafted to engage readers interested in detailed historical accounts with a touch of personal drama.

Criticism

Some critics have pointed out that the book's deep dive into military and political documents could be at times overwhelming for readers unfamiliar with World War II history or military hierarchies. Others suggest that the focus on clearing Kimmel's name might lead to a somewhat biased representation of the opposing perspectives within the U.S. government.