Victory in Defeat
by Gregory Urwin
"The Wake Island Defenders in Captivity, 1941-1945"
Popularity
4.76 / 5
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Victory in Defeat by Gregory Urwin
Details
War:
World War II
Perspective:
Prisoners of War
Military Unit:
US Navy
True Story:
Yes
Biography:
Yes
Region:
Pacific
Page Count:
514
Published Date:
2010
ISBN13:
9781612510040
Description
Brief Summary (no spoilers)
Victory in Defeat by Gregory Urwin tells the profound and often overlooked story of the defenders of Wake Island following their surrender to the Japanese forces on December 23, 1941. Placing a spotlight on the trials of U.S. Marines, sailors, soldiers, and civilian volunteers, Urwin's work meticulously details their subsequent captivity. Based on decades of thorough research, including archival exploration, interviews with both former POWs and Japanese captors, and access to clandestine diaries, Urwin crafts a narrative that sheds light on the endurance and resilience of these individuals during an arduous three-and-a-half-year imprisonment. As a revelatory account, it provides a window into the lesser-known aspects of World War II's Pacific theatre.
Main Themes and Topics
The central theme of Victory in Defeat revolves around survival and resilience under harrowing conditions. Urwin delves into the concept of community and mutual support among the prisoners, illustrating how these life-saving networks played a crucial role in maintaining dignity and morale. The book also explores the complexities of human behavior during wartime, offering a nuanced portrayal of both captors and captives. The theme of justice is touched upon as the book notes the post-war sentencing of a Japanese camp official responsible for war crimes.
Writing Style and Tone
Gregory Urwin's writing in Victory in Defeat is both scholarly and engaging, reflecting his deep commitment to historical accuracy and storytelling. His narrative is detailed yet accessible, making complex historical events understandable to both academics and general readers. Urwin's tone remains respectful and empathetic throughout, balancing the grim realities of captivity with moments of humanity and hope.
Criticism
While Victory in Defeat is an exhaustively researched and compelling account, some readers may find the detailed historical and military context overwhelming. Urwin's focus on the minute details of daily prison life and complex military operations, though informative, might not appeal to those looking for a more condensed or fast-paced narrative.
