A story of the flagraisers, not so much of the war itself, Flags of our Fathers looks at the lives of these immortalized men leading up to the occasion, and then the post-war effects of this unfair fame, as most of them would argue it was. While the flagraisers would deny that their presence in The Photo makes them heroes, and they would be right in such a denial, they are likewise weary of accepting the role of Icon, which role, in the grand scheme of things, is perfectly appropriate, and certainly needed at the time.The writing itself is only tolerable. The story, though, is gritty and you won't walk away feeling like you had watched an innocent '50s war movie. The War was not innocent and neither is this book. It will give you reason to honor in your heart our American Warriors. For that purpose, I can recommend it to the interested parties.
2 comments:
I know several of us have read Band of Brothers by Stephen Ambrose-which is a terrific read- but any other suggestions on good WWII-era books?
Also, should historians reinforce national honor and prestige through uplifting books that extol tales of national greatness? Or should historians-and journalists, for that matter-only report "the events as they happened, and leave the glorification or debasement of their nation's past to others?
Pegasus Bridge is certainly good, about an elite British unit. Good question you posed; authors will almost invariably lean a certain way in how they present something. Even in presenting events "as they happen," they can't possibly present everything, and by necessity must leave things out, and emphasize some aspects more than others. I lean to the uplifting side, while maintaining the truth. Like you said though, war is not "innocent" and terrible things happen.
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