Days of Infamy

A Pacific War Series Novel

By: Newt Gingrich, William R. Forstchen

Narrated by: William Dufris

Length: 11 hrs and 36 mins

Publisher's summary

Gingrich and Forstchen's now critically-acclaimed approach, which they term "active history", examines how a change in but one decision might have profoundly altered American history. In Pearl Harbor they explored how history might have been changed if Admiral Yamamoto had directly led the attack on that fateful day, instead of remaining in Japan. Building on that promise, Days of Infamy starts minutes after the close of Pearl Harbor, as both sides react to the monumental events triggered by the presence of Admiral Yamamoto. In direct command of the six carriers of the attacking fleet, Yamamoto decides to launch a fateful "third-wave attack" on the island of Oahu, and then keeps his fleet in the area to hunt down the surviving American aircraft carriers, which by luck and fate were not anchored in the harbor on that day.

Historians have often speculated about what might have transpired from legendary "matchups" of great generals and admirals. In this story of the aftermath of Pearl Harbor, the notorious gambler Yamamoto is pitted against the equally legendary American admiral Bill Halsey in a battle of wits, nerve, and skill.

Days of Infamy recounts this alternative history from a multitude of viewpoints - from President Roosevelt, Prime Minister Churchill, and the two great admirals, on down to American pilots flying antiquated aircraft, bravely facing the vastly superior Imperial Japanese Navy aircraft. Gingrich and Forstchen have written a sequel that's as much a homage to the survivors of the real Pearl Harbor attack as it is an imaginative and thrilling take on America's entry into World War II.

©2008 Newt Gingrich and William R. Forstchen (P)2008 Macmillan Audio

Recommend thought

A very good, excellent and exciting read. Bad for reading in bed to go to sleep because that will definitely not happen. The authors succeeded in their desire to make the reader think about the subject in a new and different way. Their depiction of the chaos of war is a thought stimulator without parallel. The narrator is very good and contributes greatly to the enjoyment of the book.

Utter Joy

I enjoyed these novels by Gingrich and Forstchen almost as much as the civil war series by the two. Although I will say I did enjoy the civil war series about 10% more than the wwII series. But that being said This series is excellent and well done and well read.

Very decent sequel of Pearl Harbour

What made the experience of listening to Days of Infamy the most enjoyable?

Almost as powerful and vivid as part one in the series which only counts two books so far. A bit too many coincidence and far fetched scenarios for my taste but then again I guess the vastness of the Pacific ocean can create such situations.

What did you like best about this story?

As all westerners I am grateful for Allied forces being victorious in WW2. However in Days of infamy I really liked the look at Yamamoto's respective and his vision for the only realistic plan for Japan to have the slightest chance against the overwhelming strength of the USA.

Which scene was your favorite?

Japan doing what they should have done back in the days, neutralizing Pearl Harbour by finishing off oil reserves, dry docks and other facilities in addition to devastating the battleships. It makes the story so fun some how because it is after all not reality.

Who was the most memorable character of Days of Infamy and why?

Yamamoto

Any additional comments?

What happened next? Is Yamamoto capable of pressing on? Well....why not!

Thanks.

The what IF scenario.

I think writing from a point of what could have happened if they sent that third wave and having a more aggressive commander is a good point of where we could have been in the war with Japan. Vary well written.

Wonderful

After Pearl Harbor, an audio book I loved, I couldn't wait for the sequel. I loved it. Bring on the next one. I do feel that the fortunes of war seem to be favoring the Japanese, however. Why are only our bombs and torpedos duds?

A Good Sequal

I enjoyed this book as much as any others that these two historians have written.
Well done.

I was a little disappointed

I didn't realize it was a " what if" book.
It was well written and performed though.

Great what-if book on the Pearl Harbor attack

I really enjoyed Days of Infamy, the characters and actions seemed to be very plausible. I would love to see an update on how the next set of battles are carried - Midway?

Many skips and missing areas.

Many skips and missing areas. Makes it difficult to understand the story. The whole experience is not as good as it should have been.

You're already going to buy it.

Now that the attacks have happened authors explore the results of the change in reality from book 1. So there is less "fact" to learn from here, but the whole is really worth the effort, what could have been is frightening and I really hope this era is explored futher. I haven't gotten any of their civil war books, but want to.