Thursday, March 5, 2009

26. For Valour

By Douglas Reeman

Rated 5 Stars
From:  Library

The story of the convoys delivering supplies to the Soviet Union through German controlled waters off Norway is not often told.  This book is a novel of the northern convoys. Commander Graham Martineau is still haunted by the ship he lost as he takes command of the crack Tribal Class destroyer Kakka and her weary crew to excort the cargo ships on the long run across the northern ocean.

World War II was a war which involved the home front as well. The irony of sailors in harm's way losing families at home is portrayed well. The characters are human and vulnerable, and entirely believable. They have the courage to continue human involvements in the face of separation and loss. All in all, the book is immensely moving and a good description of human character. The technical details are informed and accurate, as in all of Reeman's novels.