Review: Miracle at Midway

Miracle at Midway by Gordon W. Prange
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I'm pretty sure this is a re-read, although it was so long ago that I read it that I feels new. The subject itself is pretty easy to figure out- the Battle of Midway, the turning point in the Pacific War. Prange and his co-authors take us through their account, based on exhaustive research and engagement with those who fought in the battle on both sides. The result is a compelling and detailed account of the battle- its leadup and aftermath as well.

This is still a very American book and you have to expect a certain American triumphalism. And, fair enough, this was a victory which was decisive as it was unexpected. The pummeling of the American fleet at Pearl Harbour and six months of constant victory made the Japanese complacent, but even with that, except for a crucial six minutes in which the Americans managed to unwittingly concentrate their dive bombers over the Japanese carriers, with all their fighters too low to intervene and carriers at their most incendiary, the Japanese were easily winning. Not the victory was all luck- the Japanese were sloppy and the Americans much less so. Be be warned about the tone.

Yet, this is still worth reading. It is a compelling underdog story and Prange brings the preparations and the battle to life.

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