Balanced view

It has some uncomfortable truths for Australia, Britain and the U.S. But it clearly show why the majority of the blame lies with Japan. He puts forward convincing arguments for all sides but dismisses flawed arguments clearly and precisely

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5 people found this helpful

Magnificent

One of the best war books ever written, and the best book ever written on the subject of the American and Japanese war in the pacific. Beautifully researched and magically told, it’s a must have for anyone that loves the mid C20th

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A detailed story, very well told!

Balanced and well researched story of the often overlooked end of the Pacific War, but which still lingers today with ongoing Russian occupation of the Kurile Islands, and Japan’s silence on wartime events.
Stewart Cameron has brought Hastings’ book brilliantly to life.
Excellent!!

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1 person found this helpful

An excellent overview of the pacific war.

Nemesis is vast in its ambition to encapsulate what can be readily regarded as a 'complete picture' of the pacific war. It's Hastings at his best. Tenacious analysis, arguments both robust and reflective. Stewart Cameron's delivery is clear and sustained, with an engaging ability to provide cultural expression to quotes and interviews.

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wow, it's well worth the Listen.

it's a long one; however, many stages of the conflict are covered in depth. rather than a day by day monologue.

We all know the big battles.. & who wins them, The various chapters cover all facets of the pacific war.
What lead up to them and then the consequences of defeat or victory.

it not always shown only that this side has won the battle.. in many other titles..

i give it 10/10

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Japanese should listen to this

Horrifying, and not easy listening but should be compulsory for anyone who thinks that militaristic regimes are a good idea. No wonder the Chinese do not forgive. And yes, the winners write the history but I felt that this was a well balanced analysis. The god Hirohito deserved to have been tried as a war criminal.

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Epic & stunning.

Where does Nemesis rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It's up there with the best WW2 audiobooks I've read. It covers events in the East from many angles and viewpoints and leaves one with a powerful impression of the madness and scale of the conflict.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The Kamakaze are very interesting indeed.

Have you listened to any of Stewart Cameron’s other performances? How does this one compare?

Not yet, but his performance is brilliant. I like how he can switch on believable accents, such as Australian, American and Russian.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The last days of the war were particularly disturbing. The Atom Bomb obviously is a culmination of events.

Any additional comments?

A masterpiece, deserves multiple listens.

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2 people found this helpful

Excellent, but..

Hastings at his best. However, limiting it to just two years doesn’t give a complete history of the origins of the Pacific War which would have been been helpful. However, I am now reading Hirohito‘a War by Francis Pike which hopefully will give a complete picture of the origins of Japanese imperialism.

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1 person found this helpful

A brilliant historian in his prime

I’ve read a number of Max Hastings books and they are always good but need your full attention. This book is not only balanced but it’s hard not to be empathetic to some people you shouldn’t,
The reader is clear, concise and puts effort into his accents, although we may need a chat about his Australian one as a an Australian myself 😀

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1 person found this helpful

Compelling history of the Pacific War

Well written and narrated. Gives great illustrative examples without losing sight of the big picture. Good analysis and evaluation.

Note that the TOC headings don't match up with the chapters

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