Audible Customer

Great Book! Well Written and Superbly Narrated

Revisado: 07-08-20

“In the Cauldron” is a fascinating account of the circumstances leading up to the fateful decision by the Japanese to attack the US. This was a period when the US and Japan were negotiating resolution of Japanese aggressions and US responses to those aggressions in the Asia-Pacific region. The author, Lew Paper, describes the many government and military officials on both sides who were involved in the policies, decisions and actions of their respective countries. He goes into their backgrounds, illuminating those parts that shaped their attitudes, and in some cases prejudices, towards other people and cultures. He shows how differences in their traditions and languages made it quite difficult, if not impossible, for the Americans and Japanese to negotiate serious conflicts. Central to US efforts in this regard, Paper focuses on Joseph Grew, the dedicated but pragmatic US ambassador to Japan. Grew’s experience, skills, and talents allowed him to understand the nuances in the Japanese culture and language that his bosses back in the United States were unable to appreciate and which permitted him to foresee Japanese intentions to attack. The last part of the book becomes a real page turner as Grew desperately attempts to forestall the anticipated outcome.

The book is expertly narrated by Robertson Dean. Dean speaks clearly and at a perfect pace. His adept pronunciation of all the Japanese names makes one think that he actually speaks the language.

Another aspect of the book that makes it a gratifying audible experience is a unique literary technique that the author incorporates throughout the book. A historical narrative filled with multiple characters can be quite challenging for the reader/listener to follow. Paper does a masterful job, from beginning to end, of reminding the reader who a character is by always mentioning a character’s position or title after re-mentioning his name. As a result, the listener does not have to struggle to remember someone introduced earlier in the book.

This book allows one to truly appreciate the importance of having experienced, dedicated and skillful diplomats when trying to negotiate peaceful resolutions to international conflicts. It also shows what the consequences can be when these diplomats are not listened to.

“In the Cauldron” is an important and valuable addition to the historical record of World War II. Highly recommended.

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