From Publishers Weekly
Devotees of World War II naval adventure may enjoy this slow, drawn-out tale, but Trew won't win any new fans. The story revolves around the long-range duel between Togo Yashimoto, ruthless commander of submarine I-357, and John Barratt, stolid skipper of the British destroyer Restless. In the Mozambique Channel off East Africa in 1942, the Japanese sub sinks a U.S. Liberty ship but is severely damaged by a fluke shot from the freighter's gun. To maintain secrecy Yashimoto machine-guns the survivors and takes I-357 to a semi-deserted island for repairs. One American does survive, though, and is picked up by Restless. His account of the atrocity inflames Lt. Commander Barratt (whose wife died in a Japanese prison camp) and, disregarding wireless orders, Barratt tracks and finds the camouflaged sub. After long, detailed accounts of life aboard the two vessels, there is, finally, a showdown. Almost all the characters are flatly drawn, and the action finale comes too late to save the book.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
YA Trew captures all of the action of destroyer-submarine warfare in the Indian Ocean during World War II. He pits the ruthless Samurai tradition of the Japanese captain of a battle-damaged submarine against the sensitive English captain of a British destroyer who has a vendetta against the Japanese for the death of his wife. Students will like the book's fast action and strong characterizations. A good choice for World War II enthusiasts and readers requiring fast-moving adventure. Barbara Batty, Port Arthur Independent School District
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.
