“Silent Running” by Craig DiLouie is a riveting story depicting the adventures of the USS Sabretooth, an US Navy submarine. It is the second in the series, but can be read and enjoyed even if you have not read book #1 . I did.
Charlie “ Hara-Kari” Harrison newly assigned to “Sabrefish” brings with him a record of heroism on his previous sub when it was caught in a surface attack by an IJN destroyer. But his new shipmates , including the Captain, tend to be wary of what they see asHarrison’s daredevil aggressiveness. The novel is about whether he can win them over and prove his leadership qualities.
The sub’s mission is to carry a load of military pay and medical supplies and rendezvous with Guerrillas in the Philippines, and also sink Japanese shipping along the way.
The cruise is eventful. Mr. DiLouie does a very good job of depicting the daily routine and many dangers submariners faced. I am hardly expert, but his facts ring true especially in the context of writing a novel that grabs and holds the reader’ s attentions. The character of Harrison is one of a man flawed, but willing to learn and grow in stressful, dangerous situations. Other characters are sketched in, although the captain is more filled in as , as he should be.
Recommended as a very good novel. Recommended especially to those who enjoy reading novels of WW2 and / or who have seen such Hollywood war dramas as “ Run Silent, Run Deep, and others. As for me, I have put Craig DiLouie on my to read list.
( Nothing objectionable in the novel)