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The Modern Naval Fiction Library
The Pride and the Anguish
Singapore, November, 1941 . . . They called it the "Gibraltar of the Far East" — a British rock that could not be taken. But suddenly, in a lightning blow, Singapore may be defeated. Call it incompetence or call it false pride. It doesn't really matter. Just as the warplanes of the Rising Sun take command of the skies. Lt. Ralph Trewin, who was a proud recipient of the Distinguished Service Cross, arrives at Singapore as second-in-command of the gun boat HMS Porcupine. Is it too late to overcome the ignorance and blind optimism he finds in Singapore?
324 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1968
51 people are currently reading
120 people want to read
About the author
Douglas Reeman
138 books178 followersAKA Alexander Kent.
Douglas Edward Reeman was a British author who has written many historical fiction books on the Royal Navy, mainly set during either World War II or the Napoleonic Wars.
Reeman joined the Royal Navy in 1940, at the age of 16, and served during World War II and the Korean War. He eventually rose to the rank of lieutenant. In addition to being an author, Reeman has also taught the art of navigation for yachting and served as a technical advisor for films. Douglas married author Kimberley Jordan Reeman in 1985.
Reeman's debut novel, A Prayer for the Ship was published in 1958. His pseudonym Alexander Kent was the name of a friend and naval officer who died during the Second World War. Reeman is most famous for his series of Napoleonic naval stories, whose central character is Richard Bolitho, and, later, his nephew, Adam. He also wrote a series of novels about several generations of the Blackwood family who served in the Royal Marines from the 1850s to the 1970s, and a non-fiction account of his World War II experiences, D-Day : A Personal Reminiscence (1984).
Series:
* Blackwood Family
Douglas Edward Reeman was a British author who has written many historical fiction books on the Royal Navy, mainly set during either World War II or the Napoleonic Wars.
Reeman joined the Royal Navy in 1940, at the age of 16, and served during World War II and the Korean War. He eventually rose to the rank of lieutenant. In addition to being an author, Reeman has also taught the art of navigation for yachting and served as a technical advisor for films. Douglas married author Kimberley Jordan Reeman in 1985.
Reeman's debut novel, A Prayer for the Ship was published in 1958. His pseudonym Alexander Kent was the name of a friend and naval officer who died during the Second World War. Reeman is most famous for his series of Napoleonic naval stories, whose central character is Richard Bolitho, and, later, his nephew, Adam. He also wrote a series of novels about several generations of the Blackwood family who served in the Royal Marines from the 1850s to the 1970s, and a non-fiction account of his World War II experiences, D-Day : A Personal Reminiscence (1984).
Series:
* Blackwood Family
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
February 6, 2013
Here is a Second World War novel of epic proportions. A British naval officer (Lieutenant Ralph Trewin), recovered from wounds received during the Battle of Crete, arrives at his new assignment on a gunboat at the Singapore station. The date: November 1941. His commanding officer is a hard-nosed martinet, a stickler for doing things by the book. Their relationship proves to be a fractious one. But with the coming of war in the following month, both men are forced to work more closely together under considerable stress as the Japanese advance down the Malay Peninsula and threaten Singapore itself.
The author has made a well-paced, heart-stopping novel that will have the reader turning the pages, anxious to see what happens next. Yes, it is that intense.
The author has made a well-paced, heart-stopping novel that will have the reader turning the pages, anxious to see what happens next. Yes, it is that intense.
June 27, 2020
Another fine story set at sea as Singapore is about to fall to the Japanese. Lieutenant Ralph Trewin arrives after a recovering from wounds and the loss of a ship when Crete was invaded. He is now among people who think there is no chance of Singapore falling. They are far away from Europe. But then the Japanese begin to advance along the Malay peninsular. Things start to become desperate. Trewin is assigned to a gunboat called HMS Porcupine and the commanding officer is a hard nose 'by the book' man. Constantly watching over his officer's shoulders and rather difficult to deal with. With the war situation becoming darker by the day, Trewin and his commanding officer must work together in a tense and dreadful situation. I enjoyed this particular Douglas Reeman story as I have done all of his novels. However, I felt there was a little something extra about this story that made me want to keep going. A cracking read.
April 14, 2019
If you're into WWII Naval adventure novels you'd probably rate this higher than I did. This story of a British gunboat defending Malaysia and Singapore from the Japanese has the requisite amount of action and intrigue, and is well-told, but it's not really in my wheelhouse, as they say.
June 11, 2014
Douglas Reeman drinking game: on what page does he first use the word "oblivion"? Answer here is--page 260.
Douglas Reeman drinking game: on what page does the "comma, what?" character first utter the phrase, as in "Provided she doesn't run out of coal, what?" Answer here is--page 72. See previous reviews of Reeman books for what usually happens to the "comma, what?" character.
May be the best Reeman of them all. Sure there are improbable coincidences (appearance of Royal Engineers). Sure there's a dopey romantic interest that progresses to the "I love you Claire" stage the third time they meet. But the drama cast in the pathos of the fall of Singapore, is interesting alone. Add a Wavy-Navy protagonist as a Lieutenant working under a dubious Regular Commander/captain with Queeg-like qualities, and it's more interesting still. And given they're in a flat-bottom China River boat, what will happen when the Japanese pour down Malaya and strike at Singapore itself? Lots of complications among the officers, many of which are tied up a bit too neatly, but a fantastic story.
Douglas Reeman drinking game: on what page does the "comma, what?" character first utter the phrase, as in "Provided she doesn't run out of coal, what?" Answer here is--page 72. See previous reviews of Reeman books for what usually happens to the "comma, what?" character.
May be the best Reeman of them all. Sure there are improbable coincidences (appearance of Royal Engineers). Sure there's a dopey romantic interest that progresses to the "I love you Claire" stage the third time they meet. But the drama cast in the pathos of the fall of Singapore, is interesting alone. Add a Wavy-Navy protagonist as a Lieutenant working under a dubious Regular Commander/captain with Queeg-like qualities, and it's more interesting still. And given they're in a flat-bottom China River boat, what will happen when the Japanese pour down Malaya and strike at Singapore itself? Lots of complications among the officers, many of which are tied up a bit too neatly, but a fantastic story.
June 28, 2017
One of my favorite genres is Historical Naval Fiction -- particularly Napoleonic era -- and am currently working my way through the Bolitho series by Alexander Kent. Upon discovering that Kent is a nom de plume of Douglass Reeman -- who was prolific in WWII Naval Fiction -- I decided to try Pride and the Anguish, his highest GR-rated stand alone novel.
Meh.
Written in the '60s from an Englishman's perspective the only thing that struck me was the deprecation toward the attitude and SOP so pervasive throughout British military history. An approach and mindset that developed and served them well during the expansion of the empire; conversely, leading to the empire's downfall that begun with the rebellion of the colonies that it fomented.
Perhaps the writer's jaded maturity enabled him to reflect with a more critical hindsight. Regardless, the story centered around the shameful loss of Singapore has its moments: Action, suspense, conflict, romance and betrayal.
Good read. Good flow. Just didn't float my particular boat.
Meh.
Written in the '60s from an Englishman's perspective the only thing that struck me was the deprecation toward the attitude and SOP so pervasive throughout British military history. An approach and mindset that developed and served them well during the expansion of the empire; conversely, leading to the empire's downfall that begun with the rebellion of the colonies that it fomented.
Perhaps the writer's jaded maturity enabled him to reflect with a more critical hindsight. Regardless, the story centered around the shameful loss of Singapore has its moments: Action, suspense, conflict, romance and betrayal.
Good read. Good flow. Just didn't float my particular boat.
July 12, 2018
In November 1941, Lieutenant Ralph Trewin D.S.C arrives in Singapore as the second-in-command of the gun-boat H.M.S.Porcupine. Trewin joined the war as a Reservist and finds himself being disparaged by the ship's Regular captain, Greville Corbett.Trewin has previously served and been injured in the European theatre and is initially astounded by the complacency and laxness he sees amongst the inhabitants of the island who who believe that the fortress is impregnable.
The following month the Japanese invade Malaya and three months later the unthinkable has happened, Singapore is on the brink of capture. Rather than await capture Corbett and Trewin decide to make a run for it with their ship but if they are to succeed then they must rely on each other's strengths.
I must admit that historical fiction is my favourite genre and particularly enjoy the author's Napoleonic Bolitho series written under the name of Alexander Kent. I am less of a fan of these more modern based books. There is one of the author's earliest books but has many of the elements that you will find in his other books, daring do's against the odds, flawed heroes, incompetent senior officers and even a token love interest. That said it is well written, the plot is kept simple and not over burdened with jargon, the action purrs along at a fairly breathless pace. If you are already a fan of the author's works then you will enjoy this but learn nothing. However, if you are not a fan then it is unlikely to convert you.
The following month the Japanese invade Malaya and three months later the unthinkable has happened, Singapore is on the brink of capture. Rather than await capture Corbett and Trewin decide to make a run for it with their ship but if they are to succeed then they must rely on each other's strengths.
I must admit that historical fiction is my favourite genre and particularly enjoy the author's Napoleonic Bolitho series written under the name of Alexander Kent. I am less of a fan of these more modern based books. There is one of the author's earliest books but has many of the elements that you will find in his other books, daring do's against the odds, flawed heroes, incompetent senior officers and even a token love interest. That said it is well written, the plot is kept simple and not over burdened with jargon, the action purrs along at a fairly breathless pace. If you are already a fan of the author's works then you will enjoy this but learn nothing. However, if you are not a fan then it is unlikely to convert you.
January 28, 2025
Almost one hundred pages in and our tragically-widowed young hero gets a flesh wound to the shoulder requiring a trip to the local hospital. All die-hard Reeman fans like me know exactly what's about to happen: lissome young nurse, initial misunderstanding soon gives way to mushy romance with a short beachside interlude for below decks action.
Herein lies the appeal of this author's books. We know what we're getting, and thankfully the lovey dovey stuff (not the writer's strongpoint) is kept to a minimum. This novel powers along at a fair old lick with plenty of action and an interesting take on the "captain as a total martinet bastard" redemptive arc. Our battle-scarred hero (wounded in Crete) is a bit 'by the numbers' and his inner demons take the form of being a bit short-tempered & mopey at times.
Any flaws are more than made up for by a convincing depiction of the fall of Singapore, one of the war's lesser-known tragedies. No punches are pulled in the portrayal of the Japs as brutal marauders and the Brits as incompetent and hubristic. The customary climactic sea battle caps one of the best Reeman I've read. As you were men, carry on.
Herein lies the appeal of this author's books. We know what we're getting, and thankfully the lovey dovey stuff (not the writer's strongpoint) is kept to a minimum. This novel powers along at a fair old lick with plenty of action and an interesting take on the "captain as a total martinet bastard" redemptive arc. Our battle-scarred hero (wounded in Crete) is a bit 'by the numbers' and his inner demons take the form of being a bit short-tempered & mopey at times.
Any flaws are more than made up for by a convincing depiction of the fall of Singapore, one of the war's lesser-known tragedies. No punches are pulled in the portrayal of the Japs as brutal marauders and the Brits as incompetent and hubristic. The customary climactic sea battle caps one of the best Reeman I've read. As you were men, carry on.
March 7, 2021
Well written novel from 1968. This is the first Douglas Reeman book that I have read as I just fancied going Old School and this seems to have stood the test of time, a bit stiff upper lip as you would expect,
But if you know nothing about the fall of Singapore to the Japanese in WW2 and enjoy men mucking about on the ocean and don't want the harrowing reality of reading a history book then this is a good place to start. A bit technical with Afts and starboards and knotts and abeams but from a 21 Century perspective Very Good
But if you know nothing about the fall of Singapore to the Japanese in WW2 and enjoy men mucking about on the ocean and don't want the harrowing reality of reading a history book then this is a good place to start. A bit technical with Afts and starboards and knotts and abeams but from a 21 Century perspective Very Good
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 26, 2022
I have read Reeman's stuff in the past. I really liked Alexander Kent's Bolitho series. But this one just didn't cut it. Really a love story. And not a boat love story. I found myself scanning pages with all the romance. Something I do not think I did with Bolitho.
Douglas Reeman- great writer. British patriot. Did you know his writing pseudonym Alexander Kent was named after a friend that died in WWII? Thank you memorializing the original Mr. (rank unknown) Kent.
Douglas Reeman- great writer. British patriot. Did you know his writing pseudonym Alexander Kent was named after a friend that died in WWII? Thank you memorializing the original Mr. (rank unknown) Kent.
February 11, 2021
Cracking Naval story
Based on the tragedy of Singapore in WW2, this is a compelling story by one of the best of our naval thriller writers. A man who saw much action himself so has the experience to write with authority.
Based on the tragedy of Singapore in WW2, this is a compelling story by one of the best of our naval thriller writers. A man who saw much action himself so has the experience to write with authority.
August 25, 2025
Good story and an excellent setting - around the fall of Singapore but from an unusual angle.
Well worth reading. Reeman really knows how to construct a wartime novel - he should do given his alter ego was Alexander Kent!
Well worth reading. Reeman really knows how to construct a wartime novel - he should do given his alter ego was Alexander Kent!
October 3, 2017
Good WWII British navel story about the Japanese conquest of Singapore gave it 4 stars
March 15, 2018
Another excellent Douglas Reeman WWII British naval novel. Shows the anguish of the british defeat in Malaya and the loss of Singapore. Highly recommended.
September 27, 2019
Exciting story
Refreshing original tale with excellent characters .Another great story from this author who seems to rfeel off new fiction with ease.
Refreshing original tale with excellent characters .Another great story from this author who seems to rfeel off new fiction with ease.
December 4, 2019
Full of action very authentic enjoyed it tremendously
April 4, 2020
Naval War story
A really good narrative fast flowing about the RN in Singapore. A small boat story about heroic deeds. Thank you DR
A really good narrative fast flowing about the RN in Singapore. A small boat story about heroic deeds. Thank you DR
March 21, 2021
A good old-fashioned WWII adventure action novel with no hidden agenda.
June 10, 2022
An insight into different times.
A further superbly told story from a master story teller of modern naval fiction. Full of fact and emotion. Great.
A further superbly told story from a master story teller of modern naval fiction. Full of fact and emotion. Great.
July 10, 2022
Good naval tale
Excellent story around the fall of Singapore WW2 . Good action sequences and usual senior officer politics. Kept me interested until the end recommended read.
Excellent story around the fall of Singapore WW2 . Good action sequences and usual senior officer politics. Kept me interested until the end recommended read.
August 15, 2022
Great read
This is one I could not put down. Thank you for taking me on board the remarkable ship and company.
This is one I could not put down. Thank you for taking me on board the remarkable ship and company.
August 25, 2023
another brilliant book
Douglas Reeman is so good to read. I think I have passed 12 books of his now and just going to look for another.
Douglas Reeman is so good to read. I think I have passed 12 books of his now and just going to look for another.
October 5, 2012
If you've read one Douglas Reeman book, then you probably have a fair idea of how this one will go, as many themes recur in his books. That said, if you like Douglas Reeman then you'll probably like this book.
This isn't a new book, but although I've read many Douglas Reeman books I hadn't read this one before - or at least hadn't owned a copy. It portrays the path of a small gunboat, H.M.S. Porcupine, serving on the Singapore station in late 1941 and early 1942 during the Japanese attack on Singapore. The main character is the Executive Officer, Trewin, who has just been posted from fighting in the Mediterranean to the seemingly quiet Singapore. He struggles with his new Captain, different attitudes from where he's been serving, and the seeming uselessness of his new ship.
Over the course of the story the Japanese begin their attack towards Singapore, and Trewin and the crew of the Porcupine struggle with the way the Japanese wage war, and how unprepared British forces are for what happens. Trewin also forms a relationship with a young British woman, helping her father in a remote hospital.
Being an earlier Reeman book, everything isn't necessarily rosy as the story ends, but this is realistic for the Allied situation in the Pacific. Overall it paints an interesting picture of perhaps one of the smaller skirmishes in the overall scope of the Pacific Theatre.
An enjoyable book, worth reading if you enjoy Reeman as an author.
This isn't a new book, but although I've read many Douglas Reeman books I hadn't read this one before - or at least hadn't owned a copy. It portrays the path of a small gunboat, H.M.S. Porcupine, serving on the Singapore station in late 1941 and early 1942 during the Japanese attack on Singapore. The main character is the Executive Officer, Trewin, who has just been posted from fighting in the Mediterranean to the seemingly quiet Singapore. He struggles with his new Captain, different attitudes from where he's been serving, and the seeming uselessness of his new ship.
Over the course of the story the Japanese begin their attack towards Singapore, and Trewin and the crew of the Porcupine struggle with the way the Japanese wage war, and how unprepared British forces are for what happens. Trewin also forms a relationship with a young British woman, helping her father in a remote hospital.
Being an earlier Reeman book, everything isn't necessarily rosy as the story ends, but this is realistic for the Allied situation in the Pacific. Overall it paints an interesting picture of perhaps one of the smaller skirmishes in the overall scope of the Pacific Theatre.
An enjoyable book, worth reading if you enjoy Reeman as an author.
September 16, 2012
November 1941: Lieutenant Ralph Trewain, D.S.C. arrives at Singapore as second-in-command of the shallow-draught gunboat, HMS Porcupine. To Trewin, still shocked from wounds received during the evacuation of Crete, the gunboat and her five elderly consorts seem to symbolize the ignorance and blind optimism he finds in Singapore. And the Porcupine' s captain is as unwilling as the rest to take heed of Trewain's alarm, for to him the gunboat represents his last chance.The following month, the Japanese invade Malaya, and in three months Singapore, the impregnable fortress, knows the humiliation of surrender.Through the misery and despair of this bloody campaign Trewin and his captain are forced to draw on each other's beliefs and weaknesses, and together they weld the little gunboat into a symbol of bravery and pride.
November 28, 2016
Great Story!
As always, Reeman doesn't disappoint. As a self proclaimed student of WWII, I know a good deal of the battles fought, more so in the Pacific Theater than the Atlantic, however I'm not very well versed in the war before the United States's entry after the sneak attack perpetrated by the Japs at Pearl harbor. I'm aware of the defeats at the outset of the war, but haven't studied them in nearly the depth of actions AFTER Dec. 7th. This book gave me a feeling for that time. The act was incredibly described, and the book kept me riveted from start to finish.
As always, Reeman doesn't disappoint. As a self proclaimed student of WWII, I know a good deal of the battles fought, more so in the Pacific Theater than the Atlantic, however I'm not very well versed in the war before the United States's entry after the sneak attack perpetrated by the Japs at Pearl harbor. I'm aware of the defeats at the outset of the war, but haven't studied them in nearly the depth of actions AFTER Dec. 7th. This book gave me a feeling for that time. The act was incredibly described, and the book kept me riveted from start to finish.
Read
July 28, 2009Enjoyed
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews