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1942
December 7 is “the date which will live in infamy.” But now Japan is hatching another, far greater plan to bring America to its knees. . . .
The Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor was a resounding success–except for one a second bombing mission, to destroy crucial oil storage facilities, was aborted that day. Now, in this gripping and stunning work of alternate history, Robert Conroy reimagines December 7, 1941, to include the attack the Japanese didn’t launch, and what follows is a thrilling tale of war, resistance, sacrifice, and courage. For when Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto sees how badly the United States has been ravaged in a two-pronged strike, he devises another, more daring an all-out invasion of Hawaii to put a stranglehold on the American Pacific Fleet.
Yamamoto’s strategy works brilliantly–at first. But a handful of American soldiers and a determined civilian resistance fight back in the face of cruelty unknown in Western warfare. Stateside, a counterassault is planned–and the pioneering MIT-trained aviator Colonel Jimmy Doolittle is given a near-impossible mission with a fleet of seaplanes jury-rigged into bombers. From spies to ordinary heroes and those caught between two cultures at war, this is the epic saga of the Battle of Hawaii–the way it very nearly was. . . .
The Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor was a resounding success–except for one a second bombing mission, to destroy crucial oil storage facilities, was aborted that day. Now, in this gripping and stunning work of alternate history, Robert Conroy reimagines December 7, 1941, to include the attack the Japanese didn’t launch, and what follows is a thrilling tale of war, resistance, sacrifice, and courage. For when Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto sees how badly the United States has been ravaged in a two-pronged strike, he devises another, more daring an all-out invasion of Hawaii to put a stranglehold on the American Pacific Fleet.
Yamamoto’s strategy works brilliantly–at first. But a handful of American soldiers and a determined civilian resistance fight back in the face of cruelty unknown in Western warfare. Stateside, a counterassault is planned–and the pioneering MIT-trained aviator Colonel Jimmy Doolittle is given a near-impossible mission with a fleet of seaplanes jury-rigged into bombers. From spies to ordinary heroes and those caught between two cultures at war, this is the epic saga of the Battle of Hawaii–the way it very nearly was. . . .
358 pages, Paperback
First published February 24, 2009
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1046 people want to read
About the author
Robert Conroy
26 books196 followersRobert Conroy was a best selling author of alternate history novels. His 1942, which is set within a Japanese conquest of Hawaii, won the prestigious Sidewise Award for alternate histories.
After taking early retirement from automotive management, Conroy decided to combine his loves of history and writing. After discovering that Kaiser Wilhelm had plans to invade the U.S., he wrote his first alternate history, 1901 in which the invasion took place. He found alternate history fascinating and the possibilities never-ending. He also wrote for Military History Magazine.
Conroy had a MBA, was a US Army Veteran and was a retired instructor at Macomb Community College. He had a married daughter and two grandsons. He lived in southeastern Michigan with his wife of forty-plus years. He passed away in December 2014 from Cancer.
After taking early retirement from automotive management, Conroy decided to combine his loves of history and writing. After discovering that Kaiser Wilhelm had plans to invade the U.S., he wrote his first alternate history, 1901 in which the invasion took place. He found alternate history fascinating and the possibilities never-ending. He also wrote for Military History Magazine.
Conroy had a MBA, was a US Army Veteran and was a retired instructor at Macomb Community College. He had a married daughter and two grandsons. He lived in southeastern Michigan with his wife of forty-plus years. He passed away in December 2014 from Cancer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
June 10, 2009
A sigh of relief!
Finally done with the increasingly punishing read. The climatic confrontation to retake the islands back from the invading Japanese was more anti-climatic than anything else. That's because this thing was on life support before that completing it was tantamount to assisted suicide, Doctor Kevorkian anyone?
It's not often that I am as underwhelmed by a book as I was with Robert Conroy's latest. Perhaps an editor finally intervened (for a change) and insisted the very rushed conclusion of this tale but be that as it may it only cemented my worst opinion of this book, this writer and his craft. Littered with inconsistencies of tactical doctrine & strategic planning the final two chapters made virtually no sense at all. Combine that with a dreadful lack scholar research both in the nature of naval warfare and the tools of the day by which it was implemented made me question this author's claim to be a historian; much less a history teacher.
"Crossing the T"? Did I really read that insane bit of prose? Is Mr. Conroy confused? Did he suddenly daydream of writing Horatio Hornblower?
Night combat air patrols and night aerial attacks by Zeros, Wildcats and fantasy Uber-Flying Boats (as Mr. Conroy conceives his handful of appropriated Boeing 314's cum super-expedient bombers).
The errors of both omission AND commission make this a pitiful example of pop-literature and an undeniably bad apple for the SPECULATIVE-HISTORY genre.
Combined with the tacky & raw caricatures of the Imperial Japanese military as either wise yet aloof patricians or half-mad sadistic torturers, gratuitous and childishly scripted sex scenes, contrived motives and perspectives from a host of characters both factual (in name only) and fictional you have all the trappings of somebody collecting a quite undeserved paycheck.
Fair warning... save your Federal Reserve Notes and stay away from this book!
Finally done with the increasingly punishing read. The climatic confrontation to retake the islands back from the invading Japanese was more anti-climatic than anything else. That's because this thing was on life support before that completing it was tantamount to assisted suicide, Doctor Kevorkian anyone?
It's not often that I am as underwhelmed by a book as I was with Robert Conroy's latest. Perhaps an editor finally intervened (for a change) and insisted the very rushed conclusion of this tale but be that as it may it only cemented my worst opinion of this book, this writer and his craft. Littered with inconsistencies of tactical doctrine & strategic planning the final two chapters made virtually no sense at all. Combine that with a dreadful lack scholar research both in the nature of naval warfare and the tools of the day by which it was implemented made me question this author's claim to be a historian; much less a history teacher.
"Crossing the T"? Did I really read that insane bit of prose? Is Mr. Conroy confused? Did he suddenly daydream of writing Horatio Hornblower?
Night combat air patrols and night aerial attacks by Zeros, Wildcats and fantasy Uber-Flying Boats (as Mr. Conroy conceives his handful of appropriated Boeing 314's cum super-expedient bombers).
The errors of both omission AND commission make this a pitiful example of pop-literature and an undeniably bad apple for the SPECULATIVE-HISTORY genre.
Combined with the tacky & raw caricatures of the Imperial Japanese military as either wise yet aloof patricians or half-mad sadistic torturers, gratuitous and childishly scripted sex scenes, contrived motives and perspectives from a host of characters both factual (in name only) and fictional you have all the trappings of somebody collecting a quite undeserved paycheck.
Fair warning... save your Federal Reserve Notes and stay away from this book!
August 6, 2012
Some Really Good Parts But..."
1942: A Novel follows up on a simple "What if?" from history: What if the Japanese actually invaded and conquered Hawaii rather than simply attacked it on December 7, 1941?
Conroy's book is very strong up until the point where the Japanese invade. The premise of the book is historically strong, the strategies seem logical, the personalities of the real historical figures are consistent with what we know of them nowadays.
But...
Once the invasion happens, Conroy indulges in exploring the depravities of the Japanese secret police with too much vigor. Yes, I know that the Japanese were brutal, cruel, heartless conquerors that literally raped cities like Nanking, China. He shows a similar brutality in the invasion of Hawaii, which is fine and appropriate - there is no reason to assume the Japanese would have acted any better in Hawaii than they did in China, Korea and the Philippines. But, Conroy insists on showing one brutal act after another - multiple rapes, guttings, hands chopped off, heads chopped off, genitalia mutilated and so on.
It becomes a parade of atrocities and, in my opinion, the story starts to drown in it all, which is too bad because it started so well.
http://dwdsreviews.blogspot.com/
1942: A Novel follows up on a simple "What if?" from history: What if the Japanese actually invaded and conquered Hawaii rather than simply attacked it on December 7, 1941?
Conroy's book is very strong up until the point where the Japanese invade. The premise of the book is historically strong, the strategies seem logical, the personalities of the real historical figures are consistent with what we know of them nowadays.
But...
Once the invasion happens, Conroy indulges in exploring the depravities of the Japanese secret police with too much vigor. Yes, I know that the Japanese were brutal, cruel, heartless conquerors that literally raped cities like Nanking, China. He shows a similar brutality in the invasion of Hawaii, which is fine and appropriate - there is no reason to assume the Japanese would have acted any better in Hawaii than they did in China, Korea and the Philippines. But, Conroy insists on showing one brutal act after another - multiple rapes, guttings, hands chopped off, heads chopped off, genitalia mutilated and so on.
It becomes a parade of atrocities and, in my opinion, the story starts to drown in it all, which is too bad because it started so well.
http://dwdsreviews.blogspot.com/
July 19, 2021
The hinge of history turns on chance, and alternate history grabs that insight and shakes it in our faces. When we ask the “what if” questions that arise as we ponder the past, historians shrug. The gist of their responses tends to be “it is what it is.” But a small number of authors who indulge in writing alternate history refuse to settle for that answer. They know, as do we all, that major historical events are complex beyond our comprehension. Like the butterfly flapping its wings in Brazil and causing rain to fall in Chicago, the action or inaction of a single person at a pivotal moment might shift the course of history. And no event in the story of the human race is richer with those possibilities than World War II.
Within the field of alternate history two men have proven to be the most prolific recent practitioners. Harry Turtledove (1949-), who holds a PhD in Byzantine history, is the best known of the lot. Alternate history abounds among the scores of historical fiction, science fiction, and fantasy novels he has written. Unfortunately, I’ve found his writing so crammed with clichés that it’s unreadable. The sixteen alternate history novels by the late Robert Conroy (1938-2014) won’t win any literary awards, either. The writing style is pallid, even deadly dull at times. But his seven alternate histories of World War II display a deep knowledge of the men and machinery who drove the war and a masterful command of plotting. And he brings that skill to bear with great effectiveness in 1942, in which he speculates about what might have happened had Japan finished the job in its attack at Pearl Harbor.
The attack at Pearl Harbor was a failure
Most historical accounts of the sneak Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, refer to it as a catastrophe for the United States. Unquestionably, it was the most devastating defeat by the US Navy in its history. 2,335 American officers and men were killed and another 1,143 wounded. Of the eight US battleships in the harbor, four were sunk and the other four heavily damaged. The US also lost 188 aircraft, with another 159 damaged. But, from a strategic standpoint, the attack was a failure for the Japanese Empire, and Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto (1884-1943), the man who’d planned it, was well aware of the fact.
What didn’t happen at Pearl Harbor
What didn’t happen at Pearl Harbor was at least equally important as what did. The three American aircraft carriers stationed there had long since left for destinations elsewhere in the Pacific, far beyond the reach of the Japanese Navy. The torpedo storage, maintenance, and dry dock facilities were unharmed. And, by far most significant, the oil storage tanks located inland on the island of Oahu lay untouched. The 4.5 million gallons of fuel they held was more valuable than any ship in the Navy, and it would take months to replenish it. The loss of that fuel could have kept the US Navy out of the Central Pacific for a year or more—and allowed the Japanese to occupy the Hawaiian Islands.
In fact, the commanders of the Japanese carriers that had launched the two waves of the attack on the harbor were ready to send out a third precisely in order to take out the oil storage tanks. But Admiral Chūichi Nagumo (1887-1944), who was in charge, refused to allow it, despite his staff’s recommendations. And that is the hinge on which Robert Conroy bases his tale in 1942.
A sprawling cast of characters, both historic and fictional
This novel abounds with figures out of history, both Japanese and American. Admirals Yamamoto and Nagumo, Nagumo’s key staff members, and Prime Minister Hideki Togo (1884-1948) all enter the stage. So do Admirals Chester Nimitz (1885-1966), Raymond Spruance (1886-1969), and Ernest King (1878-1956), among others, as do General George C. Marshall (1880-1959) and President Franklin D. Roosevelt (1882-1945). Also figuring in the story is Captain Joseph Rochefort, the US Navy cryptanalyst whose discovery of Japanese plans led to the American victory at Midway.
But Conroy’s tale hangs on the actions of a handful of fictional characters. In various ways, they’re involved in the American response to the Japanese occupation that follows the third wave of attacks on Oahu. Among them are a captain in military intelligence based at Pearl Harbor, the young widow of a naval officer who died in the water in the Japanese attack, a crooked American supply sergeant, a naval pilot, the Japanese-American businessman who is the unelected leader of the island’s sizable Japanese community, and his son, a wounded veteran of Japan’s war in China. On the side of the occupiers we meet the admiral in command and the two sadistic leaders of the Kenpetai, the vicious Japanese military police dispatched to the islands to manage security.
It is realistic? Maybe
I’m not sufficiently familiar with military tactics to understand the feasibility of the American campaign Conroy describes to retake the Hawaiian Islands. But it seems plausible, and his portrayal of the historical figures comports with what I know of them through my reading of history. It’s possible that a combat veteran experienced in planning battle tactics might dismiss Conroy’s portrayal of the action. In the end, the rapidity of the American action and its success may seem far-fetched to a skeptical reader. But no matter. The story is exciting, and it brings home once again how foolish we are to assume that history had to happen the way it did.
About the author
Robert Conroy (1938-2014) wrote sixteen alternate history novels published between 1995 and 2018. With an MBA degree, he had taught business and economic history at Macomb Community College in Michigan. He turned to alternate history after his early retirement.
Within the field of alternate history two men have proven to be the most prolific recent practitioners. Harry Turtledove (1949-), who holds a PhD in Byzantine history, is the best known of the lot. Alternate history abounds among the scores of historical fiction, science fiction, and fantasy novels he has written. Unfortunately, I’ve found his writing so crammed with clichés that it’s unreadable. The sixteen alternate history novels by the late Robert Conroy (1938-2014) won’t win any literary awards, either. The writing style is pallid, even deadly dull at times. But his seven alternate histories of World War II display a deep knowledge of the men and machinery who drove the war and a masterful command of plotting. And he brings that skill to bear with great effectiveness in 1942, in which he speculates about what might have happened had Japan finished the job in its attack at Pearl Harbor.
The attack at Pearl Harbor was a failure
Most historical accounts of the sneak Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, refer to it as a catastrophe for the United States. Unquestionably, it was the most devastating defeat by the US Navy in its history. 2,335 American officers and men were killed and another 1,143 wounded. Of the eight US battleships in the harbor, four were sunk and the other four heavily damaged. The US also lost 188 aircraft, with another 159 damaged. But, from a strategic standpoint, the attack was a failure for the Japanese Empire, and Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto (1884-1943), the man who’d planned it, was well aware of the fact.
What didn’t happen at Pearl Harbor
What didn’t happen at Pearl Harbor was at least equally important as what did. The three American aircraft carriers stationed there had long since left for destinations elsewhere in the Pacific, far beyond the reach of the Japanese Navy. The torpedo storage, maintenance, and dry dock facilities were unharmed. And, by far most significant, the oil storage tanks located inland on the island of Oahu lay untouched. The 4.5 million gallons of fuel they held was more valuable than any ship in the Navy, and it would take months to replenish it. The loss of that fuel could have kept the US Navy out of the Central Pacific for a year or more—and allowed the Japanese to occupy the Hawaiian Islands.
In fact, the commanders of the Japanese carriers that had launched the two waves of the attack on the harbor were ready to send out a third precisely in order to take out the oil storage tanks. But Admiral Chūichi Nagumo (1887-1944), who was in charge, refused to allow it, despite his staff’s recommendations. And that is the hinge on which Robert Conroy bases his tale in 1942.
A sprawling cast of characters, both historic and fictional
This novel abounds with figures out of history, both Japanese and American. Admirals Yamamoto and Nagumo, Nagumo’s key staff members, and Prime Minister Hideki Togo (1884-1948) all enter the stage. So do Admirals Chester Nimitz (1885-1966), Raymond Spruance (1886-1969), and Ernest King (1878-1956), among others, as do General George C. Marshall (1880-1959) and President Franklin D. Roosevelt (1882-1945). Also figuring in the story is Captain Joseph Rochefort, the US Navy cryptanalyst whose discovery of Japanese plans led to the American victory at Midway.
But Conroy’s tale hangs on the actions of a handful of fictional characters. In various ways, they’re involved in the American response to the Japanese occupation that follows the third wave of attacks on Oahu. Among them are a captain in military intelligence based at Pearl Harbor, the young widow of a naval officer who died in the water in the Japanese attack, a crooked American supply sergeant, a naval pilot, the Japanese-American businessman who is the unelected leader of the island’s sizable Japanese community, and his son, a wounded veteran of Japan’s war in China. On the side of the occupiers we meet the admiral in command and the two sadistic leaders of the Kenpetai, the vicious Japanese military police dispatched to the islands to manage security.
It is realistic? Maybe
I’m not sufficiently familiar with military tactics to understand the feasibility of the American campaign Conroy describes to retake the Hawaiian Islands. But it seems plausible, and his portrayal of the historical figures comports with what I know of them through my reading of history. It’s possible that a combat veteran experienced in planning battle tactics might dismiss Conroy’s portrayal of the action. In the end, the rapidity of the American action and its success may seem far-fetched to a skeptical reader. But no matter. The story is exciting, and it brings home once again how foolish we are to assume that history had to happen the way it did.
About the author
Robert Conroy (1938-2014) wrote sixteen alternate history novels published between 1995 and 2018. With an MBA degree, he had taught business and economic history at Macomb Community College in Michigan. He turned to alternate history after his early retirement.
May 26, 2017
This was a fine example of alternate history done correctly. The break point between reality and this alternate reality, a simple changed decision by the Japanese admiral leading the Pearl Harbor raid, is believable and draws the reader in. Conroy does an excellent job of depicting the frustration Roosevelt and his commanders would have felt at not being able to defend Hawaii from invasion. He also successfully shows how real life personalities like Jimmy Doolittle would have planned to achieve a high profile attack with scant resources, echoing the real life attack on Tokyo the Colonel led.
As others have mentioned, there is an abundance of time spent on the wartime horrors Americans trapped on the islands would have endured but the examples are drawn from the actions Japanese forces actually inflicted on the civilian populations under their control in China and the Philippines.
I recommend this for fans of the genre.
As others have mentioned, there is an abundance of time spent on the wartime horrors Americans trapped on the islands would have endured but the examples are drawn from the actions Japanese forces actually inflicted on the civilian populations under their control in China and the Philippines.
I recommend this for fans of the genre.
April 4, 2020
If you like alternate history, particularly wartime alternate history (WWII is of course the favorite war of the genre because of the considerable world-altering nature if the Nazis or Japan won, plus being relatively recent in people's minds), this book is for you. The alternate scenario is quite credible given how the US was very fortunate things didn't go much worse on December 7, 1941. Toss in a little less good luck and here you are with the premise of 1942.
The bulk of the novel is fairly tight - it doesn't wander too far off course, keeping things real. But wow, you cannot write a review of this book without mentioning how the author portrays the Japanese army. Extremely brutal. Mind you, that's a pretty accurate short description of the Imperial Japanese Army's conduct during the war so you can't fault the author here for going down that road. But the brutality is unsettling to read.
The bulk of the novel is fairly tight - it doesn't wander too far off course, keeping things real. But wow, you cannot write a review of this book without mentioning how the author portrays the Japanese army. Extremely brutal. Mind you, that's a pretty accurate short description of the Imperial Japanese Army's conduct during the war so you can't fault the author here for going down that road. But the brutality is unsettling to read.
January 16, 2024
This is the 4th book of Robert Conroy’s I’ve read. The previous ones being 1862, 1901 and Liberty: 1784. This book was easily my least favorite. All 3 of the prior novels have been exceptional, and compared to those, this one fell short. I think the subject matter itself just wasn’t as interesting to me as his other concepts. This book also has some pretty graphic descriptions of war crimes committed by Japan, which, while historically accurate, were not pleasant to read. On the plus side, the military and navel strategies explored against a Japanese-occupied Hawaii were quite enjoyable. All the characters were well written, and I was certainly rooting for them. Maybe if this was the first book from Conroy I had read, I may have liked it more.
March 28, 2018
Robert Conroy’s latest book begins with a premise familiar to fans of alternate history: an extended attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7 that not only cripples the U.S. Pacific Fleet, but destroys the fuel bunkers and drydocks as well. Unable to maintain its fleet, the bulk of the U.S. Navy withdraws, leaving the Hawaiian Islands vulnerable to a hastily-assembled Japanese invasion. Their forces quickly conquer the poorly defended island, but the Japanese soon find themselves facing an organized guerrilla movement and an angry America determined to take the islands back.
This is Conroy’s fourth alternate history novel, and its structure is similar to those of his earlier works. The story is told through the experiences of a series of characters (most of them fictional), with events moving more rapidly towards what is nonetheless an outcome similar to that of the actual history. It’s an entertaining book, yet one which suffers by comparison with Harry Turtledove’s “Days of Infamy” series, which developed a similar premise into a much richer portrait of a Japanese-occupied Hawaii. Conroy posits a different set of events, but his characters are not as well developed and the pacing feels far more rushed, both of which cost his novel a degree of verisimilitude that is one of the great strengths of Turtledove’s work.
Ultimately, while not as good as his last novel, , Conroy’s book is a solid entry in the alternate history field, one that shares the strengths and weaknesses of his earlier novels. Nitpickers will find a fair share of flaws, many of which are likely problems with editing rather than research and few of which detract from enjoying the work overall. For its plot, Conroy’s postulations on events, and its satisfying conclusion, this is a book that fans of the genre will enjoy.
This is Conroy’s fourth alternate history novel, and its structure is similar to those of his earlier works. The story is told through the experiences of a series of characters (most of them fictional), with events moving more rapidly towards what is nonetheless an outcome similar to that of the actual history. It’s an entertaining book, yet one which suffers by comparison with Harry Turtledove’s “Days of Infamy” series, which developed a similar premise into a much richer portrait of a Japanese-occupied Hawaii. Conroy posits a different set of events, but his characters are not as well developed and the pacing feels far more rushed, both of which cost his novel a degree of verisimilitude that is one of the great strengths of Turtledove’s work.
Ultimately, while not as good as his last novel, , Conroy’s book is a solid entry in the alternate history field, one that shares the strengths and weaknesses of his earlier novels. Nitpickers will find a fair share of flaws, many of which are likely problems with editing rather than research and few of which detract from enjoying the work overall. For its plot, Conroy’s postulations on events, and its satisfying conclusion, this is a book that fans of the genre will enjoy.
July 19, 2021
What would have happened if the Japanese had blown up Pearl's fuel tanks, crippling the Pacific Fleet even more than they already did? Why the US would have won the war EVEN FASTER! U-S-A! U-S-A! Seriously, this doesn't even have a thin veneer of being realistic.
And don't get me started on the women's roles in the book. Literally *every* named female character in the book has a sex scene. Including a Japanese General's Maid, who we learn the name of, just to turn an uncomfortably, (and unnecessarily) long and detailed drug-fueled rape scene into a three-way! (I'm not joking or exaggerating.)
The *one* female character with any agency at all has much made of her plans throughout the book to follow in her father's footsteps by joining the military. Oh, whoops! In the last chapter she's now pregnant (and shut out of the military as a result), and musing how she could honor her father *even more* by being a stay-at-home Mom! Jimminy-Cricket-on-a-Stick... would it have been possible to close the book with a *single* woman outside her pre-assigned place?
And don't get me started on the women's roles in the book. Literally *every* named female character in the book has a sex scene. Including a Japanese General's Maid, who we learn the name of, just to turn an uncomfortably, (and unnecessarily) long and detailed drug-fueled rape scene into a three-way! (I'm not joking or exaggerating.)
The *one* female character with any agency at all has much made of her plans throughout the book to follow in her father's footsteps by joining the military. Oh, whoops! In the last chapter she's now pregnant (and shut out of the military as a result), and musing how she could honor her father *even more* by being a stay-at-home Mom! Jimminy-Cricket-on-a-Stick... would it have been possible to close the book with a *single* woman outside her pre-assigned place?
August 6, 2012
A good bit of "what if?" historical fiction. It's based on a real concept of a proposed Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor's fuel supplies that didn't occur during the real attack. The book then follows a navy officer stateside, an army officer in Hawaii, a couple of civilians in Hawaii and the Japanese commanders. The book can be a bit graphic in places, when covering the torture of prisoners, and cheesy when it covers a few love making scenes. Otherwise, it's a solid book. Toward the end, when the Americans begin to turn the tables on the Japanese, the do so with a combination of the battle of Midway and the Japanese Operation Ten-Go.
December 24, 2016
This was the last volume of my Robert Conroy binge read. Pretty good. He had a way with characters that really made them real. In this book, Japan followed up on it's initial raid on Pearl Harbor, and shortly after occupied Hawaii. Very little else changed from 'real' events. The underlying theme is that we will endure what we must until we are ready, and then we will kick your ass soundly.
It's sad that he passed away. There are two other books he wrote, but they're ebooks only. Not quote the same as holding it in your hand, devouring it.
It's sad that he passed away. There are two other books he wrote, but they're ebooks only. Not quote the same as holding it in your hand, devouring it.
July 1, 2012
Very plausible alternative history to the attack on Pearl Harbor. Well thought out plot - good character development. Robert Conroy has another winner!
May 14, 2021
I gave 1942 by Robert Conroy five stars because of the scenario of the book and how much detail Robert Conroy goes into in describing violence. 1942 is an alternative history scenario about what if after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Japan had invaded the Hawaiian Islands. The book follows an American intelligence officer Jake Novacek and Navy wife Alexa Sanderson. After the Japanese invasion Jake is sent on a mission to save an American secret from the Japanese Army and after he saved the secret he sets up a resistance group. Alexa stays at her home after the invasion but circumstances force her to find Jake and become part of the American resistance to the Japanese occupation. Jake and Alexa overcome many obstacles to eventually force the Japanese to surrender the Hawaiian Islands.
I love reading and thinking about alternate history scenarios so this book was right up my alley. Robert Conroy does a fantastic job of laying out how the book differs from the real life event. I would say that you will need some basic knowledge of the historical event to get how the book differs from the real event. In the book 1942 the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor 3 times by air instead of 2 like they did in real life. Another divergence from the historical event is the invasion of the Hawaiian Island. In real life the Japanese thought it would be too expensive and time consuming to invade the Hawaiian islands so they did not invade them. I enjoyed reading about the alternate timeline of if the Japanese had invaded the Hawaiian Islands after they attacked Pearl Harbor.
I also appreciated the author’s use of detail to show the reader how violent war can be. In the book there are several torture scenes that I could barely believe someone could write about. For example the Japanese secret police tortured an American priest for disrespecting their authority. They had the priest hung from his hands for several days. Towards the end of the book the Japanese had a line of American soldiers tied to each other and the rope was tied to a truck. The Japanese had the truck drive as fast as it could so the Americans were being dragged out the ground. Most of the Americans were killed by
I love reading and thinking about alternate history scenarios so this book was right up my alley. Robert Conroy does a fantastic job of laying out how the book differs from the real life event. I would say that you will need some basic knowledge of the historical event to get how the book differs from the real event. In the book 1942 the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor 3 times by air instead of 2 like they did in real life. Another divergence from the historical event is the invasion of the Hawaiian Island. In real life the Japanese thought it would be too expensive and time consuming to invade the Hawaiian islands so they did not invade them. I enjoyed reading about the alternate timeline of if the Japanese had invaded the Hawaiian Islands after they attacked Pearl Harbor.
I also appreciated the author’s use of detail to show the reader how violent war can be. In the book there are several torture scenes that I could barely believe someone could write about. For example the Japanese secret police tortured an American priest for disrespecting their authority. They had the priest hung from his hands for several days. Towards the end of the book the Japanese had a line of American soldiers tied to each other and the rope was tied to a truck. The Japanese had the truck drive as fast as it could so the Americans were being dragged out the ground. Most of the Americans were killed by
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 11, 2024
As far as Contoy books go, this one has one of the least interesting premises but one of the best climactic battles. Following an even more successful attack on Pearl Harbor that destroys the fuel storage facilities on the island, the US Navy is forced to flee to California, leaving Japan free to land on and occupy the islands. As surviving US service men fight a guerilla campaign against the invaders, the Japanese set upon the civilian and POW populations with the sort of savagery they've become infamous for.
This book doesn't stray far from the Conroy tropes. Bad, exposition dialog is littered throughout, the enemy looks invincible early on, only for our plucky heros to eek out small victories which culminates in an epic battle that ends the war almost over night. And, of course, the rape scenes. Every single one of his books, save one, has them, and this one is probably the worst. Fortunately for Conroy, it actually fits this story, unlike some others where they seem forced in for no reason. The Japanese were famous for their sadism and cruelty against civilian populations, so the fact that they torture and rape their way through occupied Hawaii is fitting for the scenario, morso than even his other Japan centered scenarios.
However, Conroy goes into far more detail than is strictly necessary, and so must be docked a star and sent to horny jail where he belongs. I honestly cannot understand why he felt the need to have this content in nearly every book he wrote.
Looking past that, the story progresses quite well, and the end is exciting and constitutes probably his best climactic battles.
Recommend for alternate history fans
4/5
This book doesn't stray far from the Conroy tropes. Bad, exposition dialog is littered throughout, the enemy looks invincible early on, only for our plucky heros to eek out small victories which culminates in an epic battle that ends the war almost over night. And, of course, the rape scenes. Every single one of his books, save one, has them, and this one is probably the worst. Fortunately for Conroy, it actually fits this story, unlike some others where they seem forced in for no reason. The Japanese were famous for their sadism and cruelty against civilian populations, so the fact that they torture and rape their way through occupied Hawaii is fitting for the scenario, morso than even his other Japan centered scenarios.
However, Conroy goes into far more detail than is strictly necessary, and so must be docked a star and sent to horny jail where he belongs. I honestly cannot understand why he felt the need to have this content in nearly every book he wrote.
Looking past that, the story progresses quite well, and the end is exciting and constitutes probably his best climactic battles.
Recommend for alternate history fans
4/5
June 18, 2020
I've occasionally read "alternative history" books, but I've found a number of them poorly done. Not so with this one. Robert Conroy has a solid enough grasp of actual history to have been able to put together a compelling story. This book isn't for the squeamish, as there is graphic violence and descriptions of torture and murder, as well as graphic scenes of rape as well as consensual sex.
I actually listened to an audiobook, but the version I have (narrated by LJ Ganser) isn't among the audiobooks listed in the editions here. In any event, the audiobook was well done. The above scenes that weren't for the squeamish had me cringing, as did the multiple uses of "knots per hour." That should simply be knots (no "per hour" in an expression of speed in knots). A small point, I suppose, but that made me cringe, too. A knowledgeable author should know better, especially for a book that's so navy-focused.
But back to 1942 overall. The premise is that the Japanese Navy followed their attack on Pearl Harbor with attacks on the dry docks and oil storage facilities, attacks they didn't actually carry out on that day of infamy. They then landed troops and took over the Hawaiian islands.
From there, the United States must determine if and how it can respond. The entire war shifted from the outset, and the real risk existed in this alternative timeline of the Axis powers getting the upper hand permanently. The plot and characters are interesting, and I found this entertaining.
I actually listened to an audiobook, but the version I have (narrated by LJ Ganser) isn't among the audiobooks listed in the editions here. In any event, the audiobook was well done. The above scenes that weren't for the squeamish had me cringing, as did the multiple uses of "knots per hour." That should simply be knots (no "per hour" in an expression of speed in knots). A small point, I suppose, but that made me cringe, too. A knowledgeable author should know better, especially for a book that's so navy-focused.
But back to 1942 overall. The premise is that the Japanese Navy followed their attack on Pearl Harbor with attacks on the dry docks and oil storage facilities, attacks they didn't actually carry out on that day of infamy. They then landed troops and took over the Hawaiian islands.
From there, the United States must determine if and how it can respond. The entire war shifted from the outset, and the real risk existed in this alternative timeline of the Axis powers getting the upper hand permanently. The plot and characters are interesting, and I found this entertaining.
August 28, 2023
I've read a few things by Conroy. This one hit hard. I'm not sure if it's his best, but I think it'll be the one that stays with me the most.
The basic premise is as simple as it is terrifying. A more successful attack that led to the invasion of Hawaii. The plausibility I leave to military scholars, but I bought in.
The atrocities of the Japanese were hard to take. And, at times, seemed a bit over the top. A bit of mustache twiddling, until I did more research.
Given some things that happened in other places, Conroy might have pulled a punch or two.
Angels do not fight wars.
The slow-burn of preparations, evasions, and spies is well-paced. I found myself ready when the time came.
And the finale was oh so satisfying.
The basic premise is as simple as it is terrifying. A more successful attack that led to the invasion of Hawaii. The plausibility I leave to military scholars, but I bought in.
The atrocities of the Japanese were hard to take. And, at times, seemed a bit over the top. A bit of mustache twiddling, until I did more research.
Given some things that happened in other places, Conroy might have pulled a punch or two.
Angels do not fight wars.
The slow-burn of preparations, evasions, and spies is well-paced. I found myself ready when the time came.
And the finale was oh so satisfying.
April 6, 2020
From a "what if" perspective, I enjoyed Conroy's take on how the U.S. might have responded had Japan been successful at Pearl Harbor (meaning they did a more thorough job to the point of invading and annexing Hawaii). Conroy seems to have insight into the minds of both Generals and everyday soldiers on both sides of the battle.
One caveat: there are some depictions of violence, sexual and otherwise that, in my opinion, are more graphic than they need to be. Yes, rape happened, but does the reader need to know the specifics almost to the point of gratuitousness? If you have a weak stomach for violence, give this a pass.
One caveat: there are some depictions of violence, sexual and otherwise that, in my opinion, are more graphic than they need to be. Yes, rape happened, but does the reader need to know the specifics almost to the point of gratuitousness? If you have a weak stomach for violence, give this a pass.
February 6, 2018
Following the surprise attack on Pearl Harbour that brought the U.S.A. into the Second World War, the Japanese take advantage of their victory and invade Hawaii. As is usual with Robert Conroy's alternate history novels, the story is told by a spread of characters from across the conflict to give a broad view of events. The style won't suit everyone, wandering into Boy's Own territory at times, but it works for the tale it tells. It's a fast-paced and easy read, an enjoyable and action-packed slice of alternate history for the less demanding reader.
January 26, 2018
If you like historical fiction and an easy read, Robert Conroy is your man.
If you like more depth and a stronger focus on fewer characters, he's not.
Here's my pros and cons:
+ interesting setting
+ interesting story line
+ loads of characters and plot lines
+ he's not dragging things on and on forever
+ he's tying up all loose ends
- characters sometimes stereotypical
- many characters = not much depth to them
This is definitely a good read, though not 5 stars.
If you like more depth and a stronger focus on fewer characters, he's not.
Here's my pros and cons:
+ interesting setting
+ interesting story line
+ loads of characters and plot lines
+ he's not dragging things on and on forever
+ he's tying up all loose ends
- characters sometimes stereotypical
- many characters = not much depth to them
This is definitely a good read, though not 5 stars.
April 6, 2020
Outstanding!!!
Born in the late '40's, I was old enough to understand that my parents did NOT want to talk about the war. Seeing now how horrific the time was, I'm amazed that people have no idea. Our kids were raised thinking that Japanese meant great cars. I'm over 70 now so I don't have to give a flip about being PC. A truly wonderful book that is a much grittier version of the "South Pacific" film.
Born in the late '40's, I was old enough to understand that my parents did NOT want to talk about the war. Seeing now how horrific the time was, I'm amazed that people have no idea. Our kids were raised thinking that Japanese meant great cars. I'm over 70 now so I don't have to give a flip about being PC. A truly wonderful book that is a much grittier version of the "South Pacific" film.
October 12, 2019
An alternate history of the Dec. 7 bombing of Pearl Harbor with the Japanese taking control of the islands. The remaining soldiers on the island don't give up and form a group to attack the Japanese. The US puts together a plan to take back the islands and protect Magic. This is a very entertaining book, thrilling and a page turner.
May 30, 2020
Good story, atrocious editing.
The story was good, keeping me interested although I felt the female chargers were a little one-dimensional. However, the editing was horrible. I assumed this was a self-published book based on the typos, missing punctuation, split words and repeated text. If you can get past that, the book is worth reading.
The story was good, keeping me interested although I felt the female chargers were a little one-dimensional. However, the editing was horrible. I assumed this was a self-published book based on the typos, missing punctuation, split words and repeated text. If you can get past that, the book is worth reading.
August 8, 2022
In Alt-History novels I usually cheer for the underdog (IE the loser in real-history) just to see how far they get in this timeline. However, the Japanese who invade Hawaii in this story are so cartoonishly evil and unlikeable, I was unable to support them. So I guess the author achieved his goal, but I didn't have my usual amount of fun with this book.
April 21, 2025
It’s not a history book. It’s a made-up story. The author is not great. But I liked this alternate-history book because the topic and premise is exciting, the book has action and is racy, and is a quick read. I’d call it good cheap entertainment. I might try one of his other books. He’s no Turtledove (author), but it’s not a bad read if you’ve got a little extra time.
July 6, 2019
A darned good alternate history
I love military history and found this book to be very plausible alternate to the.attack on Pearl Harbor. I found the author to be a good story teller. Recommend this book to anyone who enjoys military history and can say to themselves What Ir.
I love military history and found this book to be very plausible alternate to the.attack on Pearl Harbor. I found the author to be a good story teller. Recommend this book to anyone who enjoys military history and can say to themselves What Ir.
July 12, 2019
A very well written alternate history, I can see why it won AH award. The book sone't mince words or descriptions. I liked the characters and how the author developed them and their various relationships. In short very realistic and believable, particularly the lead up to the final outcome.
October 5, 2021
Another very good book from Mr. Conroy. I'm a huge fan of alt history and especially when it has a military slant.
He explores the "what if" about Pearl Harbor and I found his book fascinating in the regard to a "3rd" attack by the Japanese forces.
So fans, hurry and read this so you can dive into "1945 Red Inferno".
He explores the "what if" about Pearl Harbor and I found his book fascinating in the regard to a "3rd" attack by the Japanese forces.
So fans, hurry and read this so you can dive into "1945 Red Inferno".
November 12, 2021
Like many of his books, Robert Conroy has more sexual content than is necessary for the plot. Perhaps he does this to emphasize the emotional state of the characters due to their intense circumstances. If you can get past that then the rest of the plot is excellent.
May 29, 2023
This had been on my list for a while. The writing style didn’t complete click for me and never full drew me in, but the story and characters were generally okay. I won’t rule out reading additional titles by the author.
July 10, 2017
I enjoyed this book more than 1945 for some reason. Definitely worth a read for fans of alternative history, especially set in WWII.
July 29, 2019
Historical and alternative history. This what if makes you think.
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