Days of Infamy

Days of Infamy #1

by Harry Turtledove

On December 7, 1941, the Japanese launched an attack against United States naval forces stationed in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. But what if the Japanese followed up their air assault with an invasion and occupation of Hawaii? With American military forces subjugated and civilians living in fear of their conquerors, there is no one to stop the Japanese from using the islands' resources to launch an offensive against America's western coast.

Genres: Alternate History, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Science Fiction, War, Fantasy, Military Fiction

520 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published November 1, 2004

About the author

Dr Harry Norman Turtledove is an American novelist, who has produced a sizeable number of works in several genres including alternate history, historical fiction, fantasy and science fiction.

Harry Turtledove attended UCLA, where he received a Ph.D. in Byzantine history in 1977.

Turtledove has been dubbed "The Master of Alternate History". Within this genre he is known both for creating original scenarios: such as survival of the Byzantine Empire; an alien invasion in the middle of the World War II; and for giving a fresh and original treatment to themes previously dealt with by other authors, such as the victory of the South in the American Civil War; and of Nazi Germany in the Second World War.

His novels have been credited with bringing alternate history into the mainstream. His style of alternate history has a strong military theme.

Reviews

[Jeffrey Caston · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to Days of Infamy as an audiobook. I had previously, years ago, listened to other audiobooks of Turtledove's work. Maybe it's just that I'm older and think more about the story or those prior volumes were better books. This one is gonna be 3 stars for me. It might have been just 2, but I'll explain the upgrade in a bit.

I like the imagination and concept of his writing. This book starts with the "what if" premise of what would have happened if the Empire of Japan had not just done an air/naval strike on Pearl Harbor, but actually had landed ground troops and completely invaded and then occupied Hawaii? What would that have looked like.

So the imagination and thoughtfulness of seeing how that might play out is what intrigued me and kept me going. There was obviously a lot of thought and analysis into what might have happened. I appreciated that. That's why this is a 3 instead of a 2.

But--and this is just my humble opinion--the actual story-telling execution was pretty staid and lacking. There's a pretty basic story-telling concept that a writer should "show" you something, whether it be a thought, a sense, a reaction, whatever, instead of "telling" the reader what happened. The narrative style of this book is pretty close to 100% telling. It made for very uninspiring and impactful on an emotional level. I was told what a particular person thought or said or did. I didn't really feel anything in the story, like I would in an Anne Rice book or something. The narrative was more of a step by step recitation, something like:

1. This [event] happened;
2. This [next event] happened;
3. Character [X] thought this about [event].
4. Character [X] said "--"
5. Another [event #3] happened.

Not so much a story. I didn't have the same excitement, reaction, or dread to this one that I did when I read Philip Roth's The Plot Against America or Robert Harris's Fatherland. The narrative in Days of Infamy just didn't really appeal to me. If characters are starving because of the lack of supplies being shipped in, make me feel it. If a POW is beaten, make it seem like that blow is hitting ME in the back not some person I can't really even visualize. I don't know. Maybe I'm over-stating it. Another thing that bugged me was I felt like the same telling was told to me over and over.

I'll listen to the second book because I want to see how Turtledove ends it and I do appreciate the analytical imagination, but the story's impact will probably fade with me shortly thereafter and that is a real shame because I feel like this could have been so much more.

[Bill Ward · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings about Harry Turtledove's writing, and this book is as good of an example of the reasons as any. On the plus side, he takes a scenario from our history, changes one key fact (in this case, the Japanese sent an invasion fleet to Hawaii and not just a strike force), and then carries things on to a natural conclusion. As a geek I love the "what-if" scenarios.

But there are two fatal flaws to his writing, that I must also acknowledge: women characters and grease-spot expository.

Like all his books, this one jumps around between multiple points of view. Each one has its own protagonist, and all but one of them are male. He usually has approximately one token female protagonist, and a bunch of male ones. In this case we have soldiers and sailors on both sides of the war, and in reality those were all men, so that's a little forgiveable. But he also has a bunch of male civilians and really only one female one.

The expository is also a problem. He has a tendency to explain the jokes, remind you a little too often and too much about what's going on, etc. Usually it's just one extra sentence that should have been deleted at the end of a paragraph.

But if you can overlook these flaws, it is still an enjoyable read. It's interesting to speculate on how things might have gone differently in our timeline, and this book fleshes out one such alternate road. And if your mind likes going down that kind of rabbit hole, you'll probably enjoy it too.

[Frédéric · Rating 3 out of 5]

Uchrony - and more particularly military uchrony - is Harry Turtledove's speciality. As a fan of military history I enjoy his "What if?" scenarios because they are always interesting, well researched and contextualised and very easy to read - despite several repetitions and a fairly slow pace - with interesting characters.

And that's the problem here. None of the characters are really engaging. The Japanese military are too stern and rigid to be interesting, the American military are credible but don't spark passion and it's the same for the civilians. The surfer is sympathetic but does little to advance the story. In the end it's the story of Jiro, the Japanese fisherman proud of his country's victory, and his 2 very Americanised sons that is the most interesting.

Having said that, the many subplots - survival of the civilians in need of food, treatment of the POWs, Japanese anguish at locating the American fleet once Hawaii has been conquered, etc - are all interesting for those who appreciate this kind of extrapolation.

[Dan McCarthy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Still on my Hawaii book kick after our vacation! Always a fan of Turtledove's alternate history books. This one explorers the what-if of Japanese invasion of the Hawaiian islands immediately after December 7th.

My biggest complaint about this book is Turtledove does often get repetitive with descriptive lines and character thoughts. In a big series like the Timeline 191 books it is spaced out a bit more, but here it seemed like something was repeated every chapter.

I also disliked the complete focus on Oahu. There's no discussion of additional landings on the other islands, despite it being clear that they were all occupied. In his other books, he did a better job of adding those contexts through character conversations or a news headline. Just felt very insulated.

[Marc · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Harry Turtledove. While his book don't pack as much of an emotional punch, I do always find them interesting about what could happen. They seem to make a lot of sense. That said, I didn't quite enjoy Days of Infamy like his other series.

The main reason was that I didn't feel any sympathy towards any of the Japanese characters from the Axis. I've felt sympathy towards his German and Southern characters in his other works, but not here. I don't know if it was because of the way he portrayed them or the fact that they're all in the military.

I also didn't care for most of the stories involving the Allied side. They didn't seem to bring much and it didn't help that they kept losing.

I did enjoy reading about those characters who lived on the island like it's the surfer, the divorcee, or the Japanese guy and his two sons. I liked those guys. I wanted to read more about them because they felt more human and I did care about them.

I can't wait to read the next book to see how this goes or ends. I'm still not entirely sure how Japan could occupy Hawaii. That's a lot of resources for a small country that doesn't have resources and is fighting multiple fronts. I'm still not what sure Hawaii would get Japan except sugar cane and pineapple.

On a side note, there's another book called Days of Infamy dealing with the exact same thing that came out three years later. I'm not sure how that works or if it's any good, but I'll go with the Master of Alternate History any time, even if it's not one of his better works.

[Barry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written and complex, Days of Infamy explores the question "what if Japan followed the attack on Pearl Harbor with an invasion of the islands?"
In general, he does a good job. He presents the way the Japanese of the time thought and would have reacted realistically, which is essential to true historical understanding and explains a lot about what happened in Japan when the non fictional war ended.
I do think that he is a little short on the strategic aspects of what the Japanese would have done to control the Pacific Ocean. Why would they not press there advantage and control our coastlines the way the Germans had in the Atlantic? If I remember correctly, the Japanese didn't have many submarines, but could have maintained control anyway.
Any critisisms I make can't detract from what Turtledove accomplished with this book. He created characters who were likable on both sides of the conflict and put them in a realistic context. The events may not have happened, but the underlying context was authentic and there is a lot to learn about Japan and the United States of the 1940's in this book.

[Noah · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.85/5. I love a good alternate history and heard about this one through a Reddit WWII forum. The premise—Japan invading Oahu after Pearl Harbor—was fascinating, if a bit depressing at times. The first half was somewhat stilted and occasionally boring, especially the Takahashi family storyline, but things picked up in the second. My favorite part was that, in this timeline, the Doolittle Raid is conducted against Oahu, not Japan. I’m looking forward to the sequel, which will clearly see the Americans striking back.

[Scott Law · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoy reading alternative histories. This was a bit different in that the branching point was not so long ago, basically what if the Japanese has occupied Hawaii rather than just bombing Pearl Harbor. It was very detailed and presumably accurate (I'm not really that up on the topic, but Turtledove has a pretty good reputation). It involved a couple of actual people involved with the original attack, but there was also a good size cast of regular people on both sides and how they were affected. On the other hand, the day to day detail did get a bit tiring.

I would probably not have picked this up at a bookstore since I'm not as interested in WWII era histories, but at a fund-raising book sale for a buck, I decided to try it. Well, I appreciated the quality of it, I wasn't going to buy into a whole series of this. Then I found out that the series was only two books. So, maybe read the second? Of course, Wikipedia's puts them both on the same page and I was reading up this one and happened to see how it ends. So, probably not. Unless I see it a book sale. But if you are a WWII history buff you might want to give it a read.

[Eric Diehl · Rating 3 out of 5]

I fretted over giving this read just 3 stars, because it's done well enough that I feel it *should* get more. The problem is that I could never really connect with it---especially the characters---and, especially in the first half, I seriously considered setting it aside and moving on. I am no authority on the history surrounding Pearl Harbor, but Turtledove reportedly is, and I'd say that shows. But much of the narrative was kinda sterile feeling to me, even in the heat of battle.
I'm also a little irritated to find that it did not come to any real closure, and a second book must be acquired to finish the story. I'm not sure that I'll do that, even though I would like to know the ending.
This was my first Turtledove read and may be my last, though I did see somewhere else a strong recommendation of one of his other works (Rule Britannia, if I remember correctly)

[Mr.B · Rating 2 out of 5]

What if the Japanese had followed up their surprise attack on Pearl Harbor with a land assault and occupation of Hawaii? Turtledove writes alternative history--some good, some not. He knows a lot and researches his work well, but his writing can approach superlative levels of mediocrity. Plot driven. Unfortunately, Turtledove prefers to write massive, multi-volume "epics" that are never complete works in a single cover. By the end of this book, the Japanese are well entrenched in Hawaii and the bumbling Americans have suffered several defeats at the hands of the Japanese. For me, a largely unsatisfying reading experience.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Important safety tip: this is actually a 2 book series, coupled with THE END OF THE BEGINNING. This book ends in the middle of the story!

With that said, it's one of the more interesting Turtledove "what if this had happened?" novels... I think the focus on the Japanese taking & holding Hawaii helped the author focus his storylines and makes his usual "plotting by coincidence" more palatable.

I'm looking forward to the next book.

[Jeffrey Schmieder · Rating 4 out of 5]

An alternate history: what if the Japanese had taken the Hawaiian Islands. Diverse band of characters from the Japanese to natives to American servicemen. Very effective in bringing the war back home and showing how brutal the Japanese were to subject citizens. Enjoyable and some good analysis on how the US won the war.

[Jeffrey Wilder]

“Days of Infamy" is an alternate history novel written by Harry Turtledove. Published in 2004, the book explores the hypothetical scenario of a successful Japanese invasion and occupation of the Hawaiian Islands following the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Turtledove, known for his expertise in alternate history fiction, delves into the consequences and struggles faced by both the American and Japanese characters in this meticulously crafted and thought-provoking novel.
Set in the early days of World War II, "Days of Infamy" presents a chilling alternate version of history. The story unfolds with the successful bombing of Pearl Harbor, which not only cripples the United States Pacific Fleet but also opens the door for a Japanese invasion of the Hawaiian Islands. With their military dominance established, the Japanese quickly occupy Hawaii and begin their rule over the captured territory.
Turtledove follows a diverse cast of characters, including soldiers, civilians, and political figures, as they navigate this new reality. The story primarily revolves around the lives of two American families: the Nielsons, a military family stationed in Hawaii, and the Feldts, a civilian family living on Oahu. Through their experiences, Turtledove portrays the challenges and hardships faced by the occupied population.
The novel not only focuses on the American perspective but also offers insights into the Japanese side. Turtledove expertly weaves together the narratives of Japanese military officers and officials, shedding light on their motivations, strategies, and internal struggles. This multi-faceted approach adds depth and complexity to the narrative, allowing readers to gain a broader understanding of the conflict.
As the occupation continues, tensions rise between the occupied and the occupiers. The characters in the novel find themselves torn between survival and resistance, as they grapple with moral dilemmas, collaborate with the enemy, or join the underground resistance movements. The personal stories of the characters bring the human cost of war to the forefront, highlighting the sacrifices made by individuals and the impact of war on families and communities.
Throughout the novel, Turtledove skillfully blends historical events with fictional elements. He incorporates real-life figures such as Admiral Yamamoto and General MacArthur, providing an authentic backdrop to the story. The meticulous research and attention to detail are evident, as the narrative seamlessly integrates historical facts into the alternate reality.
"Days of Infamy" serves as a compelling exploration of the consequences of a Japanese victory at Pearl Harbor. Turtledove's alternate history approach allows readers to ponder the fragile nature of historical events and the profound impact they can have on the course of history. By depicting a successful Japanese invasion, the author prompts readers to consider the implications of such an outcome and the subsequent ripple effects on the war's progression.
The novel effectively captures the sense of fear, uncertainty, and tension that permeated the era, showcasing the psychological toll that occupation and war take on individuals. Turtledove masterfully portrays the internal struggles faced by the characters, who must navigate their way through a complex web of loyalty, survival, and resistance.
Moreover, Turtledove's ability to present both sides of the conflict in a nuanced manner is commendable. By humanizing the Japanese characters and showcasing their own internal conflicts, he challenges readers to see beyond simplistic notions of good and evil.
"Days of Infamy" is a gripping and thought-provoking alternate history novel that transports readers into a world where the Japanese successfully invade and occupy Hawaii after the attack on Pearl Harbor. With meticulous attention to detail, Harry Turtledove crafts.

[Jared Hansen · Rating 3 out of 5]

My first Turtledove book, and a slight disappointment from a strong premise and pretty solid beginning. There was a surprising decision to skim over the actual attack on Pearl Harbor entirely, which I eventually understood as due to the fact that the book has literal months of alternate history to cover, but was still a bit jarring. This also translated to other surprising timeskips.

The book manages a lot of interesting characters, but unfortunately it seems to have been a late decision to divide the story into two books (something the cover and synopsis give no sign of, annoyingly) so once the battle of Hawaii is over things become very monotonous and meandering to the point the reader will wonder what it can be building up to as we read about POWs starving, NCOs being bored, civilians being scared, fishermen fishing, slaves slaving, then POWs starving, NCOs being bored.... sadly the answer is it builds up to nothing. In this book.

I feel it would have been a lot more effective in structure to use less time skips and focus this book on the actual fighting. Instead of just telling us about an ingenious flanking movement by the Japanese army that has happened elsewhere how about a chapter where we see the commanders considering their positions, the soldiers on the ground making the attack, the sentries who are swarmed out of nowhere, the desperate fighting, the breakthrough... I think this book would have been very tight if it covered the battle and the immediate aftermath. As it is, it's still an interesting story. Just an aimless one.

[Patti · Rating 3 out of 5]

Taking advantage of the element of surprise, the Japanese not only bomb the heck out of Pearl Harbor, but land troops on the Island as well. Turtledove builds on the facts of December 7, 1941 and has the Japanese invade fairly easily since not only was the Pacific Fleet crippled that day, but all of the planes based in Hawaii were pretty much knocked out of commission as well. The superiority of the Japanese forces both in the air and on the sea make their landing and taking over the island of Oahu a fairly easy process.

What follows is something different. Those left behind on Oahu must contend with being Occupied. Japanese soldiers do not consider surrender to be honorable, and they treat the American P.O.W.s who surrender as less than dirt. For civilians, it is a fight to survive and not starve as all of the supplies from the mainland are cut off.

To read my full review, please go to: https://thoughtsfromthemountaintop.co...

[Christopher Lutz · Rating 5 out of 5]

December 7th, 1941. The Japanese Empire attacks Pearl Harbor Hawaii, after two waves of air attack, the assault is ended when the third wave is canceled. But what if the third wave not only occurred, but an invasion of the island of Oahu followed? This novel shows us what could have happened, and how America’s entry into WWII might have been even darker than it was in our history. This was my second Harry Turtledove novel and I enjoyed it even more than How Few Remain. The combination of familiar players and unpredictable situations makes for gripping reading.

[Barb Dudziec · Rating 3 out of 5]

This wasn't what I expected, and that can be a good thing. In this case it was good,but the unique story was overshadowed - for me at least - by the author's repetitiveness. The same background info is given about each character every time they are mentioned in the first half of the book. Since the book is almost 500 pages that is a lot of repetition.

[Dan · Rating 3 out of 5]

What if Japan won Pearl Harbor and actually took Hawaii from the US. That is the premise behind this short series. Typical Turtledove, following different minor characters and mixing in historical people. Well written and flows nicely but just a typical Turtledove novel, nothing unique nothing special.

[Paul Ditroia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mr. Turtledove is very inconsistent and this is an example of that. Plausable premise, well researched as usual, but totally unsympathetic characters and vertually no tension. You just just never know what you are going to get when you pull one of his books off the shelf.

[CASPER HILEMAN · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Empire of Japan succeeded in this alternate history by invading the Hawaiian Islands. The Pacific Fleet is destroyed and the Indian Ocean is open for conquest. The Puppet Kingdom of Hawaii is created with the Japanese Empire firmly in control.

[David Walley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating take on alternative history, and so easily could have happened for real, but the Japanese squandered their chance to invade the islands when they could, and all they really did was "awaken the sleeping giant"

[Montgomery Webster · Rating 2 out of 5]

Story: 2.5 / 10
Characters: 4
Setting: 7
Prose: 3

[Sean · Rating 5 out of 5]

The military technical detail of a Tom Clancy novel with the character of a Norman Mailer novel.
One of the best alternate history novels I've ever read.

[Craig Stratton · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not good

[Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 of 5 stars

[Josh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harry Turtledove is a master of historical fiction as always.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

I mean ... it's exactly what you think it will be. All of Turtledove's books are page-turners and keep you reading past bedtime. Very plot-driven and things move fast.

[Jonathan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad, good reader, flows well. The characters are adequately developed. Somehow it didn't grab me.I have never been captivated by turtledove. I suspect most readers will enjoy it.

[Artie · Rating 4 out of 5]

First half of a two part story that's fairly well executed if you have enough time to read 900 pages.

[Scott Gardner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another good twist from history by Turtledove , Japan occupying Hawaii , instead of a raid on it

Some interesting characters , showing the war from all angles