U-700

by James Follett

One of the most remarkable stories to come out of W.W.II. Based on the remarkable story of `The U-boat that lost its Nerve'(formerly a radio play by James Follett) , U-700 is an account of the surrender of a U-boat (actually U-570) to an RAF Hudson during World War II and the subsequent illegal court martial of the U-boat's first officer by his fellow officers in a POW camp.

Genres: Historical Fiction

208 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1989

About the author

James Follett (not "Follet") was an author and screenwriter, born in 1939 in Tolworth, England.

Follett became a full-time fiction writer in 1976, after resigning from contract work as a technical writer for the British Ministry of Defence. He has wrote over 20 novels, several television scripts (including episodes of the BBC's Blake's 7), and many radio dramas. Follett was one of the 400 most popular British authors, measured by the numbers of books borrowed from public libraries in the UK, having spent 11 years in the public lending right's top two bands of authors.

Reviews

[Heino Und · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a German reader I have to withhold the fifth star because despite the meticulous research the author obviously did on the technical side there is one glaring problem. The names of the main protagonists are spelt completely wrong. The surname of the U590 commander is spelt Ramhlow which is absolutely impossible in the German language. Rahmlow is still extremely strange but at least possible. RAHMLOF would be better. Also Shulke is impossible. It has to be Schulke. Same goes for Faulk. It should be Falk. And obviously Kreigsmarine is a real joke. It is obviously Kriegsmarine. I could go on. It just surprises me that an otherwise obviously well researched novel has these shoddy names that any editor worth his salt should have picked up on.
Otherwise it was an enjoyable read.

[Sean Randall · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took a while for me to get into this, but when I did, I really enjoyed it. Kretschmer's a great character and I've really liked the other Eagles works Follett has done, so this was quite interesting. I thought it'd be more of a kangaroo court, but the final chapters were actually thrilling and intense.

[Edna L. O'Donnell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read many James Follett books, and have enjoyed most of them completely. I did also enjoy this book even though it was highly technical and definitely the typical "man book" in many aspects. The problems I have with James Follett books are not (I hope) of his making. For one thing you cannot track the story by PAGE NUMBER, which is difficult for busy people who must read as they can catch time to do so and must return to the book for various updates along the way. Another severe problem is the editing. Paragraphs are repeated sometimes several times, after every question mark in the book was the capital T (?T). Words were left out and letters in words were left out; however the space for the word or letter WAS there. I hope Mr. Follett only needs a new printer or Kindle needs a new printer or someone needs a new editor. It makes enjoying the book difficult.

[John A. Hopkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of the only U-boat to serve in the Royal Navy is fictionalised in this short book from James Follett. A new, inexperienced crew take U-570 (the true name of the vessel was initially concealed by Follett to protect survivors) to war. It is a tough time for the Kriegsmarine, with lots of famous boats being sunk, and U-570 is thrust into the maelstrom.
Weaved into the story, are references to Ian Fleming when he worked for naval intelligence (I could have done without the references to the Bond books), a POW camp in Northern England and a few minor characters. The second half seems more fiction than fact, but overall an enjoyable enough short read.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good. I have a love of submarines having read and loved Run Silent Run Deep when I was a kid. This book was slow in the beginning and I had to work at keeping the characters straight (as I usually do) but as the plot came together it was so interesting. It is really hard to keep fiction and history straight in these historical fiction books especially with the author confusing things by using a name like Ian Fleming and also printing the final distribution of some of the characters, only some of whom were real; real names but not in this particular history.

[David Hughes · Rating 3 out of 5]

James. Follett does it again.

DR H really enjoyed the last 72 hours of the flight of Junkerleaving submarine German Headquarters to torpedo U 590. The last part about Gallagher on the motorcycle was great. The very last minutes of Lieutenant Brendt 's attempt to place the bomb was arresting. DR H enjoyed the WW11 story.
'

[steve opie · Rating 5 out of 5]

great read

I always have lived in awe of German U boats and the destruction to allied shipping they wrought..
Follett has written a superb account of one of Germanys last U boats and the magnetic torpedos they carried.
A credible group of characters and the parts they played adds drama to the novel.

[Roger H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very Good WWII Historical Novel Based on Real People

Very Good WWII Historical Novel Based on Real People, times, places. Before & leading onto USA going into aiding England. Credible dialogue. Interesting - Ian Fleming’s work in war and idea for James Bond

[Kenneth E. Amaral · Rating 4 out of 5]

U700

Striking contrast of personalities makes this story an interesting study in the thinking of the characters. Each character believes they have the true story of the event. However, the true story is the whole of the parts.

[Jeff Beeton · Rating 4 out of 5]

A captured U-Boat and an interesting, twisting plot with characters from both sides during the European theater campaign in WWII, make this work exceptionally readable.
Not quite a work at the level of “I can’t put it down…” but nearly there. Very enjoyable read.

[Richard McMaster · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like to give in more.Author talentd but formating on Kindle was hard to follow. I am sure author would love for his readers to not be so distractd. A little trouble with story line but overall good story and good writing.

[Et Pogue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another glimpse into what really happened, he thinks. A very interesting story, brought to life with characters that live in your mind. Recommended to all who were aware of WWII.

[Waneiac · Rating 5 out of 5]

James bond lives.....

[Marshall Doty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reality of WWII

Historically accurate as possible. Yet written as James Follett brings the players to light as individuals the reader can understand.

[Carol Hukari · Rating 5 out of 5]

an interesting WWWII story about U-boats and England

Well written and riveting. Kept me riveted and liked the use of Ian Fleming in the story. Worth the read

[Ron Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting read. How close is the story to the actual events?

[Eduardo Natal Rodrigues · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my second book from the author. Just couldn’t stop reading it. Like the way his writing flows. Recommend!!!

[Bryan · Rating 2 out of 5]

A good story. Lacked character development and better dialogue. This was my first Follett book, I have several more on my bookshelf. Will try again later!

[truenorth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book, writing review too late to remember details.

[Ries Marcel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Story, very interesting.

[Rusty · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is WWII and the Germans have developed have a weapon that can destroy the British navy. German U-boats can launch a magnetic torpedo with a Wotan warhead which break even battleships. This deadly weapon can sink any British vessel with just one torpedo. To counter the damage, the Brits must capture a U-boat and unravel its secrets. This is the story of that effort and the capture of the caputure of such a ship labeled. Fortunately, the British have remarkably accurate radio direction enabling them to locate German ships. The trouble is that one man stands between the British and the U-boat. He has been labeled as a coward by the Fatherland, but can he be a hero?

Otto Kretschmer and Bernard Anders are two fascinating characters. The opening pages demonstrate that even Germans show compassion when a U-boat encounters a lifeboat by the cry of a child. Supplies and a compass are dropped into the boat and a child wishes them Merry Christmas. Yes, this is a story of German sailors and officers which illustrates the dedication to orders from their superiors and the care for human life that some Germans demonstrate for others.

This is a good, good story based on actual people, events and places with a considerable amount of detail about German submarines. One reviewer sums the story: “U-700 is an account of the surrender of a U-boat (actually U-570) to an RAF Hudson during World War II and the subsequent illegal court martial of the U-boat's first officer by his fellow officers in a POW camp.”

[Steve Markham · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wasn't too bad but not going to stay long in the memory I wouldn't think. You get what you would expect from a Follett novel but this one seemed to be a mish mash of about three different books in one.

[Anne Gollan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

If you enjoy ww2 history or even if not, this is a good yarn, all the more as its true. I really enjoyed it. I had sympathy for the main charecters, it's good to remember not all Germans where socialist, some where good men, despite Hitler.

[Sam Burnett · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hmm.

[Albert Werthmuller · Rating 4 out of 5]

An other good Follett book

Still difficult to read what is true and what is fiction. Maybe that's why is is fun book to read. Only gripe is I was confused with the ending

[Fred Bishop · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprisingly well invoked

Good telling of a true event that may have impacted the war differently had it not occurred.
Enjoyed it fully.