Wake: The Story of a Battle

by Irving Werstein

Irving Werstein has told the story of Wake from the earliest steps in fortification of the atoll, through the tense moments of the siege, to the dramatic at the end of the war when Marine Colonel Devereaux accepted the surrender of the island he had been forced to give up over four years before. Here is the American fighting man at his best, untried but eagar, brave, and grimly humorous in the face of danger. As the author: "The deeds of courage and sacrafice done there in December, 1941, were soon overshadowed by greater feats in bigger battles; the men of Wake were soon forgotten in the imensity of global conflict. But not even the passing years could tarnish the spirit and courage of the brave who had rekindled American pride in a time of despair and humiliation."

145 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1964

About the author

Irving Werstein was born in Brooklyn, graduated from high school in Richmond Hill, Long Island, and attended New York University. His early career was colorful and varied. It range from working in a radio factory to repairing dolls in a doll hospital. He was a summer comedian in the Catskills, a salesman, a camp counsellor, a straight actor.

But ever since he helped edit his high school newspaper, Irving Werstein wanted to write. He sold his first story in 1938. While serving in an infantry regiment from 1941-1945, he also worked as staff correspondent for Yank. His published work includes numerous magazine stories, television and radio scripts, and an impressive list of books for young adults.

Irving lived abroad in England, Mexico, and Italy until settling in New York City with his wife Goldie and his son Jack, adopted from Belgium. Irving died in 1971.

Reviews

[Gabe Detweiler · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book shows the reader insight into what it was like for the men fighting in the battle. The author gives the reader a clear understanding of what is happening and the reactions of the men who fought for wake. On many occurrences during the book the author laves the reader feeling like he is in the battle and is fighting the enemy, feeling the sense of dread, hoping that reinforcements will come. Hoping against all odds that they will win and get to go home.
The book giver the reader a sense of pride at the end of the book even though everything seems bleak the soldiers fighting for wake never give up, never lose hope and keep fighting to the end.From this book the reader can learn many historical events and tactics of the battle and learn that no matter how small a chance someone or something has you should never underestimate them and never lose faith in that person. After reading the book my perspective of the war changed greatly and my mind opened up and made me realize that the war was all because their leader wanted better for their own people and not because they just wanted power and money. The fact that the story has both the accounts of the Americans and the Japanese helps the reader better understand that both sides have their reasons for fighting and killing each other, whether it be power or control the fact is still the same, both sides willingly killed the other.