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76 Hours: A Novel of Tarawa
The island of Tarawa, a tiny spit of sand out in the middle of the Pacific, teemed with five hundred pillboxes filled with artillery pieces and highly motivated Japanese soldiers. Their commanding officer encouraged his troops, saying, It would take one million men one hundred years to conquer Tarawa. They were convinced that the Americans would be slaughtered before they ever got ashore.
Private Pete Hardball Talbot was one of the US Marines tasked with taking the island. A cocky, tough street kid from Philadelphia, Pete joined up to escape his abusive father. In his mind, nothing the Japanese could throw at him could be as bad as what his father dished out. He was angry, and more than willing to take it out on the enemy. But once he climbed over the side and into the landing craft, and once the Japanese artillery and machine guns opened up in defense of the island, Pete knew this was going to be different. It would take all his training, and all his street smarts to stay alive while those around him got blown to bits.
Despite Japanese predictions, it took the United States Marines seventy-six hours to take Tarawa. It was a walk in the park ... if the park were in the middle of hell itself.
Private Pete Hardball Talbot was one of the US Marines tasked with taking the island. A cocky, tough street kid from Philadelphia, Pete joined up to escape his abusive father. In his mind, nothing the Japanese could throw at him could be as bad as what his father dished out. He was angry, and more than willing to take it out on the enemy. But once he climbed over the side and into the landing craft, and once the Japanese artillery and machine guns opened up in defense of the island, Pete knew this was going to be different. It would take all his training, and all his street smarts to stay alive while those around him got blown to bits.
Despite Japanese predictions, it took the United States Marines seventy-six hours to take Tarawa. It was a walk in the park ... if the park were in the middle of hell itself.
Hardcover
Published March 14, 2023
89 people are currently reading
2363 people want to read
About the author
Larry Alexander
30 books58 followersLarry Alexander is a journalist and military historian who has written a number of books about World War II, most notably about Easy Company of the 101st Airborne Division of the U.S. Army. Easy Company was made famous principally by Stephen Ambrose's book, Band of Brothers, and the television miniseries of that name.
For over a decade, Alexander has been a columnist for the "Intelligencer Journal", a newspaper in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. His books include Biggest Brother: The Life of Major Dick Winters, the Man Who Led the Band of Brothers, In the Footsteps of the Band of Brothers: A Return to Easy Company's Battlefields with Sgt. Forrest Guth, and Shadows In The Jungle: The Alamo Scouts Behind Japanese Lines In World War II. Alexander participates in American Civil War re-enactments as "a living historian" with Company E of the 30th Pennsylvania Infantry, 1st Pennsylvania Reserves Civil War re-enactment unit.
He has also participated in the making of the motion pictures, Gettysburg and God and Generals. Alexander was nominated for a Pulitizer Prize in 2005 and had won state-level journalism awards. He lives in Ephrata, Pa. with his wife, Barbara.
For over a decade, Alexander has been a columnist for the "Intelligencer Journal", a newspaper in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. His books include Biggest Brother: The Life of Major Dick Winters, the Man Who Led the Band of Brothers, In the Footsteps of the Band of Brothers: A Return to Easy Company's Battlefields with Sgt. Forrest Guth, and Shadows In The Jungle: The Alamo Scouts Behind Japanese Lines In World War II. Alexander participates in American Civil War re-enactments as "a living historian" with Company E of the 30th Pennsylvania Infantry, 1st Pennsylvania Reserves Civil War re-enactment unit.
He has also participated in the making of the motion pictures, Gettysburg and God and Generals. Alexander was nominated for a Pulitizer Prize in 2005 and had won state-level journalism awards. He lives in Ephrata, Pa. with his wife, Barbara.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
February 25, 2023
This WW2 Novel describes in gruesome, intricate detail the 76 hour battle of Tarawa between Japanese and American forces.
From the start I connected with the characters (both Japanese and American) and I wanted to see their journeys through to the final words. The characterization is so well done.
As a historical fiction fan, this novel hit the mark and then surpassed it. The research done so well is reflected in the descriptions of the scenes and actions/dialogue of these brave soldiers. I found some of the descriptions of the soldiers on either end being killed to be so intense I needed to take a second and gather myself. It was absolutely appalling how these men, basically all young boys, were cut down in the prime of their lives to serve their country.
As more and more of our WW2 veterans pass away, we need to capture their stories like this, and continue talking about the heroics and sacrifices made not just in America, but in Japan as well.
I would highly recommend this book for anyone who loves a fast paced, highly detailed historical fiction novel.
From the start I connected with the characters (both Japanese and American) and I wanted to see their journeys through to the final words. The characterization is so well done.
As a historical fiction fan, this novel hit the mark and then surpassed it. The research done so well is reflected in the descriptions of the scenes and actions/dialogue of these brave soldiers. I found some of the descriptions of the soldiers on either end being killed to be so intense I needed to take a second and gather myself. It was absolutely appalling how these men, basically all young boys, were cut down in the prime of their lives to serve their country.
As more and more of our WW2 veterans pass away, we need to capture their stories like this, and continue talking about the heroics and sacrifices made not just in America, but in Japan as well.
I would highly recommend this book for anyone who loves a fast paced, highly detailed historical fiction novel.
July 21, 2023
corny but entertaining
The combat passages were excellent. Detailed descriptions of what it may have been like on Tarawa. The home front stuff read something like a sixth grade Hardy boys book. I did enjoy the book, but it’s not great literature.
The combat passages were excellent. Detailed descriptions of what it may have been like on Tarawa. The home front stuff read something like a sixth grade Hardy boys book. I did enjoy the book, but it’s not great literature.
January 13, 2023
Thank you to @NetGalley for the ARC in response to an honest review.
76 hours is a book that can be described in one word. Outstanding. The novel covers the battle for Tarawa during WW2,
The battle is covered well from both sides and I have to say, the characterisation is superb. Fast paced throughout, this will have you turning pages anxious to see what’s happening. When you find your self attached to characters and caring for their outcome, you know that you are onto something good.
Thank you to our author of whom I have read several of his other works. This most certainly did not disappoint
76 hours is a book that can be described in one word. Outstanding. The novel covers the battle for Tarawa during WW2,
The battle is covered well from both sides and I have to say, the characterisation is superb. Fast paced throughout, this will have you turning pages anxious to see what’s happening. When you find your self attached to characters and caring for their outcome, you know that you are onto something good.
Thank you to our author of whom I have read several of his other works. This most certainly did not disappoint
October 16, 2022
An outstanding novel of the battle for Tarawa during WW2, looking at the story from the viewpoint of both sides. The story is fast paced and gripping. The characters are well developed and the reader can find themselves drawn into caring about what happens to them. A great read.
Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
January 31, 2024
No character development? I love a WWII book but this one did not do it for me.
July 21, 2023
Outstanding!
I am happy that I bought the ebook version of “ 76 Hours: A Novel of Tarawa” because of I had a print version,I might have flipped to end . The story was of a Marine private and his mates thrown into the caldron of battle. It was a holocaust of fire for Marines and their enemy.
Pete Talbot joined the Corps after a judge gave him the option of joining the service or spending two years in jail. As a recruit, Talbot earned the nickname Hardball for his surly resentment of authority, his rejection of friendship from his platoon members and his cynical distain of the Corps. But beginning when the Marines are dropped in the water to wade ashore on Tarawa, where he sees Marines being cut down on the beach, he learns the value of life, friendship, duty and love.
There are many things I liked about the way the author presented his story. For one thing, he used another character, a Japanese soldier whose thoughts as he faced imminent combat were little different from the invaders. This added some humanity to a battle where there was little but carnage. Second, one of Pete’s platoon mates had been at college and his foxhole conversations with Pete deepened our knowledge of the flawed hero. Neither plot device was in any way “ corny”.
“ 76 Hours” was “ unputdownable” and unforgettable. In my opinion it ranks up there with “ From Here to Eternity” and “ All Quiet on the Western Front” and With the Old Breed at Peleliu” as great stories of men at war. Beautifully written, deeply moving and , in the end, uplifting, I recommend it.
Cautions : the description of carnage is graphic, but very real- just read the history books.
I am happy that I bought the ebook version of “ 76 Hours: A Novel of Tarawa” because of I had a print version,I might have flipped to end . The story was of a Marine private and his mates thrown into the caldron of battle. It was a holocaust of fire for Marines and their enemy.
Pete Talbot joined the Corps after a judge gave him the option of joining the service or spending two years in jail. As a recruit, Talbot earned the nickname Hardball for his surly resentment of authority, his rejection of friendship from his platoon members and his cynical distain of the Corps. But beginning when the Marines are dropped in the water to wade ashore on Tarawa, where he sees Marines being cut down on the beach, he learns the value of life, friendship, duty and love.
There are many things I liked about the way the author presented his story. For one thing, he used another character, a Japanese soldier whose thoughts as he faced imminent combat were little different from the invaders. This added some humanity to a battle where there was little but carnage. Second, one of Pete’s platoon mates had been at college and his foxhole conversations with Pete deepened our knowledge of the flawed hero. Neither plot device was in any way “ corny”.
“ 76 Hours” was “ unputdownable” and unforgettable. In my opinion it ranks up there with “ From Here to Eternity” and “ All Quiet on the Western Front” and With the Old Breed at Peleliu” as great stories of men at war. Beautifully written, deeply moving and , in the end, uplifting, I recommend it.
Cautions : the description of carnage is graphic, but very real- just read the history books.
April 12, 2024
This is a difficult book to read quickly, due to its subject and the detailed description of death, wounds, and putrefication. Frequent pauses are needed, and more cheerful books read at the same time.
It is ultimately a book about a battle on Tarawa island, but it is also a book about courage, commradership and brainwashing that Japanese soldiers were put through. Because they were convinced that death was better than life.
What makes the book interesting are memories of home, or normal life and not so normal life. The main story, the story of the battle is interspersed with stories of a physically abusive, alchoholic father, of mother that fails to protect her children, and of love that conquers all.
It is ultimately a book about a battle on Tarawa island, but it is also a book about courage, commradership and brainwashing that Japanese soldiers were put through. Because they were convinced that death was better than life.
What makes the book interesting are memories of home, or normal life and not so normal life. The main story, the story of the battle is interspersed with stories of a physically abusive, alchoholic father, of mother that fails to protect her children, and of love that conquers all.
March 29, 2023
The battle scenes were pretty good.
Unfortunately, that only covers about 25% of the novel. The other 75% was all navel-gazing flashbacks working through dysfunctional family/daddy issues of the main character, or trying to humanize the Japanese while simultaneously illustrating exactly the things they did.
I listened to the Audiobook version, and I used the skip forward 30-sec feature to try to avoid the tedium and psychotherapy babble.
I was hoping for an entertaining war novel. I got daddy issues in a foxhole.
Unfortunately, that only covers about 25% of the novel. The other 75% was all navel-gazing flashbacks working through dysfunctional family/daddy issues of the main character, or trying to humanize the Japanese while simultaneously illustrating exactly the things they did.
I listened to the Audiobook version, and I used the skip forward 30-sec feature to try to avoid the tedium and psychotherapy babble.
I was hoping for an entertaining war novel. I got daddy issues in a foxhole.
March 23, 2023
Taking the island of Tarawa was a nightmare. The Marines who landed did so under intense firing, and continuous bombardments of attacks by Japanese soldiers. The bravery and fortitude of the soldiers who took the island is revealed here through the few characters in the book.
I loved how it was split between the Japanese and American viewpoints of the battle. It was a great read, and one that I highly enjoyed.
*Note, there is a lot of language in the book, so beware if you pick it up.*
I loved how it was split between the Japanese and American viewpoints of the battle. It was a great read, and one that I highly enjoyed.
*Note, there is a lot of language in the book, so beware if you pick it up.*
June 5, 2023
)6 hours
You will never find a more brutal book about the taking of such fanatical soldiers
Looking forward to death
On a.Bloody island
Hand to hand fighting in CQ was vicious!
I am a former UK serviceman thank God I. NEver had to go thru that
Type of battle.
I have done my course of
Jungle warfare training in Malaya
Ut to think the enemy was just behind a
Bush takes some guts.and would be very scary.t
Superb
You will never find a more brutal book about the taking of such fanatical soldiers
Looking forward to death
On a.Bloody island
Hand to hand fighting in CQ was vicious!
I am a former UK serviceman thank God I. NEver had to go thru that
Type of battle.
I have done my course of
Jungle warfare training in Malaya
Ut to think the enemy was just behind a
Bush takes some guts.and would be very scary.t
Superb
June 7, 2023
WOW
This is one of the best war stories I have ever read. Lots of fear, love, hatred, impossible courage and desperate violence that one would expect in a war. The characters, main and supporting, were brilliantly portrayed. Descriptions of injuries was over the top but necessary to accurately depict the life threatening battles. Highly recommend for those that like WW2 stories.
This is one of the best war stories I have ever read. Lots of fear, love, hatred, impossible courage and desperate violence that one would expect in a war. The characters, main and supporting, were brilliantly portrayed. Descriptions of injuries was over the top but necessary to accurately depict the life threatening battles. Highly recommend for those that like WW2 stories.
March 31, 2023
Great historical background and feeling
A gripping retelling of battle scenes and a true feeling of being a grunt. Maps and troop movements give a sense of the battlefield. Anyone into WW2 will want to read this book.
A gripping retelling of battle scenes and a true feeling of being a grunt. Maps and troop movements give a sense of the battlefield. Anyone into WW2 will want to read this book.
April 10, 2023
Not the best written novel, but, good nonetheless.
Tarawa was an incredibly brutal mess for the Marines, and they came out victorious, God bless those guys. A good story, worth the read.
Tarawa was an incredibly brutal mess for the Marines, and they came out victorious, God bless those guys. A good story, worth the read.
June 3, 2023
Excellent glimpse into the horrors of war and the courage of ordinary young men
Loved the realistic look into young men’s reactions to war. A little too many flashbacks but a worthwhile and thoughtful novel.
Loved the realistic look into young men’s reactions to war. A little too many flashbacks but a worthwhile and thoughtful novel.
August 15, 2023
wonderful read
Realistic description of battle scenes nicely balanced between Marines and Japanese perspectives. Humane portrayals of each. Left me wanting to read more by the author.
Realistic description of battle scenes nicely balanced between Marines and Japanese perspectives. Humane portrayals of each. Left me wanting to read more by the author.
March 10, 2024
Blood and Guts
I am vet did not see any action but my brother was an island like that in the south seas. When he came home he never talked about his wartime service and also a marine.
I enjoyed the book and I now know what he went through.
I am vet did not see any action but my brother was an island like that in the south seas. When he came home he never talked about his wartime service and also a marine.
I enjoyed the book and I now know what he went through.
September 20, 2024
4.5 stars rounded up because Alexander told this story from both the American and Japanese perspective. The writing was so immersive that the reader feels like they're right next to Pete Talbot and the other Marines.
January 11, 2025
I'm agreeing with a prior reviewer. The military drama is very good. The background home story saga was a bit beneath the other plot lines. Every marine Pete met had a story that had to be worked into novel. Kinda meh. The military action is very good
January 26, 2025
A Humbling read
Although not a WWII veteran I am a Vietnam vet! A well written story of courage and sacrifice . My father fought in Germany In WWII and almost never talked about it.
Great read Mr Alenander ! Thank You!
Joe Graf
Although not a WWII veteran I am a Vietnam vet! A well written story of courage and sacrifice . My father fought in Germany In WWII and almost never talked about it.
Great read Mr Alenander ! Thank You!
Joe Graf
April 12, 2023
*****5 stars!!!!***** - amazing book, my partner can't wait to read next!
April 19, 2023
An intense story told from both the American and Japanese point of view. Can one say they enjoyed reading a book with such gory detail? If yes then I did. This story kept me engrossed completely.
May 21, 2023
Excellent historical fiction. If you enjoy reading World War II stories from all viewpoints, you’ll enjoy this book. Very descriptive, similar to the writing style of Jeff Shaara.
May 21, 2023
Excellent read. Captivating from the beginning. I love the perspective from both sides, made it more interesting.
June 10, 2023
A good read!
July 1, 2023
A nicely written novel about the battle for Tarawa Island during WWII.
July 3, 2023
must read
Just a true passionate history of Tarawa through the eyes of individuals who lived it. Fast read, hard to put down
Just a true passionate history of Tarawa through the eyes of individuals who lived it. Fast read, hard to put down
July 10, 2023
I’ve read 41 books about the assault on Tarawa, this book ranks among the best. It is a thoroughly entertaining novel that factually describes the events of this terribly horrific battle.
Read
August 21, 2023Sherrod's non-fiction Tarawa enough for me. This book a reminder that fiction often more real than non-fiction. Could not finish- too much for my fragile soul.
March 26, 2024
Enjoyable fiction novel of the Marine invasion of Tarawa during World War II. Believable characters and action that follow the historic timeline of the battle.
August 7, 2024
Excellent novel about the Marines on Tarawa in the pacific.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews