Reaping The Whirlwind: The German And Japanese Experience Of World War II

by Nigel Cawthorne

This is an amazing insight into the events of World War II through the eyes of those who fought against the Allied forces in all theatres of the war. It features many previously unpublished accounts of the war from German and Japanese soldiers, civilians and military leaders. It covers every major arena of the Europe; the German invasion of Russia; Rommel's Afrika Korps; and the Pacific war between Japan and forces of the US, Australia and New Zealand. "Reaping the Whirlwind" uses the authentic voices of German and Japanese people caught up in the conflict and highlights the similar deprivations and dangers experienced by both victors and vanquished.

Genres: History, War, Nonfiction, Germany, Japan, World War II

288 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

Nigel Cawthorne is an Anglo-American writer of fiction and non-fiction, and an editor. He has written more than 80 books on a wide range of subjects and has contributed to The Guardian, The Daily Telegraph Daily Mail and The New York Times. He has appeared on television and BBC Radio 4's Today programme.

Many of Nigel Cawthorne's books are compilations of popular history, without footnotes, references or bibliographies. His own web site refers to a description of his home as a "book-writing factory" and says, "More than half my books were commissioned by publishers and packagers for a flat fee or for a for a reduced royalty".

One of his most notable works was Taking Back My Name, an autobiography of Ike Turner, with whom he spent a number of weeks working with him on, taking up residence in Turner's house. The book caused much controversy, resulting in court cases for three years following its release.

Cawthorne currently lives in Bloomsbury, London with his girlfriend and son, Colin (born 1982).

Reviews

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've always enjoyed--and actually prefer--first-hand accounts of historical incidents. This book caught my eye because it contains that from the losing side of the conflicts, which is rare. It's even more rare when you consider how many Japanese soldiers who didn't die in combat still committed suicide rather than be captured. I was looking forward to this read... but ultimately felt disappointed with the result. The book relied on only a handful of accounts, and the bulk of it was noneventful filler that, aside from capturing the day-to-day boredom between battles, proved a bit boring for the reader. Some of it was interesting, but for the most part I think the book would have benefited from judicial editing to cut out the repetition, and the addition of more sources.

[Paul Downs · Rating 4 out of 5]

I suppose it could have included a larger sample of quoted sources - we're missing entirely Italian and all other allies of Germany - but it is quite interesting. The Japanese in particular have sad stories. Utterly deluded by their leaders, left to slowly die in hopeless situations, they still have faith that their sacrifice will lead to victory. For a student of the last century, worth reading.

[Jonathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book very difficult to read in places because of the use of quotations by individuals present at particular times during the war - it did not flow easily. However by perseverance and patience it became easier to follow.
Japanese section of the book was of less interest to start with but following the New Guinea campaign section it to became much more interesting.

[carl theaker · Rating 3 out of 5]

All-in-all I enjoyed many of the stories in 'Reaping the
Whirlwind'. The book is neatly divided, the first half
filled with tales from the German point of view and the
second, Japanese. Most of the stories are from front line
soldiers, their letters and diaries. There are a few pages
of the standard WW2 photos which have only the slightest,
if any, connection with the stories.

Particularly in the German section there is some padding
going on with the often previously published letters from
Rommel, and also for example, Hitler's last testament. If
you are new to WW2 readings then these will be
informative.

I found the letters from a Japanese lieutenant, who was
in the Philippines at the beginning of the war,
insightful and rather remarkable with the flowery prose in
the style of writing.

"Little birds are singing and the cicada chirp shrilly in
the trees. It is a strange feeling to face the beauty of
nature while smelling fresh blood- here among men, where we
are killing each other."

The author, or perhaps compiler, is a better description
spends a minimum amount of time setting the context and
the whole thing seems rather a rushed mishmash. Looking at
the Goodreads Author description explains it:

"Many of Nigel Cawthorne's books are compilations of
popular history, without footnotes, references or
bibliographies. His own web site refers to a description of
his home as a "book-writing factory"... "

So if you had a week to write a book, this is what it
would look like, and not a bad job considering.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. Very interesting and personal experiences of German and Japanese soldiers. Both of the Axis forces start out optimistic but are soon overwhelmed by the Allied supply of materiel and men. Not surprising the German accounts are more factual experiences where the Japanese ones are more spiritual and more about the glory of dying for the Emperor.

[William · Rating 3 out of 5]

Seeing WWII from the eyes of the Germans and Japanese is enlightening and certainly helps us understand the mindset we demonized without really understanding.

[Marc · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a terrific book with many gripping historical anecdotes. I especially liked that it gave a bit of post war information as well, both for German and Japanese sides.