The Frozen Hours

This is pretty much a typical Jeff Shaara “novel” written in the manner he learned from his father. (That is – take an important military action and research it very thoroughly. Then chose several real people who were engaged in that action and use them as vehicles to tell the story. Stick strictly to actual documented events, but make up emotions and dialog as necessary to bridge unknown elements and to dramatize what it was like for the participants.)
This book is basically about the Battle of Chosin Reservoir when about 30,000 UN troops (mostly American) were attacked and encircled by about 120,000 Chinese troops. It was one of the most dramatic battles in history and a very close run thing.
The first half of the book drags somewhat as Shaara introduces the important characters and sets the stage. But the second half really picks up as the battle (actually a series of connected battles) really gets going. The fighting was horrendous and under conditions that were staggeringly cruel for both sides. Shaara really brings it to life.
Pretty good book.

Story: 7 / 10
Characters: 8
Setting: 8.5
Prose: 3.5

Tags: War, cold, politics, strategy, Korea, US, China, Russia