So much of what happened during the political development of Micronesia now come to light as a result of this well researched book. Until now, much of what transpired during the political status negotiations required tedious search in US government archives and the Library of Congress. That is if the documents were declassified. This book is insightful.

So mucy of what happened during the political development of Micronesia now come to light as a result of this well researched book. Until now, much of what transpired during the political status negotiations required tedious search in US government archives or the Library of Congress (if unclassified). Insightful!

I speak as one who has lived in the Northern Mariana Islands for more than thirty years, and who had a role in the events (I was one of those who were interviewed) and who knew and worked with many of the central figures involved in them. Willens and Siemer have written a thoroughly researched and historically accurate work, and one which I enjoyed reading immensely -- as will anyone interested in this corner of the Pacific.

Very interesting book...

As host of Chamorro. com, I've received literally hundreds of inquiries re our Mariana Islands, Chamorro culture and tradition, our language and on and on. The Pacific War is of particular interest.

I find Mr. Petty's book very interesting and believe it is a good place to start. What better way to know about the past, even if it is only the recent past and only a small part of the past, than to hear about it from those who were there and in their own words?

I've always had an interest in the Pacific front and I find this book a wonderful edition to the previous books I have read. What I really like is the way the author brings in the personal stories. You can tell that Bruce Petty is a compassionate person who cares about the subject AND the people he writes about. I hope to see more work by this author and will definitely buy his next book.

Bruce Petty does a wonderful job of drawing people out and letting them tell their own stories about the battle of Saipan, which was one of the fiercest in World War II's Pacific Theatre. The narrators include both residents of Saipan whose peaceful existence was shattered by the war and American military men who came away from the fighting changed forever. All the survivors seem well aware that only blind luck separates them from those who perished. This book is a timely reminder that even a just war is truly Hell.