NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • The master of military historical fiction turns his discerning eye to the Korean War in this riveting novel, which tells the dramatic story of the Americans and the Chinese who squared off in one of the deadliest campaigns in the annals of combat: the Battle of Chosin Reservoir, also known as Frozen Chosin. June 1950. The North Korean army invades South Korea, intent … invades South Korea, intent on uniting the country under Communist rule. In response, the United States mobilizes a force to defend the overmatched South Korean troops, and together they drive the North Koreans back to their border with China.
But several hundred thousand Chinese troops have entered Korea, laying massive traps for the Allies. In November 1950, the Chinese spring those traps. Allied forces, already battling stunningly cold weather, find themselves caught completely off guard as the Chinese advance around the Chosin Reservoir in North Korea. A force that once stood on the precipice of victory now finds itself on the brink of annihilation. Assured by General Douglas MacArthur that they would be home by Christmas, the soldiers and Marines fight for their lives against the most brutal weather conditions imaginable—and an enemy that outnumbers them more than six to one.
The Frozen Hours tells the story of Frozen Chosin from multiple points of view: Oliver P. Smith, the commanding general of the American 1st Marine Division, who famously redefined retreat as “advancing in a different direction”; Marine Private Pete Riley, a World War II veteran who now faces the greatest fight of his life; and the Chinese commander Sung Shi-Lun, charged with destroying the Americans he has so completely surrounded, ever aware that above him, Chairman Mao Tse-Tung watches his every move.
Written with the propulsive force Jeff Shaara brings to all his novels of combat and courage, The Frozen Hours transports us to the critical moment in the history of America’s “Forgotten War,” when the fate of the Korean peninsula lay in the hands of a brave band of brothers battling both the elements and a determined, implacable foe.
“A military story as dramatic and heroic as any that exists.”—The American Interest
“The Frozen Hours . . . illustrates again Shaara’s mastery. . . . This is fiction and history at their blended best.”—Marine Corps Gazette
“Marvelously effective storytelling . . . that shows us what warfare feels like both to those who plan campaigns and those who execute them . . . gripping, precisely detailed historical fiction.”—Booklist (starred review)
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Outstanding book. While the book is fiction, it has been extremely well researched and is very well written.
Another psychohistory by a master storyteller.
Four points of view but all mesh perfectly to advance the story. Though history, it reads like a novel, yet all the characters are actual persons. Excellent example or U.S.Marines living their “Never Give Up tenacity.” This story gives the Chinese point-of-view which I’d never found in another account of the Chosin campaign. I’m amazed at the outcome for the Chinese commander who lost about six divisions in this battle.
Latest historical epic from Jeff Sharra. Gets you right into t he heads of the characters and humanizes the history!
As I’m sure to have mentioned before – Jeff Shaara is THE go-to author for American military historical fiction. I have found none better. He takes the relatively obscure battles that have not received as much attention as the “well known” and opens your eyes to the reality of war. This novel is no different.
Based in the Korean Conflict {of which we are still engaged, having never formally signed a peace treaty} he tells the story of fighting in sub-zero weather and the difficulties faced on both sides. Jeff makes you want to run and find a still living veteran and learn more about these conflicts. I honestly cannot recommend him enough.
As a side-note: he actually answers all questions/comments personally in reply emails. I found that to be really cool.
This telling of thee early part of the Korean War (which was also my war) brought home the horrendous conditions faced by American marines and G.I.s. I had a different Korean War since I never left the USA, but spent a lot of time training. Jeff Shaara has a special gift, telling the war’s story close up, following several key characters. I have read every one of his books and really appreciate his craftsmanship, his attention to detail and the excellent historical accuracy.
I was impressed by the inclusion of the Chinese general’s viewpoint. Although Shaara’s works are considered fictional, a great amount of historical research is evident.
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Jeff Shaara is a master at historical fiction. I love his books and highly recommend him. I especially appreciate his historical accurancy
The Forgotten War… Americans didn’t know where Korea was and most didn’t care unless a relative or close family friend was serving there. The sacrifices the Marines made against the Chinese will be remembered by Marine historical accounts till the end of the United States Marines!
One of his best ever.
As always, you can count on Shaara to give a great read while providing a great history lesson.