
Goodbye, Darkness
A Memoir of the Pacific War
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Narrated by:
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Barrett Whitener
About this listen
This memoir offers an unrivaled firsthand account of World War II in the Pacific - what it looked like, sounded like, smelled like, and most of all, what it felt like to one who underwent all but the ultimate of its experiences.
©1979, 1980 William Manchester (P)2007 Blackstone Audio Inc.Critic reviews
"It belongs with the best war memoirs ever written." (Los Angeles Times)
"A strong and honest account." (The New York Times Book Review)
"When Manchester speaks of the awesome heroism and hideous suffering of the Marines he lived with and fought with, he is reverent before the mystery of individual courage and gallantry." (Baltimore Sun)
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A great listen
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Best book
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heart. Just when you think it is over, you
are picked up and sent to
even another unforgettable adventures
that will thrill and shake.
Manchester has a deep and remarkable vocabulary as his splendid ability for the English language has no limits. it is amazing he survived those island Pacific battles. I am going to get the book for further study. I will have to get the large print as I am a senior citizen who still jogs in the park and wish my eyes were as good as mu running.
Looking forward to reading (listening) to William Manchester books.
Extrodinary
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The best account of WW2 I’ve ever read.
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excellent
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Curious why no mention of Recruit Training or Raider Training.
Pay- Lay- Lou Bah-stone
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Manchester is a great writer.
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Fantastic
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Would you listen to Goodbye, Darkness again? Why?
Yes. Mr. Manchester shares his own experience, and accurately reveals the the history of several Pacific campaigns. He does so with literary skills few before him have. I have read many books on the Pacific campaign, and rarely was the veteran also a renowned author. Mr. Manchester's command of the language makes the history even more powerful. Although no author can give full life to any battle, Mr. Manchester comes as close as any I have read. In addition, his description of death is unabashed and brutal, but accurate.What did you like best about this story?
The history and his literary skills. It draws you in and grips you.Which character – as performed by Barrett Whitener – was your favorite?
The author's own experiencesWas this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?
yesAny additional comments?
Some audible critics found it venturing too afar from the battlefield. In other words, delving too deeply into the author's own experiences before and after the war. Guilty as charged. If someone wants only the battle, only the simple facts, then I doubt they have any experience as a soldier, or want the whole story. War and soldering by definition is such a human experience, or inhumane experience, that to divorce the two is impossible. If the story can be told with honesty, with honest reflection and self-reflection, not to mention incredible literary skills, so much better for the reader. I'm sorry I had not read this years before.Powerful and Honest
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Much Overlooked Historical (WW2) Jewel
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