MWSA Review

A Grand Pause: A Novel on May 14, 1945, The USS Randolph, Kamikazes, and the Greatest Air-Sea Rescue by Gary Santos is an action-packed historical fiction book that takes place in the war-torn Pacific Ocean during World War II.

Gary Santos had me (the reader) inside and atop the ships and planes during the heart-stopping action of fighting the Japanese and the kamikazes. His knowledge of the ships and their inner workings was apparent through his portrayal of characters responsible for the myriad of jobs to keep the craft functioning.

Santos paints a graphic picture of Ensign John Morris and his gunner Cletis Phegley as they are shot down in the Seto Inland Sea in the heart of Japanese territory. Morris and Phegley are convinced they are doomed to be prisoners of war if they live, but the brass of the Navy mount an all-out effort to rescue them. The plan put together and executed by the bravest of the brave was insane but insanely successful.

If you like U.S. Naval history or World War II action, A Grand Pause is bound to have you on the edge of your seat.

Review by Nancy Panko (June 2024)

 

Author's Synopsis

Based on a true World War II story, almost lost to history. Set on May 14, 1945, A Grand Pause follows two naval airmen, Ensign John Morris and gunner Cletis Phegley, as they ditch their burning dive bomber into the Seto Inland Sea, surrounded by the Japanese home islands. What ensues is a daring rescue mission by the USS Randolph and her war-weary crew, as they struggle against enemies, both physical and psychological, to bring their brethren home safely.

Format(s) for review: Paper and Kindle

Review Genre: Fiction—Historical Fiction

Number of Pages: 314

Word Count: 89,568