This book is highly recommended for anyone interested in the u-boat war. The author has a very interesting story that starts with his service on an ocean liner at the outbreak of the war. From there he goes to surface raiders and then to u-boats,eventually ending with his internment in the far east when his sub is taken over by japan when germany surrenders. There are books with more text devoted to u-boat battles than this one however the book stands out for the authors unusual oddessy which he does an excellent job in writing about. The author also provides a superb collection of photos taken by himself that provides a great accompaniment to the narrative.

This book is not strictly about u-boats. It is a masterfully written chronical of a young merchant marine officer's transition from peacetime sailing aboard a luxury liner to the German navy. Only part of the book is about his time aboard a u-boat. Many of his adventures take place in the exotic lands of Malaya, China, and Japan. I have an extensive library of submarine books and sea stories, and I consider this one of the best in my collection. I heartily recommend this to anyone with a sense of adventure.

This book is unlikely to revolutionize anyone's understanding of the history of the US Navy or the progress of World War II (when most of its subjects served), but it *is* great fun to read. The chapters are short, and the overall effect is a lot like sitting around listening to a bunch of old-timers spinning yarns about their time at sea. Some of the stories are exciting (Eddie Albert's), some are dull (Rock Hudson's), and at least one (Jack Lemmon's) is falling-down funny.

Though it may not have been the authors' purpose, the book also highlights an important truth about modern war: most of those who serve do so by doing dull, repetitive, vital jobs far from the front lines. "Mister Roberts" may be the most realistic war story of our era, after all.

When World War II began it was natural that many movie stars, along with thousands of other Americans, would gravitate to the U.S. Navy. Some stars' contributions were confined to extensions of their show-business careers, but others rendered heroic combat service, and still others labored unglamorously in the mundane tasks without which no war can be won
Wayne Morris (fighter ace), Aldo Ray (frogman), Bill Cosby (Korean-era physical therapist), Rock Hudson (aircraft mechanic), Cesar Romero (Chief Boatswain's Mate USCG); their stories and many others are told in this fascinating record, with bibliography, good index, and many rare photos, some from the stars' own albums. Highly recommended.

(The "score" rating is an ineradicable feature of the page. This reviewer does not "score" books.)