Book Review: Flags of Our Fathers

James Bradley's Flags Of Our Fathers made me understand. From the title and cover you can almost predict for certain that it's about a war. But it is much more than that. It's about boys becoming men, whether they want to or not.

The theme is not too difficult to decipher. This book taught me more than just men who gave up their lives to keep our freedom.But fathers, brothers, sons, husbands, and friends gave their lives. Rene Gagnon, a main character, was born to millfield workers. He had a family and siblings that loved him. But on his own choice he joined the war and risked everything. Jack Bradley had everything he ever wanted. But as the war started he chose the navy to help others with his medical abilities. Harlon Block was a star athlete with a way out of the war. He had no obligation to have to fight. But he chose to help the people of the country he loved.

I can not think of a book that connects to this book. But the book does relate to current events. As with this book, our we are at war with another country. Though men do not have to fight the war, they risk everything for us. But this book does not connect with me on a personal level.

As for the characters, I feel they are as real as possible because they are. Each man in this book were real people that fought for this country. I liked every character, though some more than others, making it very enjoyable to read. Mike Strank was an immigrant from the czech republic and had no obligations to fight this war. But he loved his adopted country so much, he sacrificed all he had to defend it. Frank Sously was not even old enough to go to war. But he fast talked his way into the ranks of the marines. Jack Bradley had finished all of his college education and was ready to start the business he always wanted but when war arrived. He was ready to battle for his country.

My recommendations are very high for this book! It was an excellent read and was bursting with imagery. Though I would suggest it as a teenager and up book. The imagery is gorey and not for the sensitive hearted. But men will be absorbed with this book. Even if they do not enjoy reading.

Pages: 250