Yasuyuki Kasai''s novel "Dragon of the Mangroves: Inspired by True Events of World War II" has been reviewed by Mr. Richard R. Blake in Reader Views.
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Destined to Become a Classic
Richard R. Blake (San Leandro, CA 94578 U.S.A.)
"Dragon of the Mangroves" is inspired by events of World War II and is based on a true story. This compelling novel is a fictional account of a deadly crocodile attack against a garrison of the Twenty-eighth Japanese Army assigned to Ramree Island, off the coast of Burma. While on the Island, Minoru Kasuga is confronted with a terrible smell coming from a saltwater creek. A local villager tells him it is the stench of death from the breath of man-eating crocodiles that inhabit Myinkhon Creek.
After fierce fighting, the battalion is driven to the island's east coast to evacuate by crossing the creek. As they are ready to embark, Kasuga smells the same putrid odor. He warns his commanding officer of the danger. His sergeant disregards him, and orders the soldiers to cross the creek.
Second Lieutenant Yoshihisa Sumi is ordered to save the survivors of the garrison on Ramree Island. Upon his arrival at Myinkhon Creek Sumi is faced with stark terror.
Kasai demonstrates an amazing insight into the driving force of military men. Some are motivated by fear or cowardice, others by pride, patriotism, heroics, or bravery. But all are moved by a strong desire to live, for self-preservation and for survival.
Although the book is written in the English language, Kasai's commanding word pictures and descriptions enabled me envision and appreciate the references to Japanese cultural and background adding an authentic picture of the Burmese locale.
"Dragon of the Mangroves" is destined to become a classic among the stories of the South Pacific of WWII and among the guerrilla warfare stories of every subsequent conflict.
(May 1, 2007)
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