SJB

I can't remember the last audio book that I enjoyed so much that I had to run out and purchase the hardcover version just to see the pictures and re-read some of the sections at my leisure, but I did so with Tears in the Darkness. It is the story of the Japanese invasion and occupation of the Philippine Islands during World War II. Manila was a plum assignment for anyone in the military. That all changed suddenly and dramatically with first the news that Japan had attacked Pearl Harbor and next when Japan attacking the Philippines. The Japanese army, built with men who had been subjected to cruelty from the day they entered the service of their country and had thus most had all humanity snuffed out of them during their introductory military training, took over the Philippines faster than the Americans could have ever anticipated, then went on to brutalize them in an unimaginable way. On the famous Bataan death march, which although is part of the title of this book is not a huge aspect of this book, men were routinely beaten, starved, and deprived of even water. They were shot or bayonetted for stopping to assist another. When it was inconvenient to transport men at one point, the Japanese simply decided to bayonet them in small batches and throw them over a cliff. When they were transported in a ship they were unable to breathe, given no food or water. This book will leave you with a lasting impression of true suffering endured by so many. If you don't understand why military tribunals exist for passing judgment for crimes committed on fields of battle, you may after reading this. (Dead men simply can't provide testimony.) There can be no excuse for what was done by the military of the Empire of Japan. Also a good reminder for us to maintain our military strength and stay vigilant at all times. Friends become enemies overnight.