Goodbye, Darkness

A Memoir of the Pacific War

By: William Manchester

Narrated by: Barrett Whitener

In this intensely powerful memoir, America's pre-eminent biographer-historian, who has written so brilliantly about World War II in his acclaimed lives of General Douglas MacArthur ( American Caesar) and Winston Churchill ( The Last Lion), looks back at his own early life.

This memoir offers an unrivaled firsthand account of World War II in the Pacific - what it looked like, sounded like, smelled like, and most of all, what it felt like to one who underwent all but the ultimate of its experiences.

©1979, 1980 William Manchester (P)2007 Blackstone Audio Inc.

Critic reviews

"It belongs with the best war memoirs ever written." (Los Angeles Times)
"A strong and honest account." (The New York Times Book Review)
"When Manchester speaks of the awesome heroism and hideous suffering of the Marines he lived with and fought with, he is reverent before the mystery of individual courage and gallantry." (Baltimore Sun)

A great listen

Manchester just doesn’t tell his experiences, he tells them with with amazing stories nsight and a keen poetic ear.

Best book

I Haven’t read a book in this good for a long time a b c

Extrodinary

This story touches one's
heart. Just when you think it is over, you
are picked up and sent to
even another unforgettable adventures
that will thrill and shake.
Manchester has a deep and remarkable vocabulary as his splendid ability for the English language has no limits. it is amazing he survived those island Pacific battles. I am going to get the book for further study. I will have to get the large print as I am a senior citizen who still jogs in the park and wish my eyes were as good as mu running.
Looking forward to reading (listening) to William Manchester books.

The best account of WW2 I’ve ever read.

The reading of the book by Whitener was phenomenal. The book itself was as frank and detailed as any WW2 account I’ve ever read. I’d recommend this book to anyone with even a passing curiosity of the war, anyone with advanced knowledge of it and especially to anyone that had family members in the service during that time. 10/10 RIP William Manchester.

excellent

an excellent memoir of the Pacific theater right up there with with the old breed and helmet for my pillow . I am sure I have heard others say this but I have many books about WWII Russian German British and American but I can't seem to find any from Japan maybe I'm not looking hard enough I don't know... Its just a little sad to not have any kind of first hand account from a Japanese soldierany way this definitely worth listening to

Pay- Lay- Lou Bah-stone

Like Robert Leckie, the Marine is a good writer.
Curious why no mention of Recruit Training or Raider Training.

Outstanding

Manchester was a brilliant writer whose descriptive narrative of front line Marines during two of the worst battles of WW2 is gripping and emotional. He imbeds dark humor and eroticism within the story which gives credence to the characters. Listening to this audio book while simultaneously reading “With the Old Breed” by Eugene Sledge I can almost see them a few yards apart on Sugarloaf Hill, in waist deep mud, blood and feces trying to stay alive so they could pass the experiences to us.

Powerful and Honest

Would you listen to Goodbye, Darkness again? Why?

Yes. Mr. Manchester shares his own experience, and accurately reveals the the history of several Pacific campaigns. He does so with literary skills few before him have. I have read many books on the Pacific campaign, and rarely was the veteran also a renowned author. Mr. Manchester's command of the language makes the history even more powerful. Although no author can give full life to any battle, Mr. Manchester comes as close as any I have read. In addition, his description of death is unabashed and brutal, but accurate.

What did you like best about this story?

The history and his literary skills. It draws you in and grips you.

Which character – as performed by Barrett Whitener – was your favorite?

The author's own experiences

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

yes

Any additional comments?

Some audible critics found it venturing too afar from the battlefield. In other words, delving too deeply into the author's own experiences before and after the war. Guilty as charged. If someone wants only the battle, only the simple facts, then I doubt they have any experience as a soldier, or want the whole story. War and soldering by definition is such a human experience, or inhumane experience, that to divorce the two is impossible. If the story can be told with honesty, with honest reflection and self-reflection, not to mention incredible literary skills, so much better for the reader. I'm sorry I had not read this years before.

Much Overlooked Historical (WW2) Jewel

Enjoy the fact that during this Generation of Americans, could never imagine the extent of their experiences unless you were lucky enough for them to open up to you. This History of the Pacific Campaign was both educational and personal. His students were fortunate to have such a talented Professor.

The Pacific Theatre as You’ve Never Read Before

Goodbye, Darkness is the memoir all active duty Marines owe as their duty to their proud heritage to read. Incredibly well written and narrated, William Manchester and Barrett Whitener bring the Pacific Theatre to life in a honorable tribute to all who served. Highly recommended to all, especially to those who serve now or have served.