Silent Running

My Years on a World War II Attack Submarine

By: James F. Calvert

Narrated by: Kevin Patrick

Length: 10 hrs and 13 mins

Publisher's summary

In this riveting personal account, an authentic American hero relives the perils and triumphs of eight harrowing patrols aboard one of America's most successful World War II submarines. Courageous deeds and terror-filled moments - as well as the endless hard work of maintaining and operating a combat sub - are vividly recalled in Calvert's candid portrait. From rigorous training and shakedown cruises off the coast of New England to tense patrols within shouting distance of Japan's major cities, the progress of the newly commissioned USS Jack parallels Calvert's own growth from callow ensign to charter member of one of the sharpest attack teams in the fleet. Silent Running is more than a masterful collection of war stories. The greatest drama takes place within Jim Calvert himself, as his values, his training, and his courage are put to test daily, both at sea and ashore. He must come to terms with a forbidden love, overcome fear and self-doubt, cope with the loss of comrades, and face the constant reality that each and every day at sea might be his last. Jim Calvert has created one of the most remarkable World War II memoirs to date.

©1995 by James F. Calvert, Vice Admiral, USN (Ret.) (P)1997 by Blackstone Audiobooks

Excellent despite flaws

Despite the obvious flaws with audio production, which have been mentioned in other reviews, this is a very compelling story, told in vividly descriptive language, and with unexpected personal candor on the part of the author. Granted, this book will probably only have appeal to those with a fascination with World War II submarines, but if that describes you, then I recommend this book wholeheartedly. It’s one of the better books on American submarine actions in World War II that I have encountered.

great book

Seems time for a re-recording to improve the sound quality, but the book is timeless

Silent Running (unabridged)

For submarine stories that tell a tale that is almost fictional, this is a very good listen!

Thrilling and Honest

James Calvert gives us an honest, dramatic, inspiring, insightful account of what it was like to live, fight, and die in those now-ancient tin cans which so nobly helped win the war in the Pacific. He pulls no punches, does not diminish his failings (which are few), and extols the bravery and dedication of those he fought with. He is a gifted writer, and you will not be disappointed in your time with his story.

Amazing Book - Subpar Narration

The book is outstanding. The narration is wooden and the audio quality is the worst I’ve heard.

Really enjoyed this memoir

Very engaging, honest memoir of the WW2 patrol history of the author. If you're interested in the US submarine war fought in the Pacific, or WW2 naval history in general, it's a solid read. The narrator's voice and cadence, as well as the recording quality of the audio, was the perfect complement to the story in my opinion; it had a period ring to it, almost like the narrator recorded it back in the 50s, reminiscent of the old Victory at Sea series.

poor audio -

What an amazing story! I’ve read many war memoirs (mostly of pilots), and this is one of the best. The audio quality is terribly inconsistent and mostly quite poor. However, it is a small price to pay. Hell, I would record a couple of titles personally, just to have them available to others. So, I’m glad to have amateur audio engineering, if that is what it takes to have this tune title.

good historical snapshot

Overall good listen that puts you soundly in the 1940s pacific theatre. Story and narrative are good, if the language is a bit dainted/quaint for today's environment. Only complaints is the audio quality is all over the place - narration completely sounds like it was recorded in a different room with different equipment from chapter to chapter. This took away from an otherwise fine listen.

Silent Running

Any additional comments?

This was an insightful story into the life of a WWII sub. The audio was a little inconsistent at times but I would recommend this book.

Felt like I was part of his life.

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, war is more than the fight outside, what happens to the person matters. I enjoyed the blend of life and war history.

What did you like best about this story?

the emotions of life

What about Kevin Patrick’s performance did you like?

good soothing voice

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

no, just enjoyed

Any additional comments?

good book, if you like submarines and human emotion, you will like the book.