1945

A Novel

By: Robert Conroy

Narrated by: L.J. Ganser

Length: 14 hrs and 41 mins

Publisher's Summary

America has dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. But Japan has only begun to fight . . . .

In 1945, history has reached a turning point. A terrible new weapon has been unleashed. Japan has no choice but to surrender. But instead, the unthinkable occurs. With their nation burned and shattered, Japanese fanatics set in motion a horrifying endgame - their aim: to take America down with them. 

In Robert Conroy's brilliantly imagined epic tale of World War II, Emperor Hirohito's capitulation is hijacked by extremists and a weary United States is forced to invade Japan as a last step in a war that has already cost so many lives. As the Japanese lash out with tactics that no one has ever faced before - from POWs used as human shields to a rain of kamikaze attacks that take out the highest-value target in the Pacific command - the invasion's success is suddenly in doubt. As America's streets erupt in rioting, history will turn on the acts of a few key players from the fiery front lines to the halls of Washington to the shadowy realm of espionage, while a mortally wounded enemy becomes the greatest danger of all.

©2007 Robert Conroy (P)2019 Tantor

Repetitive Focus on Torture and Suffering

Conroy's "1901" novel was well written and entertaining, but "1942" & "1945" was just too much. I understand and have studied the horrors, atrocities and suffering of WWII. I find what happened appalling and believe it is a chapter of history that should never be forgotten. Conroy enumerates these atrocities in his books, mainly the Japanese' brutality and cruelty towards prisoners and civilians, and the Nazis' Holocaust against the Jews, as he should. But, to go on and on in excruciating detail of how and the extent is just is too much. 3/4 of the book is building upon cruelty, after suffering, after torture, too the extent you become so angry that you don't want to listen anymore. It is as if Conroy is a Sadist. I'll give him the benefit of the doubt that his intentions were good, but he went too far and made the book unreadable.

Great Listen

Thoroughly enjoyed listening to the story all throughout. L.J. Ganser does a good job with the narration. Yet another story by Robert Conroy that I will be listening to again down the line.

Realistic Alternate History

Fun listen, plausible alternate history with just enough razzle dazzle to make it fun.

I have a new author to listen to

Interesting story

Pretty good story. Make you wonder what it would have been like if the US didn't have the atomic bomb.

A dark vision of what could’ve been!

During my senior year of high school I had to write a four page essay on whether or not the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki during World War II were justified, why or why not?

I wish I would’ve read this book then. Yes, I understand that it is purely an alternate history and historical fiction to boot. The author clearly has done their research in terms of the determination that both sides would’ve shown during the last days of the war. Between the Japanese fanaticism and the US is heavy-handed use of both the atomic bomb and fire bombing in general of the Japanese islands. It is little wonder that Japan wouldn’t have been turned into a radioactive island.

While there is some overabundance on the Japanese secret police frequently using torture in somewhat graphic detail. It was overall a great read in terms of an alternate what could have been story.

Great Book

I loved this book. I had a hard time putting it down and often fell asleep with it .

A brilliant twist on history. And a great writer and reader!

I’m moving onto all of Mr. Conroy,s books. I’ve moved from famine to feast.

Putting in tidbits

Liked the way he threw in actual facts through out the story. The characters where good. Following the young nieve 1st lieutenant throughout the book was nice. Looking farward to reading another Robert conroy book.

I couldn’t stop listening!

I love alternative history and there isn’t anyone better than Robert Conroy. I fantastic listen!