Jemo

A Fictional Account of the Baker Blast, Operation Crossroads...and of Those Left Behind

By: Stephen P. Robertson

Narrated by: Daniel Penz

The United States conducted highly classified atomic testing in the Marshall Islands. One of the ships used in the mock up fleet was a captured Japanese Battleship, the Nagato. These ships were equipped with an array of equipment, from cameras to Geiger counters, as well as various farm animals. These tests were intended to determine "Fleet Survivability" in the face of a thermonuclear implosion. Unfortunately, no one fully understood, or could even begin to imagine, the utter devastation about to be unleashed...or the consequences!

©2009 Stephen P. Robertson (P)2013 Stephen P. Robertson

Compelling / sobering; heavy dramatization

Jemo blends historical fact with fictional narrative to dramatize the human toll of Operation Crossroads. The logbook format gives the story immediacy, and the detailed survival account underscores the secrecy and sacrifice tied to nuclear testing. While fictionalized, it effectively conveys moral weight and historical tragedy.

Full of Emotion

Alternate histories can sometimes come across as unbelievable but this was not the case with Jemo. Before reading the book I knew a bit about Operation Crossroads and the Baker Test but didn't really know all the details so this compelled me to look into the subject further. Having read more about it the book has become even more believable.

The author skillfully used a journal format to fully explore the fear, pain, and confusion these men experienced. It all felt horribly genuine for the listener.

The entire novella was filled with so much emotion that it was almost difficult to listen to at times. And the heartbreaking ending left me tearing up.

The narrator, Daniel Penz, did a fantastic job with the audiobook edition. His excellent performance really showcased the emotions of the sailors and their struggle and made an already moving book heart wrenching for the listener.

I highly recommend this very well done novella. It has truly changed the way I view the subject.

Brilliant

Brilliant superb entertainment.
One of the best I've read.
I will look for more by this author.