The Bridges at Toko-Ri

A Novel

By: James A. Michener

Narrated by: Larry McKeever

In one of his beloved early bestsellers, Pulitzer Prize–winning author James A. Michener crafts a tale of the American men who fought the Korean War, detailing their exploits in the air as well as their lives on the ground. Young and innocent, they arrive in a place they have barely ever heard of, on a ship massive enough to carry planes and helicopters. Trained as professionals, they prepare for the rituals of war that countless men before them have endured, and face the same fears. They are American fighter pilots. Together they face an enemy they do not understand, knowing their only hope for survival is to win.

Praise for The Bridges at Toko-Ri

“A vivid and moving story, as well as an exciting one . . . The humanity of the people is deeply felt.”—Chicago Tribune

“The Banshees screaming over Korea, the perilous landings on an aircraft carrier deck ‘bouncing around like a derelict rowboat,’ a helicopter rescue from the freezing waters . . . all are stirringly rendered.”—The Denver Post

“Michener’s best . . . a story of action, ideas, and civilization’s responsibilities.”—Saturday Review

Critic reviews

“A vivid and moving story, as well as an exciting one . . . The humanity of the people is deeply felt.”—Chicago Tribune

“The Banshees screaming over Korea, the perilous landings on an aircraft carrier deck ‘bouncing around like a derelict rowboat,’ a helicopter rescue from the freezing waters . . . all are stirringly rendered.”—The Denver Post

“Michener’s best . . . a story of action, ideas, and civilization’s responsibilities.”—Saturday Review

Wow

Well, this is probably the first Michener book that I freaking hated the ending! I know war is hell and good men die but, FREAKING ALL OF THEM!?

What Is Patriotismm.

This book hurts to read but it is also a biik which is as importantnow as itwas whenirwas 2rittenover50 years ago. Why do we fight. Why doesit always s3mtgar onlysomepoepleseemcalled totake risks. Why do so many seemunaware of what is hppenibg. Michener doesn,t presumeto have all the answers but he raises quire a few questtions

For those who fear tthelength of his books! Thisisa short one.

Movie was good but Michener’s words are better!

As usual, the movie was OK and actually mirrored the book better than many, but the words (and excellent performance) made the story much richer.

A great story hampered by a mechanical read

I have always loved this book, but I had to stop this recording 10 minutes in. It almost sounds like Text to Voice computer narration. Simply awful. Audible should be embarrassed to have this on their platform, and the Michener estate should sue.

Great Story, Awfully Read

What did you like best about The Bridges at Toko-Ri? What did you like least?

I read the book years ago, and recently re-watched the movie again. I had forgotten how closely they two media followed each other; a rare happenstance in many books to movies. Listening to this book however was a terrible disappointment. The performance was subpar at best. With no inflection in the performer’s voice, the listening experience is close to hearing one continuous run on sentence, read by a third grade student.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

It has been, and I did!