From Amazon:
The mission of Commander George Krause of the United States Navy is to protect a convoy of thirty-seven merchant ships making their way across the icy North Atlantic from America to England. There, they will deliver desperately needed supplies, but only if they can make it through the wolfpack of German submarines that awaits and outnumbers them in the perilous seas. For forty-eight hours, Krause will play a desperate cat-and-mouse game against the submarines, combating exhaustion, hunger, and thirst to protect fifty million dollars worth of cargo and the lives of three thousand men. Acclaimed as one of the best novels of the year upon publication in 1955, The Good Shepherd is a riveting classic of WWII and naval warfare from one of the 20th century’s masters of sea stories.
Format: 240 pages, Kindle Edition
First Published: 1955 (Kindle Edition: October 2, 2018)
Genre: Historical Fiction, Fiction, War, Military Fiction, WWII, Classics, Adventure, Naval History
Naval and World War II fiction aren’t really my cup of tea. Normally, that is.
The other night, the Mister asked me if I’d ever seen the movie Greyhound (2020), starring Tom Hanks. I hadn’t, so we decided we’d give it a go. Much to my surprise, I liked it a lot! The story was riveting and I was white-knuckling the arm of the couch the entire time. lol
When I found out the movie was based on the book The Good Shepherd by C.S. Forester, I decided I’d read that as well.
My Impressions: I’m glad I did!
Even though I enjoy historical fiction, I’ve never been that interested in reading military fiction. I love the time period, I just never thought to pick up a book about the war.
Like the movie, the book was captivating. I was transported to a time of war, feeling everything Commander George Krause did. It was interesting to read his inner thoughts during the action as opposed to just seeing it on-screen.
I shivered as the author described the level of cold weather the Commander and crew were subjected to. The constant action as U-boats tried to torpedo them, as well as the cargo ships they were intent on protecting, had me white-knuckled again.
Commander Krause did his best to put his ship between danger and the convoy he was guarding.
Final Thoughts: This is an exciting tale, definitely worth the read!
This is my first C.S. Forester book, but I will definitely read others. I highly recommend reading this!
I gave this 5/5 stars.
From Goodreads:
Cecil Scott Forester was the pen name of Cecil Louis Troughton Smith, an English novelist who rose to fame with tales of adventure and military crusades. His most notable works were the 11-book Horatio Hornblower series, about naval warfare during the Napoleonic era, and The African Queen (1935; filmed in 1951 by John Huston). His novels A Ship of the Line and Flying Colours were jointly awarded the 1938 James Tait Black Memorial Prize for fiction.
| The Good Shepherd on Amazon | The Good Shepherd on Goodreads |
| C.S. Forester on Amazon | C.S. Forester on Goodreads |
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Sounds like a fabulous read. Great review too.
Have a fabulous day and week. ♥
Thank you so much, Sandee. ♥
I still remember reading that book in highschool and that having a dry towel around his neck to keep some of the leaks from running down his back was a real treat during that 48 hour period. I love reading WWII fiction and this is among the best.
Thanks for sharing your great review, Kymber. This isn’t my usual genre to read, but you made this book sound compelling. Congrats to the author! 🤗
How interesting. My father was commander of a Sunderland Flying Boat in the RAF. They flew reconnaissance in search of U-Boats to protect shipping convoys. Small world. Loved your piece Kymber. Blessings Peter-James.
My father lived the Battle of the Atlantic, here’s some of his story.
http://michaelstephenwills.com/2023/05/29/for-our-father-thomas-francis-wills-on-memorial-day-2019/
War books are not my favorite genre either, but there are a few books as well as movies that I am glad I saw and/or read. You wrote an honest review and I appreciate it.
This sounds like a great read, Kymber. I don’t usually read in this genre but if a book is well written, I can become totally engaged in the story. I’m glad you enjoyed it and thanks for sharing your review. 🙂
Good that you strayed out of your comfort zone. This sounds like one I will look for. Maybe Barnes and Noble.
Hi Kymber! I couldn’t do a ‘reply’ comment without some sort of login so I’m adding this as a new comments. I did find the movie with Tom Hanks on Apple TV–realized I’d already watched it (darn). It was excellent. Thanks for bringing back good memories.
A good and positive review for venturing outside of your preferred genres. My grandfather was on a destroyer escort ship in the Pacific during WWII. He had to deal with the heat and typhoons along with the very aggressive Japanese Navy and air force as he screened the flanks of convoys. Basically his ship was the bait to protect the main convoy. All of my life he thrilled me with spellbinding tales of the Pacific islands, native culture, and hi-jinx on the high seas. I think I might be a good candidate to read The good Shepard. Thank you for pointing me to the book.
Wonderful review Kymber. 👏🏼 Let me say girlfriend, that I see the results of your hard work. I am loving your redesign. It almost reminds me of an ezine ChickieDoodle. Oops, sorry, I digress. 😝 Anyway back to your review. Sounds like an interesting read. Thanks for sharing your good read with us. So what’s your reading goal for this year? 500 books? 😜
Hi there, chickiepotpie! 😀 xoxoxo Thank you so much. I’m still working on things around here. I thought, new year, new site! LOL 😀 It’s actually the same theme I was using, I just changed it up.
LOL @500. You’re so funny. 😀 I am taking the 100 book challenge again this year. Last year I was in a rush because I didn’t start the challenge until May (why the hell-o kitty did I choose 100?), I think. I should be able to really savor the good books I read at this pace since I’m starting in January.
I’m joining the 100 book challenge too
That’s terrific! I can’t wait to see your progress. 🙂
Will keep you posted
Wonderful!
Well ChickieDee, I only challenged myself for 50. I looked at my list of things I intend to try and get accomplished this year, and I just hope I am not overextending myself with that! UGH! 😝 But that’s why we set goals right? You can do it! 100 ain’t so bad, says the girl who only set a 50 book goal! 🤣😜😂
I have not seen the movie Greyhound and I have not read the book either. Both sounds very intriguing and exciting. Your description and review were excellent.
Thank you so much, Thomas. I’d love to hear what you think if you decide to watch or read it. 🙂
I saw the “Greyhound” movie last year and enjoyed it. Good to see that you liked the book that it was based on! 🙂
Thank you, Dave. I normally wouldn’t have read that book, but it’s good to expand the horizon because I really did enjoy it. 😀
I’m a massive fan of C S Forester but haven’t come across this one! I’m off to take a look now. I’ll have to ask hubby if we’ve seen the movie as I can’t remember! 🤭
Great review and thanks for sharing, Kymber. Hugs and happy new year 🤗💕🙂
That is so cool that you are a C.S. Forester fan! I often forget movies I’ve seen. I’m always asking the Mister, “Have I seen that?” LOLOL This one is definitely worth the watch.
Hugs and Happy New Year to you, too! xoxo
Thanks for bringing both the movie and the book to my attention Kymber. Historical fiction #wwII era is my favorite genre. I’ll be checking them both out. Hugs <3
If this is your favorite genre, I’m sure you’ll really enjoy the book and the movie. FYI: I saw the movie on Apple TV.
Hugs xoxo
Thanks again Kymber. Hugs xox
CS Forrester is an iconic name in historical naval warfare books. I’ve read a few–notably his Hornblower books–he is an amazing storyteller. I missed this movie so am going to try to find it on Apple TV.
Hiya, Jacqui! I saw the movie on Apple TV, and it was outstanding! I will definitely be looking for the Hornblower series. It sounds good!
I also am not a big fan of military fiction, but this one sounds compelling. I may watch the movie first. Thank you for sharing, Kymber!
I think watching the movie first is a great idea, Jan. You won’t be sorry. I found it on Apple TV, but it might be streaming elsewhere, I don’t know. Let me know what you thought about it if you watch. 😀