The Eagle’s Claw: A Novel of the Battle of Midway
By: Jeff Shaara
My Rating: FIVE out of FIVE Stars
Best For: 16 and up

The Eagle’s Claw: The Greatest Sea Victory in US History

Just like I loved his dad Michael’s take on The Battle of Gettysburg, I absolutely loved Jeff Shaara’s take on the year leading up to and just after Pearl Harbor. The Shaara men are better at writing history than anyone else I’ve read. They take actual events, the people, what they said, their histories, and the context of their actions and create a narrative that reads like a fictional story. It’s so cool, and the events are so dramatic it’s hard to believe they actually happened.

What’s it about?

This novel picks up in the aftermath of Pearl Harbor, a time when America is still reeling from the shock of the surprise attack. The Japanese, however, are not resting on their laurels. They are planning a massive, decisive strike at Midway Atoll to lure the American aircraft carriers into a trap. This story puts the reader squarely in the middle of this high-stakes military chess match. We see the events unfold through the eyes of key figures like Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto, the audacious architect of the plan, and his subordinates. On the American side, we’re with the brilliant cryptanalyst Commander Joe Rochefort, who is racing to break the Japanese code, as well as a fighter pilot and a Marine Gunnery Sergeant who are about to face the battle of their lives.

What did I think?

I loved it. The sense of “you are there” immediacy is incredible, putting you right in the heart of the action. This is the story of the greatest sea victory in US history, and Shaara brings it to life in electrifying detail. It’s a masterclass in tactics, military intelligence, and the bravery of the pilots who flew into certain death. The sheer brilliance of the American code breakers, particularly the “fake news” trick they used to confirm the Japanese target, is a story that Hollywood couldn’t invent.

What’s truly profound is how Shaara uses this battle to highlight the importance of cultural understanding. America’s loss at Pearl Harbor was a result of arrogance and a failure to take their enemy seriously. Japan’s loss at Midway was born of a similar overconfidence. This book is a powerful reminder that not understanding another’s culture can lead to catastrophic failure. Shaara makes all of this palatable and exciting for a layperson, but his research is still meticulous and rich with historical detail.

Sensitive Content: Graphic War Violence.

Should you read it?

If you are looking for an exciting and deeply insightful look into one of World War II’s most pivotal moments, then this is the book for you. This dad says The Eagle’s Claw is best for 16 and up.

Happy Reading!