THE STEEL WAVE: A Novel of World War II
Jeff Shaara
Ballantine Books
Historical Fiction
ISBN: 9780345461421

• About the Book
• Critical Praise
• Read an Excerpt

World War II is a frequently mined swath of history. Writers and historians have trod back and forth across those fields of battle, physically and figuratively, churning out a neverending stream of books on the subject, all with varying perspectives, opinions and conclusions. Hollywood has added its visual representation on many aspects of the war. One section that always draws major attention is the Allied invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944. With the considerable coverage of this event, one would think that nothing about it could be compelling or inspiring in any further exploration.

Jeff Shaara proves everyone wrong with his brilliant novel, THE STEEL WAVE. Continuing on the heels of THE RISING TIDE, this latest volume in his World War II saga covers January through September of 1944 and is such an engaging piece of work that one must continually remind himself or herself that the events are true. Granted, the specific conversations contained within are conjecture, but Shaara's meticulous research of personal diaries and letters gives these fictionalized discussions the weight of authenticity to go hand in hand with the historical facts of the machinations of the varied war strategies.

THE STEEL WAVE, like its predecessor, is more than just a dry look at the battles and outcomes of the time. Instead, you are with General Dwight Eisenhower as he lays the groundwork with the Allied commanders for Operation Overlord while trying to keep General Patton on a tight leash. At the same time, you follow Patton and his frustrations at not being free to engage the enemy as he sees fit. Sit alongside Field Marshal Erwin Rommel as he struggles to gain Hitler's attention and build his defenses for the invasion he knows is coming. Yet, while you get to cozy up with such historical icons, Shaara also throws in a few fictional everymen by which you can really connect and become embedded into the action.

Jesse Adams, a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne, drops behind the German lines and into the very heart of chaos. Meanwhile, you run alongside Tom Thorne as he and his infantry division gallantly struggle to make their way up the beach under the watchful and deadly eye of the German gunners. These two men, the enlisted commoners, allow you to be engulfed in the hell that is war, but Shaara spares the ghastly scenery and the carnage that ensues in such times because THE STEEL WAVE is not so much about the combat but about the men within.

Shaara's gift is in making every single character and figure in the book vivid and alive, and he delivers them to you in such a way that, as you see the problems of one man's situation unfolding, you get cut away to see the meticulous planning and problems from the other side. Together they fold into a dramatic and astounding piece of history and literature. In particular, Shaara's presentation of Rommel is exceptional, especially with his own personal struggle to fulfill his obligations as a soldier and a man of war, and his sense that Hitler is losing touch and that Germany needs to be spared. Shaara's work makes Rommel more than just a pastiche or a textbook cliché of the enemy soldier; the author makes him animated on the page for you to witness, and makes him human.

If you've ever avoided embracing World War II history for fear of dry facts and figures, you have nothing to worry about. THE STEEL WAVE practically sings with the beauty and the simplicity of its writing. Should you choose to take it up, you will be rapt and find yourself pushing to finish just one more chapter as the hours tick by. This novel is guaranteed to keep you engaged, from the opening pages until its surprisingly touching and solemn conclusion.

    --- Reviewed by Stephen Hubbard

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