It's 1943 and the Americans and Japanese are fighting a deadly war in the hot, jungle-covered volcanic islands of the South Pacific. The outcome is in doubt, and now a terrible blow has fallen on American morale. Lieutenant David Armistead, a Marine Corps hero and cousin of the president of the United States, is missing and some say he's gone over to the enemy. All that's known for certain is he was last seen heading north into Japanese-held islands, taking with him the beautiful, young native wife of a colonist who heads up the local militia and is swearing revenge. Something must be done before Allied unity falls apart. Coast Guard Captain Josh Thurlow and his ragtag crew are given the assignment to find Armistead, though not necessarily to bring him back alive. Recruited in the hunt is a tormented and frail PT-boat skipper nicknamed Shaffy, who's also known by another name: John F Kennedy. When Josh is stranded in the jungles of New Georgia with a mysterious, sensual woman who has a tendency to chop off men's heads, it's up to Kennedy to come to the rescue and complete the mission. To procure a gunboat, however, he first has to play high-stakes poker with a young naval supply officer called Nick, who happens to be the best gambler in the South Pacific. Nick has another name, too: Richard M. Nixon. The adventures of these hot-blooded characters wind tighter and tighter until a fiery, climatic day when Joe Gimmee, a local holy man with some peculiar ideas on how to acquire treasure from the gods, has promised a miracle. The one he produces is remarkable, and will change the lives of everyone who watches it unfold. Based solidly on historical facts with echoes of James A. Michener, The Ambassador's Son is a thrilling tale of the South Pacific and adventure fiction at its finest.
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"Good historical fiction by Hickam. Takes place during WWII in the Solomon Islands. Historical figures (JFK and Tricky Dicky) are interwoven into a fictional story that is quite interesting and carries a feel for the times. Recommended for fans of WWII fiction." — Jeff (4 out of 5 stars)
"Good historical fiction by Hickam. Takes place during WWII in the Solomon Islands. Historical figures (JFK and Tricky Dicky) are interwoven into a fictional story that is quite interesting and carries a feel for the times. Recommended for fans of WWII fiction."
" This was really interesting--a variation of Tales of the South Pacific featuring famous people who were out there like James Michener and JFK. I enjoyed it very much. "
" Love Hickman's writing. WWII in the South Pacific with a touch of JFK... "
" I really could not get into this book. Personally, I found it ridiculous and unbelievable. I don't think an author should take famous people (JFK and Nixon) and create a fictionalized story about them in a time period as important as WWII. JMO "
" audio book on a car trip. We got this one first and really enjoyed the story and reading. The reader was great! Lots of detailed pacific WWII adventure, comedy, historical. Found more and listened to them later. "
" I haven't been able to dive right in like all of Homer's other books but when I do read I am enjoying this one. It's a WWII South Pacific war novel so far, but I like Josh Thurlow's character enough to keep on reading! "
" Great fun read. Historical what-if fiction. "
" This is a cool twist on the history of a few of our country's leaders. I found it fun and interesting. "
" Out of the Josh Thurlow series this was my least favorite and probably the slowest. JFK and Nixon make appearances in some "what if" scenarios. It is irritating that the hero can't control himself enough to not cheat on his fiancee as soon as pretty girl smiles at him. "
" It's that historical fiction thing again. There are 3 books in this series...waiting for the 4th! "
" This is the best book I have read all year. Though in all fairness, I listened to it on CD. Mr. Hickam wrote a great book and Steve Hoye's presentation of it was exceptional. I highly recommend it. "
" Fun for a while, preposterous, then just dumb "
" Another novel by Homer Hickam, with characters from "The Keeper's Son." Takes place during WWII and incorporates fictionalized meetings with WWII soldiers John F Kennedy and Richard Nixon. "
" It was interesting in the fact that both JFK and Nixon were characters in the Historical fiction. And interesting view into WWII and the events of the Solomon islands. But weird. "
Homer Hickam is the author of the New York Times bestseller Rocket Boys, which was made into the acclaimed movie October Sky. He has also authored the military history bestseller Torpedo Junction, along with several other popular historical and science fiction novels. A respected amateur historian, scuba expedition leader, and military veteran, he continues to write using his personal experience and history for creative material.
Stephen Hoye has worked as a professional actor in London and Los Angeles for more than thirty years. Trained at Boston University and the Guildhall in London, he has acted in television series and six feature films and has appeared in London’s West End. His audiobook narration has won him fifteen AudioFile Earphones Awards.
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