Book Review: Violet Lightning: A Blueprint for Japanese Victory in the Pacific, 1941–1942

by John Eric Vining

Reviewed by K.C. Finn

Review Rating: 5 Stars *****

Date: June 5, 2020

 

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers’ Favorite:

Violet Lightning: A Blueprint for Japanese Victory in the Pacific, 1941-1942 is a work of non-fiction focusing on military history, and was penned by author John Eric Vining. The work takes a look at the accurate military history and fighting spirit of Japan, not just during the period of the Second World War, but as far back as its initial dealings with the United States in 1895. From here, the author recounts the difficult history and numerous acrimonious conflicts between Japan and the United States prior to World War Two and then proceeds to explain some truly fascinating facts about Japan’s potential path to victory in the 1940s. It is posited that Japan could well have won those conflicts, and the evidence is both compelling and highly interesting to read about.

Author John Eric Vining offers a vision of Japan that most history books are likely to overlook, and it is clear that this has been the work and passion of a lifetime in every word that the author pens. Deeply detailed and well researched for every instance of conflict and negotiation, we are treated to a clear and concise narrative view that builds and builds over a century to deliver the picture of Japan as an intelligent and victorious nation. The narrative style and chapter structure offer clarity and accessibility even for those who do not yet understand the full history, and the descriptive techniques used by the author give the work a sense of excitement akin to that of wartime fiction. This makes the work both entertaining and educational, and overall I would highly recommend Violet Lightning: A Blueprint for Japanese Victory in the Pacific, 1941-1942 for history buffs seeking lesser-known corners of the military world.