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aizataffendi's review against another edition
4.0
The Bomber Mafia gives insights on to the American involvements in World War II, from the perspective of mainly two American Air Force generals whom I perceived have the same end goal when it comes to war (i.e. to reduce the ultimate number of war casualties over the course of wars) but with two very different approaches. The book also delves into the technological advances made during the period as well as new meteorological and material discoveries.
scgirl730's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
rob503's review against another edition
1.0
It’s just…not good.
Sort of half developed ideas and lots of insinuation that leaves the reader wanting more. More assessment and less of a failed attempt at objectivity. Strategic bombing was a failure in World War II and LeMay’s preference for area morale bombing was a moral failure. Gladwell doesn’t really address those two things head on.
I saw one review that labeled it an “elongated blog post” and that’s probably apt. I mean this started life as a podcast and then became a book. If you want to understand bombing in World War II I’d highly recommend Conrad Crane or Tami Davis Biddle’s excellent books. They’re longer (Crane’s only barely) and highly readable for academic works.
Sort of half developed ideas and lots of insinuation that leaves the reader wanting more. More assessment and less of a failed attempt at objectivity. Strategic bombing was a failure in World War II and LeMay’s preference for area morale bombing was a moral failure. Gladwell doesn’t really address those two things head on.
I saw one review that labeled it an “elongated blog post” and that’s probably apt. I mean this started life as a podcast and then became a book. If you want to understand bombing in World War II I’d highly recommend Conrad Crane or Tami Davis Biddle’s excellent books. They’re longer (Crane’s only barely) and highly readable for academic works.
jakobitz's review against another edition
3.0
If you are a fan of Malcolm Gladwell’s excellent podcast, Revisionist History, this book will feel right at home (especially since it’s based on a 3-part season 5 arc of said podcast series). If, on the other hand, you know Malcolm Gladwell primarily from his prior books, this might be a bit of a departure from what you expect. Nevertheless, Gladwell does what he does best, and takes historical examples of people and events, and reframes them through a pop-sociology lens in order for the reader to gain a new understanding. A solid addition to Gladwell’s bibliography, but not quite on the same level as his prior books. Perhaps it is the limited WWII focus that drives the book, but it fell a little flat for me, and I experienced far fewer “aha!” moments than I’d expect from this author. 3.5 stars
ladeedah's review against another edition
2.0
This book is further testament to Gladwell’s talent as a presenter and storyteller.
But this story lacks an overarching narrative. It vaguely documents the progression of target bombing in WW2. But there’s no real direction. The anecdotes bounce here and there, to whatever might be of minor interest. And the tale of the bomber mafia is largely inconsequential to the progression of WW2. So much of this book focuses on the engineering and planning that went into a means of high-altitude targeting that ultimately was a complete failure.
What I found most problematic was the glorifying of men who made their careers out of death and destruction. Major General Hansell is presented as some sort of shining light in regard to America’s morality in war. But his only real qualification for that is not being a literal psychopath. This story revolves around people who made their careers (and lives) out of death and destruction. They aren’t morally superior individuals just because their bombs killed less civilians than Major General LeMay.
But this story lacks an overarching narrative. It vaguely documents the progression of target bombing in WW2. But there’s no real direction. The anecdotes bounce here and there, to whatever might be of minor interest. And the tale of the bomber mafia is largely inconsequential to the progression of WW2. So much of this book focuses on the engineering and planning that went into a means of high-altitude targeting that ultimately was a complete failure.
What I found most problematic was the glorifying of men who made their careers out of death and destruction. Major General Hansell is presented as some sort of shining light in regard to America’s morality in war. But his only real qualification for that is not being a literal psychopath. This story revolves around people who made their careers (and lives) out of death and destruction. They aren’t morally superior individuals just because their bombs killed less civilians than Major General LeMay.
jmatkinson1's review against another edition
5.0
The Second World War was just that, fought across the globe and in different arenas. Enterprising militaries thought that fighting the war completely from the air was a way to save lives and conclude war quickly and so they envisioned accurate and devastating bombing. How this came about and how it still didn't stop massive loss is a moral tale for today
I am a huge fan of Malcolm Gladwell and was excited to read this short but very entertaining book. As ever the research is top notch and the philosophical approach really work here where the discussion turns on life and death.
I am a huge fan of Malcolm Gladwell and was excited to read this short but very entertaining book. As ever the research is top notch and the philosophical approach really work here where the discussion turns on life and death.
sam_griffin's review against another edition
informative
reflective
sad
fast-paced
4.0
Did the podcast and audio book! Look at me listening to things!
msmithr's review against another edition
3.0
Audiobook. Well- I tried. I adore Malcolm, but didn't adore this book. It's written to be an audiobook and was produced beautifully. However, as usual, I half way listen while it's on and get totally lost. I'm sure the story is a compelling one, but ask someone who actually listens to the book.