Five Decembers
Who knew a crime drama could be this good?
Cover art on books has shifted drastically over the years
One thing stood out to me as I looked at Five Decembers prior to reading it. The cover makes it appear to be a book written in the 1950s or 1960s, a gritty crime drama donned with real oil artwork (rather than a digital design) that really indicates to the reader the kind of book they are going to read.
My expectations were in no way diminished during my reading of Five Decembers. The heavy (and at times, graphic) thriller tells the story of a detective in Honolulu that is assigned to a homicide case that will change the course of his life. It spans five Decembers (1941-1945) that stretch from the United States' entry into WWII until the end of the war.
I originally thought that it gave a firsthand look at the destruction of the attack on Pearl Harbor. It doesn't. However, what happens in place is truly a better story than rehashing something that has been done in the past.
It is equal parts exciting and romantic; easily one of the best love stories I have read from a male author. The story and characters are believable and relatable, there are definite heroes and villains, the few twists at the end of the story are earned and give the reader good closure. There isn't a page in Five Decembers that didn't have me itching to read more.
Despite its graphic violence, language, and general mature themes that are peppered throughout the book, it truly is a book I would recommend across the board. Nothing feels gratuitous and these moments actually contribute to the story.
Five Decembers had me itching to read more, or even just start it over again, to be fully re-immersed into such a unique style of writing. Its themes surrounding war, morality, and love are never heavy-handed, but they are explored in enough depth to satisfy the reader. It eked its way into my top ten of all time, probably the best endorsement I can give a book.