Review: Belongs On The Big Screen
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 01 28, 2012
"Bismarck 2013 - Hitler's Curse" is an absorbing read, an adventure story with a twist, several of them in fact. Mr. Walker's research in several fields, including the naval history of the Bismarck and its battle with HMS Hood, is impressive. He is a sure and scrupulously accurate guide to Hitler's prized battleship, and the effects of combat on diverse parts of the ship. In the alternate story of modern prize salvors boarding the doomed vessel, he makes quite believable what does not yet exist in fact, liquid oxygen as breathing sources for the divers, three miles below the surface.Many will be attracted by the supernatural element in the book, which does serve the needed function of pulling together both ends of the story, the original sinking, and the salvage attempt. This is a genre of its own, which attracts many. Here I think there is a matter of pace. Scary things become more scary when they are alluded to, rather than seen, so that tension builds. Here, the revolting demonic curse is described in some detail, and repeatedly, with a net effect to this reader of repulsion rather than looming menace. But that may be intended.The characters are well described, and Mr. Walker reasonably focusses on several in each portion of the novel, so that the reader becomes interested in their individual stories. I note upon rereading that the author has tightened the dialogue to better reflect people under extreme stress. I would not be surprised if "Bismarck 2013 - Hitler's Curse," would find its real home - coming soon to a big screen near you!