Rating: 
Summary: Yankee in trouble
Review: This book tells the story of Soviet Yankee I-class missile submarine K-219. This incident happened in 1986 and already then Soviet armed forces were in rather bad condition. K-219 is sent to American east coast for patrol duty and it experiences difficulties from beginning of journey. In fact there has been major problems before this journey. Troubles really start when one of the missiles explodes due to malfunction. This book was interesting for several reasons. First it gives the reader a view in what kind of shape Soviet Navy was during last stages of communism and how politics were always most important thing and everything else came only after it (maybe). It also gives reader view how US Navy hunts submarines, how well (or bad) USN and other branches of service ie. US Air Force in this book co-operate. Also for once one of the bad guys is American; commander of US attack sub USS Augusta. Text was easy, fluent and fast to read and photo section is ok for paperback (pics are clear enough to really see what kind of monster K-219 was). One thing that bothers me after reading this book is that if Soviet Navy was in such a bad condition during communist era in what condition are Russian Navy vessels today? Luckily their ships and subs rust most of the time in port due to lack of funds.
Rating: 
Summary: Excellent true story: I am privileged to know the authors.
Review: Through my work as Exec. Asst. to the Exec. Dir. of the Navy League of the U.S., I met member Peter Huchthausen when he introduced Igor Kurdin to the NLUS as an associate member. I became their liaison. Through this I have worked with young hero Sergei Preminin's high-school teacher, who created a small museum to his heroism. Then on 8/4/97 at a dinner in his honor at the Officers Club of the Naval Academy in Annapolis, I was privileged to be seated at the head table with and to meet the brave Russian sub commander, Igor Britanov, who saved our East Coast from a Chernobyl, and probably thus headed off WWIII. I was honored to be made a member of the St. Petersburg Club of Sailors and Submariners that evening. Peter Huchthausen did painstaking research, as did his coauthor Igor Kurdin to create this book. It is riveting, utterly compelling, heart-wrenching, and true. Although I have read it three times and highlighted much, plus viewing the HBO slightly-altered and less grippingly true rendition, I still weep for these brave men. This is the sign of a well-written book! It captures vividly the heart and soul of these men, and what they courageously endured. To read of them and meet them in person is to love them for their bravery and decency. I have never seen a face radiate more goodness than Captain Britanov's. I highly recommend this book to everyone I engage in conversation on the subject. I only wish that it had received much more publicity, in hard and soft cover.
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