The Shadow of War

A Novel of the Cuban Missile Crisis

By: Jeff Shaara

Narrated by: Paul Michael

"Michael re-creates the conversations between President John F. Kennedy and his brother, Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, as they work to prevent a catastrophe...This stunning and memorable performance is not to be missed."—AudioFile on The Shadow of War (Earphones Award Winner)

From the bestselling author comes the story of rising conflict between the super-powers that gripped the world, a global war that almost happened: The Cuban Missile Crisis.

In 1961, the new president John F. Kennedy, inherited an ill-conceived, poorly executed invasion of Cuba that failed miserably and set in motion the events that put the U.S. and the Soviet Union on a collision course that nearly started a war that would have enveloped much of the world.

Extensively researched and vividly imagined, The Shadow of War brings to life the many threads that lead to the building crisis between the Soviet Union and the United States in 1962.

Told from a multitude of perspectives and voices, from the Russian engineer attempting the near impossible task of building the missile launch facilities in Cuba, to the U.S. Navy commanders who ships are sent to "quarantine" Cuba, to the Soviet Premier, Nikita Khrushchev, desperately trying to maintain a challenging balancing act between the conflicting demands of various powerful forces, to the brothers Kennedy (Bobby and JFK) who can't allow Russia to land nuclear missiles in Cuba, or to appear weak in confronting Khrushchev, but keenly understand how close they are dancing to the edge of war.

Shaara brings to life all the action and actors, famous and little known, that embodied a war that almost happened, the Cuban Missile Crisis.

A Macmillan Audio production from St. Martin’s Press.

©2024 Jeff Shaara (P)2024 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

"A gripping story of foes stepping away from the brink of annihilation."—Kirkus Reviews

Excellent story of what was almost World War 3

I was in second grade when the Cuban Missle Crisis played out on the evening news. This is probably the best Shaara novel yet. It captures the intensity and drama from both sides in the conflict, the struggle within the White House and the Kremlin that has not been so succinctly told before. An excellent listen and likely as good a read.

Solid historical fiction - clear narrative & delivery

This is a well written piece of historical fiction tackling the Cuban Missile Crisis. Honestly, it’s the first book I’ve read focusing on the subject but the way Shaara weaves the different viewpoints together in his signature style keeps the story engaging and manages to build tension within a story where we already know the ending. To me, good historical fiction does three things - 1) teach me something, 2) tells a good story and 3) gives me an insight into those involved. This hits those marks.
Im also a fan of the narrators various accents, varying pace and clear delivery. He strengthens the story and is a good match for the book.

Personalized the events

Shaara did a great job showing you the 365 degree view of the decisions and challenges of both camps during this crisis, from beginning to end—and how the hardliners in both the Soviet Union and the United States were beat back by the leaders of both countries in the interest of world peace. It helped to bring the reader into the rooms where increasingly stressful decisions had to be made by real/authentic people that would affect the lives of millions and maybe even civilizations.

The Experience

Loved the thoroughness and could tell it was researched very well, and gave many insights into the lives of JFK, RFK, and how the Cuban Missile Crisis unfolded. The way it was written makes you feel like you’re back in time living through what had to feel like at the time, a frightening experience! Highly recommend!

History not Drama

Solid retelling of facts but doesn’t really capture the tension and fear that gripped the world back then.

Shaara again for the win!!!

It doesn’t not matter the topic or subject matter but Jeff Shaara is winning. Frozen Ground. The Rising Tide. Etc etc all continue on the trail that his father blazed with Killer Angels. He has taken the genre of historical “fiction” to a new level. Years ago I met one of the people from his WW2 books who was working as a docent at the WW2 museum in New Orleans. Shaara has covered it all just about The Civil War East and West The American Revolution WW1 and WW2. He is the master of these type stories

JFK Adoration

I was familiar with the author from the civil war series that he inherited from his father. Both provided accurate and intriguing exposition. The reader should know that Shaara worked for the JFK administration as a very young intern. The book is a slobbering wet kiss of a portrait of 35. Everything he did was exactly right from Cuba (except for Bay of Pigs - that was the CIA fault) to civil rights. Nothing about his last positive side. It gets tedious

Great storyline and excellent performance by narrator

This is my introduction into the genre of historical fiction and Jeff Shaara does not disappoint. This novel is great adaptation of the Cold War era conflict. I couldn’t be more happy with this audiobook. I highly recommend,

Excellent Book!

Once again, Jeff Shaara breathes life into one of history’s defining moments, as the world came close to the brink of nuclear war. Grade: A

A Thrilling Account of a Frightening Time

Having lived through the Cuban Missile Crisis as a young boy, I still felt captivated by Jeff Shaara's account of an event in human history that could have resulted in the start of World War III. It brought back many memories of what we went through and made one realize just how close we came to a nuclear war with the Soviet Union. Paul Michael, as always, delivered a stirring narration that puts both he and the author at the top of my list of favorite audiobook teams. I look forward to their next project.