This is a fast moving, quick read.  It may be read in a few hours of dedicated reading time.  I am not learned enough to know absolutely the difference between a novella and a novel.  This is either a novella or close to it.  As is often the case with a shorter, quicker, read, there is little character development.  The book is semi autobiographical in that the author served on escort duty, for the British Navy in WWII.  As such, he certainly has my respect.  From a literary standpoint, I would it call it average writing.  A certain amount of time is spent extolling the virtues of the escort captain and the British Navy.  In tone, length, and form, as a semi autobiographical work, it reminds me of "Twelve O'clock High".  In length and style it reminds me of "The Bridges of Toko Ri" by James Michener, which is about the Korean War and not semi autobiographical.  This short work was made into a movie and changes were made to make the movie, which of course, is common.  I felt the movie was better than the book and recommend both for comparison and contrast.  But the movie is significantly better in my estimation.  As I previously stated, I greatly respect the author.  As a work of literature, except for the fact that this work was converted into a fine movie, the book is somewhat forgettable.  The book is small and short, and I am VERY glad I did not overpay for my copy.  I paid $3.00 for a nice used copy.
This is a fast moving, quick read. It may be read in a few hours of dedicated reading time. I am not learned enough to know absolutely the difference between a novella and a novel. This is either a novella or close to it. As is often the case with a shorter, quicker, read, there is little character development. The book is semi autobiographical in that the author served on escort duty, for the British Navy in WWII. As such, he certainly has my respect. From a literary standpoint, I would it call it average writing. A certain amount of time is spent extolling the virtues of the escort captain and the British Navy. In tone, length, and form, as a semi autobiographical work, it reminds me of "Twelve O'clock High". In length and style it reminds me of "The Bridges of Toko Ri" by James Michener, which is about the Korean War and not semi autobiographical. This short work was made into a movie and changes were made to make the movie, which of course, is common. I felt the movie was better than the book and recommend both for comparison and contrast. But the movie is significantly better in my estimation. As I previously stated, I greatly respect the author. As a work of literature, except for the fact that this work was converted into a fine movie, the book is somewhat forgettable. The book is small and short, and I am VERY glad I did not overpay for my copy. I paid $3. 00 for a nice used copy.