The Abyss

The world was on the brink of nuclear war, the stakes were higher than they’d ever been, and a few wise Americans saved the day. This is an American tale that is familiar to most of us, but <em>The Abyss: Nuclear Crisis Cuba 1962</em> is enlightening, expertly written, and easy to read. The book covers topics such as the exoticism of Cuba in the 1950s, Castro, and the full story of Yuri Gagarin. It delves into the complexities of Khrushchev and his focus on military might. <br><br>Author Max Hastings discusses that Khrushchev privately acknowledged that war with the West would mean destruction of the USSR yet enjoyed the fear that such a war invoked in the West. These are subtle points that Hastings makes clearly and beautifully. Hastings then offers an in-depth explanation of the Cuban Missile Crisis. <br><br>Some interesting photographs in two different sections add to the explanations. This is an engrossing read. I had never read any of Hastings’ other books before and now I see why he is a treasured researcher and writer.