Isaacs Storm by Erik Larson - Book Report/Review Example

Symbolizing the storm, Mr. Larson quite clearly suggests his thesis as the confluence of human error; arrogance and politics were the root causes that made the way for such a catastrophe. The writer, Thurston Hatcher rightly comments about the book that it is not a disaster book, on the other hand, it is a cautionary tale about an era in which great technological progress created a flawed sense of invincibility. One of the main points that Larson wants to boost through his work is that technological hubris will always place us in trouble with nature.

Thurston Hatcher further comments that human beings are much concerned about the complacency that new tools can bring but at the same time he fails to give the deserving attention to the disaster that may happen one day. (Hatcher, 2000). In Isaac’s Storm, Erik Larson tells the story of Galveston, its people and the hurricane that devastated them with the help of an effective blending of science and history. In narrating the whole episode the author keeps the temporizing in pace with the wind and waves.

The personal account presented in this work attributes a realistic touch and promotes the reader’s credibility. The only fault that one could find is a lack of photographs because on a number of occasions Larson refers to old black and white photographs that he had seen during his research for this book, but he forgets to share these with his audience. Considering all these factors this is a great work worthy to be read.