The Last Green Valley by Mark Sullivan is an incredible book inspired by true events that will shock even the most harden souls. I’ve read many WW2 historical novels but this is based on a true story which immediately elevates the scale of suffering and evil that dominated the East during the last part of the war and it’s immediate aftermath.
In short, it’s about an ethnic German family, the Martel’s who have to flee their home in the Ukraine and the ordeals they endure on the Long Trek through the atrocities of WW2 and it’s brutal oppression...and it’s Adeline’s dream of a green valley that keeps them determined to survive and to finding freedom.
I enjoyed reading how Mark Sullivan set out to find another untold WW2 story which had to be inherently moving, inspiring and potentially transformative, well Emil & Adeline’s story definitely had that in spades...it just shows what ordinary people can endure and achieve when all seems lost. Brilliantly written and researched...an easy 5 stars from me.
Big thanks to Mark Sullivan, Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for this eARC which I chose to read in return for my honest review.

I read an uncorrected proof of this book via Netgalley.

I always enjoy discovering new stories, especially when they are based on actual events, and so I went into this book with high expectations. This was a part of WW2 history that I’ve not come across before; the German people caught in Ukraine and fleeing with the protection of the German army. We follow the story of Emil and Adeline, along with their two sons and extended family, who are offered ‘safe’ passage from Russia to Germany in 1944. Their journey, along with many other refugees sees them experience some true deprivation along with extremely testing times.

The book also touched on the separation of many families which happened when the divide in Berlin occurred.

Emil and Adeline both go through their own journeys of faith, learning to rely on themselves and each other and understanding what is most important. This is a life-affirming story of hope, loss, love and courage.

I appreciated the story but for me, the book was a little letdown by the writing style. In parts it read more like a secondary school essay: a classic example being that we were told the location, date and year at the start of each section and yet we’d also then be told ‘On March 23 1941 Adeline got up...’ which was just overkill in my opinion. I know the author was attempting to blend fact with fiction but it could have been done a little more smoothly. As a reader I found it disconnected me from the narrative.

Overall this was an interesting read which could be a fantastic one with a little more editing.

As Adeline and Emil Martel and their two young sons joined the caravan of refugees, along with both Emil and Adeline’s families, they were under no illusions of what could and probably would lie ahead. Their wagon with their two faithful horses leading the way, followed the directions of the Germans who were ‘protecting’ them, taking them away from the danger of Stalin’s rule. Ukraine in 1944 was a dreadful place to call home, with hunger and starvation high on their list of grievances. Their dream of escaping to the west, to a beautiful green valley, was strong.

Riding on the trains, crowded with fleeing refugees, Adeline and her boys journeyed on the roof. Torment and horror, death and danger – those things were there every day. But their love and faith in each other kept them strong. Until the day many months later, when they were finally on the cusp of escape and Emil was captured by Polish soldiers. Adeline didn’t know where he’d be taken, but Siberia was mentioned. How would she manage without his calm guidance? How could she get her family to safety without Emil’s strength? What would be the outcome in the dreaded east of Germany if they couldn’t escape to the West? Would they ever find their green valley?

The Last Green Valley is my first by Mark Sullivan, and it won’t be my last. Based on the factual life of the Martel family, of their journey to freedom, the heartache and devastating trials they encountered along the way, the author’s writing is sublime. His descriptions of their journey; of the prison camp Emil was incarcerated in for so long; of Adeline and the small church one Christmas Eve; of the many people the Martels encountered along the way – I could picture it all with ease. I thoroughly enjoyed The Last Green Valley and it is one I highly recommend.

With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.

Another amazing book by this author. Both books have the focus on WWII his first was set in the war and this one is set after. It covers topics that don’t often get covered in books- the post war nightmares. Being torn between two worlds and treading on eggshells, trying to start again and move on, but having the war hanging over them.
Really interesting book- so well written, the details are so good you are whisked away to another world and time.

This isn't your usual story of World War 2. The Martel family, Emil, Adeline and their two young boys Walt and Will, along with their wider family, parents and siblings, join the Long Trek west from their home in Soviet controlled Ukraine where they have lived in misery, hunger and poverty for years since the Soviets took their farm and left them in perpetual hunger. The journey west, controlled by Nazi forces, pursued by the Red Army was eventful. They start off in their horse drawn wagon and transfer to trains to finish off. Led by Major Haussman of the SS, who Emil has a history with, the journey is fraught as he tries to hide this from his wife. All is not plain sailing and the family are eventually separated. A story of love and family with some horrendous situations showing the suffering families had to endure . A different take on stories from the second World War, and while this is historical fiction, the facts have been obtained from interviews with some of the famliy in recent years. #netgalley #thelastgreenvalley

This historical fiction novel is based on a true story: the Martel family's escape from Ukraine and flight to freedom in the West at the end of WW2.
This was a very moving story. Powerful writing! String characters.
Really enjoyed reading this book

In late March 1944, as Stalin’s forces push into Ukraine, young Emil and Adeline Martel must make a terrible decision: Do they wait for the Soviet bear’s intrusion and risk being sent to Siberia? Or do they reluctantly follow the wolves—murderous Nazi officers who have pledged to protect “pure-blood” Germans?

The characters are well developed and I found myself feeling the heartbreaks, hope, and joy right along with each of them. I appreciated the author's note that gave additional information about this amazing family. I would definitely recommend this book!

This is a first for me by the author and one I enjoyed and would read more of their work. The book cover is eye-catching and appealing and would spark my interest if in a bookshop. Thank you very much to the author, publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.

Loved it!

Mark Sullivan's Beneath A Scarlet Sky, where Pino Lella is a chauffer to a Nazi officer in Italy at the end of WWII, has been one of my all time favorite "based on true story"/historical novels. I was doubtful that Mark Sullivan's subsequent "based on a true story" could be as captivating. Mark Sullivan said that many folks told them their adventures, but when he heard the Martel's story, he knew that was the "one". He was right! The Last Green Valley is right up there with Beneath a Scarlet Sky and worthy of 5 stars.

The Last Green Valley follows Emil and Adeline Martel and their two young sons from Ukraine through the middle of a German Russian battle field and into East Germany. Their persistence for the pursuit of freedom is harrowing. Well written and intricately woven with such vivid details; I'll hold this book in my heart for many years.

Words to live by in this quote from Adele, "Don't chew on the bad things that happen to you, dear. Try to see the beauty in every cruelty. It sets you free. Forgive hurt if you want to heal a broken heart. Try to be grateful for every setback or tragedy, because by living through them, you become stronger. I see the hand of God in that." Mark Sullivan, Thank you for this book! In the midst of all that is going on in the (covid) world right now, between a little prayer and a lot of persistence, it will take you to a better place.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher (Lake Union Publishing) and the author Mark Sullivan for the opportunity to review The Last Green Valley in exchange for an honest review.

Emil and Adeline Martel are Volksdeutsche, descendants of ethnic Germans encouraged by Catherine the Great to settle in southern Ukraine. Although the Volksdeutsche began using their skills for growing wheat to feed the Russian Empire, life had become increasingly miserable under Stalin’s rule. Not only were they starving under Holodomor, but many had also been conscripted or sent to mines. Himmler offered those of Aryan blood an option: Stay and wait for Russia to take over their village or join the ‘long trek’, a 6-week grueling journey in a wagon, to safety in Poland. The Martel’s opted to put their lives in the hands of the Nazis and agreed to Himmler’s offer. Caught between Hitler and Stalin’s terrorizing reigns they flee through Moldova, Romania, Hungary, the Czech Republic and then to Poland. When they arrived, they were generously (tongue in cheek) given clothing and homes once owned by deceased Jews. Their journey was not yet over. They’d yet to experience war, work camps and separation. Despite the horrific experiences to date, when an opportunity came in 1956, they began their journey to freedom in the last green valley of Montana.

I was shocked at their resilience, instinct for survival, and focus as they moved from place to place, many times with inadequate food and shelter. What spoke to me most was their inspirational dedication to each other.

A word of caution to pace yourself. The atrocities may force you to put the book down and take time to be thankful for the life you live.

We may not be facing the horrors the Martel family experienced, but there is still a need for us to pull together during this pandemic and focus on the ‘green valley’ to get us through these difficult days. Thanks to the author for the reminder that dedication to the dream is essential to realization.

Mark Sullivan is a gifted author. He has the ability to make history vivid and real. This is a powerful tribute to the Martel family.

I was gifted this book by Mark Sullivan, Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

From the author of Beneath a Scarlet Sky comes a World War II novel about a young couple caught between two warring armies. Emil and Adeline Martel come from a long line of Ukrainian farmers of German heritage. In March 1944, as the Soviet army marches on Ukraine, they must decide whether they want to again live under Stalin's regime or retreat with the hated Nazi army.

The Last Green Valley is based on a true story, which makes it an inspiring tale but doesn't offer the nail-biting action a truly fictional story might. The slower pace and heavy-handed focus on Emil's religious transformation made chunks of the story drag. Yet, I was fascinated reading about the harsh realities of living in Eastern Europe in the first half of the 20th century. I don't foresee The Last Green Valley ever becoming a bestseller, but it's a story worth telling and will do well with those who love World War II historical fiction.

This author can do no wrong. He makes you feel what the characters are feelings, see what they see and cry when they cry. I am going to start recommending this book as much as I recommend Beneath A Scarlet Sky!

This is a dual timeline historical fiction set in 1944, with flashbacks starting in 1922.

The Martel family is of German heritage and was brought to Ukraine by Catherine the Great for their agricultural skills. We follow their lives and experiences as they traverse the war-torn world.

I requested this one from netgalley because I’d heard that Beneath A Scarlet Sky (by the same author) was very well written. Unfortunately, this book didn’t grab my attention like I’d hoped. I found my mind wandering as I was reading, which rarely happens to me, especially with WWII historical fictions.

The best way I can explain how I felt about this book is that it was interesting but not engrossing. While there were good themes about coping with loss and finding beauty in simple every day moments, the book didn’t keep my attention and was easy to put down. I have no doubt this will be a great book for many others, it just wasn’t the right fit for me.

Rating: 3.5

I’m grateful to Netgally and Lake Union Publishing for the e-ARC!

Another moving historical fiction from author Mark Sullivan. This time he takes us to the lessor known WWII location of the Ukraine as the Martel family tries to pick from the lessor of two monstrous evils. Do they stay in deal with Stalin, or leave and follow the Nazis who have promised protection for "pure blood" Germans.
You will not be able to put this one down as you become totally invested in the Martel family's trials, hardship, love and resiliency. Fans of great historical fiction will want to read this one.

“This is an American Story, an immigrant story, a spiritual and universal story. May we all dare to chase such dreams, experience such grace, and lead such miraculous lives.”

So ends the afterword to this astonishing World War II tale of one family’s desperate struggle for survival, through terror, brutality and separation, as they undertake the “Long Trek” from Ukraine westwards across Eastern Europe in search of a “green valley” where they can live the rest of their lives in freedom and peace.

It’s the story of ethnic Germans Emil and Adeline Martel and their young sons Will and Walt who, together with both sets of parents and siblings, are offered “safe” passage from Stalin’s Russia to Germany in 1944. Their journey — along with thousands of other refugees — sees them cross battlefields, endure unimaginable deprivation and horrors, lose and regain their faith, and — incredibly — not only survive but eventually prosper.

It’s the most shocking but, ultimately, the most uplifting, life-affirming story of hope over despair, of love over hate, and of the human heart and spirit over physical pain. You cannot read it without marveling at humankind’s instinct for survival against the most extraordinary odds. And you cannot finish it without weeping.

In his preface, Sullivan takes pains to point out that what you are about to read is historical fiction as opposed to narrative nonfiction. His research, however, is meticulous and includes extensive interviews with Will and Walt, both now in their eighties. So fiction it may be to a point, but it is undoubtedly rooted in truth and based on actual events and people. And this is precisely what makes it so powerful.

Like Sullivan’s previous novel, Beneath A Scarlet Sky, The Last Green Valley shines a light on lesser known events of World War II, giving them a documented place in popular culture. This is a book I urge everyone to read. It is our shared world history. And it should never be forgotten.
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The Last Green Valley By Mark Sullivan

The Last Green Valley is a moving story about the cruelty of war and the resilience of the human spirit. Mark Sullivan has uncovered another extraordinary tale of endurance, love, and faith. With memories of childhood hunger, Emil and Adeline Martel decide to leave Stalin’s rule with other ethnic Germans during the Wehrmacht evacuation. As WW2 ends, Emil and Adeline are separated during the mass expulsion of ethnic Germans from Poland. This is the story of their separation and survival. The Last Green Valley is a tough, but inspiring read. If you enjoyed Beneath a Scarlet Sky, you will enjoy reading about the Martel family and their journey to freedom.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Mark Sullivan has created another historical fiction showing the suffering, bravery, resilience, and hope of survivors of WWII. This is the story of Emil and Adeline Martel, their young children Will and Walter, and their in-laws who suffer through the Holdomor in the 1930s where Stalin took Ukrainian wheat and forced labor. Men were forced into labor and many did not survive to return home. Sullivan moves this their story back and forth during this time, the beginning years of WWII, and the later part of the war in 1944-45 . During the early part of WWII, Germany forced Ukrainians to labor camps and the largest part of the book is when the Germans offered any ethnic German to come under their protection on the long trek to Poland toward the end. Emil and Adeline were separated many times. Emil suffered immensely at the hands of the Germans. The last section focuses on after the war and the struggle for Emil and Adeline and Emil to survive and find each other. We also find out what happens to them. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Sullivan’s notes at the end of the story and how he gathered information through interviews, traveling with Will and Walter to the Ukraine and following their journey. I think it would help to have a map to follow this family’s journey. My thanks to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for an ARC of this book. The opinions are my own in this review.

I loved Mr. Sullivan's Beneath a Scarlett Sky so much and couldn't wait to get my hands on The Last Green Valley. I loved the story of the Martel family and loved imagining the green valley that Adeline described to her family. I think we all need a green valley dream to get us through the difficult parts of life. I enjoyed this story of WWII that I didn't know about before and encourage you to read anything by Mark Sullivan.

A beautiful book. I definitely went into this book seeing the mindblowing cover. Its indeed a pleasure to read such new fiction from time to time. Thanks to the publisher and netgalley for this book.

The Last Green Valley by Mark Sullivan is a fictionalized account of the real-life story of the Martel family’s harrowing experiences during and after World War II. Sullivan met with Will and Walt Martel, who were children during this time. He traveled to Europe with the brothers and interviewed other survivors to craft this remarkable story of faith and survival.

Emil and Adeline Martel, their two sons, and other extended family members were part of the Black Sea Germans who lived and farmed in Ukraine. Their lives had become miserable under Stalin, who had tried to starve the people and conscripted men to work in mines and the military. German commander Heinrich Himmler decided this group was of pure Aryan blood. He offered them protection to travel to Poland during 1944. After a grueling and dangerous six-week journey by cart, known as “The Long Trek”, they arrived and were given the former homes and clothing of Jewish families that had been killed. Because Emil Martel had previously run afoul of German Major Emil Haussmann, who personally directed the killing of thousands of Jews, the family was placed in squalid living conditions and given difficult work to do.

When the war was over, Emil Martel was captured and forced to do slave labor helping to rebuild war-torn Poltava. Adeline ended up in East Germany, again under Stalin’s rule. Both Emil and Adeline bravely escaped Communism and reunited. After seven years of living as refugees, they were finally able to immigrate to the United States where they were sponsored by a relative in Montana. Emil and Adeline’s belief that they would get to live free in a beautiful green valley gave them the determination to survive.

4.5-Stars. Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for my advanced reader copy. The hardcover is 458 pages. The Last Green Valley will be published on Tuesday, May 4, 2021.

This was a lovely big book to read and it was beautifully written. Having read his previous book which I also loved I was so pleased to be sent this one and it really “hit the spot”. I would love to read more by this author. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.