The Letter

I read this book to review for Net Galley.

This is a very moving story about a man named Mayer that has to leave his family to fight in war. During this time he decides to disappear being a man missing in action to go be with his wife. While spending time with his wife he has to hide in a cellar so that he cannot be found. In the end he decides to head back to war even though he doesn't want to. Him and his wife Hanna know he is putting is life in stake in war but just as much if he stays hiding in the cellar.

At first I had a hard time reading this because it was pretty gruesome for awhile talking about the war. I kept wondering when a letter would eventually show up in the story because of course you know it will if the title is called The Letter. I rated this a 5 star because I loved the message the story at the end gave. I was so moved by it I almost felt like rereading it again right away.

The writing was very well. No mistakes except for some returns from paragraphs in the middle of a sentence but that could be a kindle thing. I highly recommend if you like stories about war that have a story line and not just facts. Just remember since this is during the time of the war there is some pretty gruesome details involved. If you make it to the end you won't be sorry.

Riddled with chilling and harsh realities of Germany during the latter part of WWII and especially when the Russians arrived, this fictional book feels like a true story as I'm sure these events could have very easily happened and very likely did to many thousands and millions of soldiers and their families. All wood has been stripped from buildings to use in fires to keep warm. "Show me your papers!" must have struck unspeakable terror into hearts. Even the descriptions of the paper is almost crushing to read. In times of war, cruelty abounded when and wherever it could. Life was so dire that people resorted to padding inadequate clothing with newspaper. Some jobs were so intensely horrific that they defy description. What passed as food was so grim there are no words.

Living in a constant state of starvation, sorrow, fear and waiting is daily life for women and children as they desperately scrabble for food and sustenance. Most men, of course, are fighting. Except those who physically cannot or choose to desert at great risk. Hannah's husband Sergeant Franz Mayer deserted as he just had to see his family. Readers follow Mayer through his nightmarish days and nights, rat wars, explosions and need for identity discs as he is sickened by what he sees. Death was always a second away and often a merciful deliverance.

Details are gruesome but the awfulness conveys the depth of desperation so well. This book is not for everyone for this reason but would appeal to those who have the need to learn and be challenged and appreciate what was sacrificed for our freedom.

My sincere thank you to BooksGoSocial and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this brutal yet awesome book.

The Letter grabs you strait away with the German army in the moment when the Russian war machine started to get the upper hand breaking out of Stalingrad. Desriptions of the battles are not for the fainthearted for nothing has been sanitised.
Convinced the war is coming to a predictable climax Mayer despirately wants to return home to be with Hannah and the children. Risking a dangerous journey when deserters found by the SS are arbitrary shot he needs good luck and any help along the way.
While reading this story and becoming emotionally attached to Mayer shows just how wonderful writing can take the reader to another level.
The song, War (What is it good for?) from the early 70's kept rattling around in my old brain the deeper I ventured into 'The Letter'.
An independent review NetGalley / Michael Terence Publishing

Heartbreaking for two families and their losses , but yet it brings them into a bonding process of their grief. At times I got a little bit lost in the book because it didn’t keep my attention, but that’s not to say the book was not good. I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline and the characters and eventually it became cohesive that I was able to immerse myself into the plot and connect again with the characters.
This book took a different perspective on the war and what constitutes a hero and sacrifices.
The author does a good job in involving that part of the storyline and the characters come to life together and you feel those emotions!

I would recommend this book.

I received a free advanced copy from NetGalley and these are my willingly given thoughts and opinions.

A vivid and at times gruesome account of one mans war, very movingly told and a thought-provoking story. A memorable read and one which could translate well to film. Highly recommended.

This is the first book that I've read on the war between the Russians and the Germans during WWII.

I found this well written book to be descriptive and gut wrenching while keeping me absorbed until the early morning hours quite frequently. My heart ached for Sergeant Franz Mayer as he inadvertently became a deserter from the German army and his eventual return.
With Cole's incredibly descriptive writing I felt as though I was there fighting alongside Mayer as he struggled to defend Germany as well as his longing to be with his family. Emotionally enthralling, sometimes disturbingly descriptive,
Barry Cole has given us a top notch novel which any reader who has an interest in history, war and sacrifice would surely take enjoyment in reading.

I have read many novels set during WWII but this is the first that I've read that is told from a German soldiers point of view. This story is quite sad and I actually felt for the soldiers wife and small children. This was such a unique take on a war story but a few things were just too violent for me. I have enjoyed other books by Barry Cole in the past. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital copy.