Amazing look into WWII
582401
I think this is going to be one of my favorite books of 2015. This book was always on my mind, even when I wasn't reading and doing other things. It kept drawing me back to see how Jack was doing, or Vivian, or Isaak.
I normally shy away from books that change between past and present, but the author did an amazing job here and I was never confused.

This should be on everyone's "to-read" list!
1515363
I loved every page of this book.  Its a story from 3 different characters and their experiences with WWII.  Different than any other WWII book I've ever read before.
3799239
Great book about WWII and the struggles of those living during an occupation.  The story brought me to tears so many times.  Highly recommend !!
547735
One of the very best books I have read last year.  The motion picture show was just as good.  A most interesting approach by having ????? guess who as the narrator.  It was thought provoking to see WWII in the eyes of a German town and family.  I absolutely loved this book.
3945044
Even if you don't care about WWII this book gives you the insight to what  it was like to be there.  See what is was like to fight for your country in  its hour of need.  Read this book, its great.
1804078
This book will appeal to anyone interested in WW2 history and to anyone with a heart! Couldn't put it down.
427730
For anyone interested in WWII stories and what the common man went through, this is a book you will want to read
1482694
This book was very enjoyable especially since it dealt with a section of the war that I didn't know much about, the French coast south of Normandy. The details about events that led up to the end was very moving. I felt like I could really feel or see what was happening at that moment in time. It also shared experiences and thoughts from many different perspectives on both sides of the war and from many different age ranges. We learned about brain washing of the young men in Germany and the innocence and silent resistance of the people living in the small coastal town. I've read many WWII books but this one brought the realities of the war to life for me.
3580828
I thought I had had enough of World War II stories and would not have read this if it had not been my book club selection.  What an amazing surprise!  Marvelous characterization and fabulous research made this a great read.  So worthwhile to learn about the inside of the French resistance movement.  Cannot say enough about this story!  Characters you love and characters you hate!  You will not be disappointed.
1840603
I was asked by the publisher to read this book and provide an honest review. I am truly thankful for that as it was a pleasure to read. Written during World War Two within months of when the events described took place, it has a real immediacy to it and gave me an excellent understanding of what it was like to be a "tail gunner" right down to the clothes he wore to keep warm under freezing conditions to the fear he felt before certain bombing sorties. It amazes me how these young men could go out so many times knowing that there was a very good chance that they would never return. Squadron Leader Richard Ravaz DFC had several very close calls during the time he was writing - twice being forced to bail out into the sea - once without anyone knowing where they were and just hoping they would be found.

While the early part of the book had some grammatical or writing issues, the writing either improved or I just didn't notice as I was so engrossed in what was happening. The book was originally published in 1943 which seems amazing under the circumstances and with the need for wartime secrecy. It basically covers one year in time and doesn't take the reader to the end of the war. It left me wanting to know more about Rivaz - especially whether he survived (as this was his only book.) Apparently he did survive, but only until October 1945 which is incredibly sad.

In the book I learned that these men were very particular about who they flew with and had strong loyalties. Rivaz apparently flew with Leonard Cheshire, one of the most famous pilots of the Second World War. He was also trained as a painter at the Royal College of Art and perhaps this is why his descriptions of scenes and skies are so vivid to the reader.

I think this book would be of interest to anyone eager to learn more about the war in the air but it is also clear enough that it would probably be of interest to Young Adult readers too.
15255
This book is truly wonderful. I was moved to tears by the end and read it cover to cover without pause because it was so engaging. It tells a story of World War II that I had never heard and gives an interesting picture of the Eastern front. Countries and cities were pitched back and forth between Russia and Germany, and through this madness we learn of the amazing survival instincts of two brothers. This book will grip you within the first 10 pages, just before the war began, and you will not want to put it down until you know how it and the war ends for the characters.
1615918
If you're a fan of WWII then I highly recommend checking out this book.  It's super long and involved, but you get a good sense of what exactly happened and how.

Very interesting to hear the story through a foreign journalist who lived it.
388397
I was so sad when the last episode was over. I love WWII stuff but this covered all the sides; the American soldiers, the Jewish people in camps, the people who lived in Europe during the war & even the German soldiers that were just following orders. One of my favorite documentaries about WWII yet.
3196686
An  amazing story - each character so well drawn.  All the agonies of the WWII depicted so well.
307898
This was an amazing read. There is so much about WWII that we don't know. This book is about the heroism of Jan and Antonina Zabinski, and of the many who risked their lives for the unfortunate during this horrible time. It is also about the Nazis, who not only tried to create the perfect human race, but also experimented with perfecting the flora and fauna as well. It is a very informative book, and also very sad.
1914788
I have been interested in WWII books lately, but most I have read are set in the European battles. Reading about the Pacific battles has truly opened my eyes to what our country endured, those fighting and the ones at home. The first person accounts are deep, you can feel the emotion.
2706274
As a generation-Xer who has had very little past interest (other than viewing Saving Private Ryan) in the facts and realities of WWII, this book was an eye-opener.  The personal stories of the very real men who fought this all-important war against often seemingly insurmountable odds are astounding.  My grandfather was a navigational Officer in the Royal Navy during WWII and when he was alive he would not share most of his experiences.  Now I understand a bit why this was so.

I have a much deeper respect and admiration for the veterans of WWII and will take the time to show that admiration and appreciation for the rest of my life thanks to this book.  Mr. Drez is an outstanding author and I recommend this book heartily.