Fiction

Book Review: The Story of the SS

~ beetleypete ~ 34 Comments

This non-fiction book is something of a niche interest, to say the least. Most of us will know something about the German SS, whether the battlefield atrocities they committed, how they served in concentration camps, or the combat exploits of the Waffen SS. This long book (384 pages) examines the formation, background and organisation of the Nazi SS in great detail.

Starting shortly after the end of WW1, the rise of Hitler’s National Socialist Party is covered, as well as the creation of the SA, which led to the offshoot organisation, the SS. All the leading political figures of the day are examined, as well as many minor officials and their roles in the building of the controlling Nazi state that followed. The book goes on to discuss the roles that SS figures played before and during WW2, adding some photos and background details about the war in general, and specific events like the invasion of The Soviet Union, in 1941.

The use of SS units to execute prisoners, kill civilians, and fight partisans is contrasted by the political machinations of their members on the home front, and in the countries occupied by Germany. We also learn about the collaborators, the foreign volunteers, and the often brave and distinguished combat units that fought to the very end, in 1945. Then the author goes on to look at those who escaped justice, and those who faced trial for their involvement in the SS, and its actions.

Much of the book contains lists of units, with the German names translated for the benefit of non-German readers. Numerous individual characters are highlighted, from the top leaders of the organisation, down to some who were little more that murderers in uniform. Chilling totals of the deaths they were responsible for, and the crimes committed in both concentration camps, and after battles in the field.

This is not a book for everyone of course. But given the current world political situation, it serves to remind us just what ‘ordinary’ men can be capable of.
As an historical record, it has great value.

Here is an Amazon link.

Book Review: Race Against Time

~ beetleypete ~ 30 Comments

Remember when the world was supposed to end, in 2012? It didn’t of course, and this novel by fellow blogger Jack Eason offers a fascinating theory about why there was no Mayan Apocalypse.

Combining archaeology with adventure, then adding a touch of science fiction, this enjoyable roller-coaster of a story packs in a host of fascinating characters too. From eminent academics, to the Russian Mafia, Vatican cardinals, and even a beautiful female alien, everyone in this book is wonderfully described, until you can picture them all on their hazardous quest.

Using a theory of how Earth was once populated, and protected from natural disaster, we are taken on a world tour of interesting ancient archaeological sites. Each one holds part of the key that will save mankind from destruction, and our heroes must combat not only a secret organisation, but also the ancient demon it serves. This is not ‘Raiders of The Lost Ark’, but it has equally exciting elements, and a tension that endures right to the last of its 158 pages.

The author undoubtedly knows his stuff, and compliments that knowledge with detailed research, convincing geographical detail, and a wide understanding of travel by sea and by road. And he also knows when to insert the required action, so that no chapter is ever dry, or feels dull to read.
I finished it in just two sessions, keen to discover the fate of the characters that I had readily invested in.

This is ‘old-school’ adventure, in a very good way, brought up to date by ecological issues, and a theory that is all too easy to believe.

Here are some links to the book on Amazon.

And here is a link to Jack’s own blog.
https://havewehadhelp.wordpress.com/

Book Review: The Summer of Madness

~ beetleypete ~ 58 Comments

This book by fellow blogger Alex Raphael caught my eye, and I bought a Kindle copy recently. It is hard to think of it as a novel though, as at just 41 pages, it felt more like reading an elongated short story. In many respects, it also felt like the introduction to a much longer book, and could perhaps still serve as that in the future. But don’t concern yourself with the length of this book, instead consider the freshness of the idea, the clever execution, fluid writing style, and interesting characters.

Because this has all of those, betraying an underlying talent for the modern-day fairy tale that makes for a simply delightful read.

Kurt is typical of so many young men in the twenty-first century. Consumed by his passion for video games, and hanging out with his friends, he fails to notice that the best thing in his life, his girlfriend, is being sidelined into obscurity by his behaviour. One day, she has reached the end of her tether, and leaves him. Of course he is shocked, and divises a plan to win her back.

That plan is the strength of this book. It is a great idea, and easily pictured by the reader. Knowing that Wuthering Heights is her favourite book, Kurt takes himself off to the train station in the town, and sits on a chair, reading the novel aloud. Placards nearby tell everyone why he is doing this, and that he will continue to do it every day, until he gets her back, or she comes to tell him it is really over.

I loved that, perhaps because it is also one of my favourite books, but mainly because as a plot device, it just works so well. Kurt interacts with the growing crowd who have become interested in his actions, attracts the attention of the Press, and keeps reading the book, extracts of which appear in the text. I am not going to even suggest the outcome, or it would spoil the ending. But I read this in one sitting, and wanted more when it finished.

Here are some links to buy a copy, or find out more. Amazon US and UK sites are both there.

And here is a link to Alexander’s blog.
https://alexraphael.wordpress.com/

Book Review: The Survivors

~ beetleypete ~ 28 Comments

Anyone who uses Amazon Kindle will know how they ‘suggest’ things you might like, based on what you have bought, or reviewed.

That is how I came to buy my copy of this well-received novel by Kate Furnivall, for just £0.99. It has a similar theme to ‘Ludwika’, the last book I read and reviewed, and is set in the same countries, and the same time period too. This gave me an opportunity to compare the two books very closely, both fresh in my mind.

At 448 pages, it is a long read, and feels like a saga, despite covering a relatively short period immediately after WW2. The reason for this is that much of the story is told in flashback, looking at how past events during the German occupation of Poland changed the lives of some of the main characters in the book.

We begin by following the harassed Klara, as she flees the Soviets who have taken control of her country. As a former resistance fighter, she fears for her safety under the new regime, and accompanied by her 10 year-old daughter, she is making the arduous trek West, hoping to eventually get to distant relatives in England. The journey is fraught with danger, as roving bands of displaced people are prepared to kill anyone for valuables, or food. But Klara has learned her lessons well in adversity, and manages to get her and her daughter to the safety of a displaced persons camp in West Germany, run by a sympathetic British commander.

After that, we read of her life in the camp, managing to survive against the odds, making friends, stealing and conniving, and always looking to get permission to head for England, and the home of her relative. Everything leading up to that point is told in flashback. How she was caught working for the Polish Resistance, tortured, and eventually handed over to a high-ranking SS officer, to be his sexual plaything. With her daughter removed to a convent, Klara never gives up hope of reuniting with her, and does what she has to do, to keep on the side of her German oppressors.

The arrival in the camp of an old German adversary threatens to expose her past, and Klara has to learn to deal with his threats, recruiting some kindly camp inmates to help her, and using the small group of feral children she has accumulated too. After this point, the novel turns into a thriller, as we wonder if she will outsmart the man, and manage to achieve her dream of a new life in England with her daughter.

Descriptions of the camp life, the privations endured, and the catastrophic damage to the surrounding German towns and cities give us some idea of the difficulties faced by our characters. Details feel authentic, and the various people in the life of Klara are brought to life by good writing that allows us to imagine their scenes. But some of those encountered do feel stereotypical at times, especially the ruthless former SS commander, and the ‘kindly’ British Camp overseer.

And for me, the ending was too neat. Too ‘nice’, and felt wrapped up like a parcel to satisfy the reader.

Otherwise, it is a very competent historical novel, with characters you want to follow, and situations that are convincing and believable.

Book Review: Ludwika.

~ beetleypete ~ 39 Comments

This is the second book I have read by Christoph Fischer, and it has made me want to seek out more of his excellent work. A fellow blogger and published author, Christoph has a real talent when it comes to historical fiction.

Here is my five-star review, posted on Amazon UK.

‘Once again, Fischer shows such talent for bringing history to life, with this based-on-fact novel about the survival of a young Polish woman during WW2. Taking the small details he could find, the author weaves them into a story by adding fictional characters, delivering a page-turning experience that showcases his style and skill.
From a peaceful life on a Polish farm, to near slave labour in far-off Germany, we follow the trials and tribulations that beset our young heroine during the long years of that war. And to round it off, we also get to find out what really happened to her, later in life.
This combination works so well, giving us completely believable characters, authentic locations, and set around the cataclysmic events that rocked Europe from 1939, until well after the end of hostilities. Recommended unreservedly, this is a book for everyone to read.’

Adding to the overall enjoyment of this book is the fact that Ludwika was a real person, and her photograph is on the cover. This story of someone doing anything to survive the horrors of the Nazis in WW2 is at times harrowing, but also uplifting. A single mother determined to do the best for her children, Ludwika personifies the strength of her generation; willing to endure almost any privation to survive, and ready to work hard to secure the safety of her family.

From the start of the war in Poland, right through to her time as a refugee later, we encounter many characters that affect her life. Tragedy mixed with hope, kindness alongside cruelty. It is a story of survival, but also one of human spirit, and the dedication of a mother. There is truly something for everyone in this life-affirming novel. I bought my Kindle version from Amazon some time ago, and I am very pleased that I finally got around to reading it.

Here are some links to Christoph’s other books, and also to Amazon, (UK and US sites) where you can purchase your own copy.
http://www.christophfischerbooks.com/

Unreal Magazine

~ beetleypete ~ 28 Comments

I am pleased to announce the release of Vol. 1 of Unreal Magazine, a new publication from Longshot Press. Regular readers will know that I have had stories and articles published in another of their magazines, Longshot Island. Here is what they have to say about Unreal Magazine.

These stories don’t have an agenda. They aren’t preachy. They are just fun to read.

So let go. Get unreal for a moment.

Meanwhile, these stories might just enlighten you in ways only a fable can pull off.
Stories by Martha Wells, Tais Teng, Emily Devenport, Yoon Ha Lee, and more.

Here is a link to the magazine website, where you can read more, and buy a copy too.
http://www.thelandofwords.com/2019/03/25/unreal-vol-1-overture/

http://ecart.longshotpress.com/

If any of you would like to submit a story to the magazine, here is an easy link to do just that.
http://www.longshotisland.com/submissions/

Please share the news about this exciting new short-story venture, and feel free to contact me if you would like to know more.
My email address is on my ‘About’ page.

Tom’s Bench

~ beetleypete ~ 32 Comments

This is a fictional short story, in just 608 words.

It was a very conventional wooden bench. Varnished slats, with wrought-iron frames at each end to support it. Arm-rests capped off each end, and the metal feet were set into a concrete base, so that it wouldn’t be stolen. The curve of the back was enough to allow someone to rest, but still be able to admire the view. It would seat four adults comfortably, if they didn’t mind sitting quite close together.

On the back at the top, fixed to the wood by four tiny screws, a small brass plaque carried an engraved message, for anyone who could be bothered to read it.
‘Dedicated to Thomas Arthur Wilkinson, 1931-2010. He loved this spot.’
The brass was already pitted, worn down by salty air, and blowing sand. There was nobody left to polish it anymore. It had been paid for and placed there by his wife, Edna. But she was gone now.

One of the wrought iron frames had been disfigured by garish purple paint. A squiggle with no meaning, other than to the young person who had sprayed it on there. Scuff marks on the front slats showed where some had raised their legs and rested their feet on the woodwork, wearing away varnish that would never be re-applied. The seagulls that walked around looking for food scraps had anointed parts of the bench with their droppings as they flew away, quarreling and squawking.

Determined plants had eventually forced their way up through the concrete base. Dandelions and scrub grass, finding the smallest cracks as they broke through into the sunlight. A milk-shake carton had survived since last season, rolling from one side to the other underneath, further progress halted by the stout iron sides. Cigarette butts congregated in the corners of the base too, next to chewing-gum wrappers and squashed plastic straws.

The dark wood-stain has fared badly against the elements. The rich brown now faded, little more than a light tan now.

But the view is unchanged. The view that Tom loved as a boy, and continued to cherish as an adult. The small pier to the right, with the pavilion of entertainments at the far end. Glance to the left, and there is the Beach Cafe; still the same, despite new management. Open even during winter, offering hot drinks and warm food to the hardiest walkers along the promenade. Look straight ahead down the sloping beach, and in come the endless, gently rolling waves. They rush onto the stones as if needing to be somewhere in a hurry, then slowly recede, when their strength expires. The sound of sea on stones, the lullaby that soothed Tom for decades.

As wonderful vistas go, it may not have counted for much. But for Tom, it was paradise.

A family approach the bench. Young mum, squeezed into leggings that seem like a second skin. Heels on shoes inappropriate for long walks at the seaside. She pushes a folding buggy containing a screaming baby, with an older boy hanging onto the handles, demanding ice cream from the Beach Cafe he has just spotted. Her partner is tall, with arms and neck heavily tattooed, ignoring the demands of his children as he stares into his mobile phone.

She sits down, removing the shoes, and rubbing her blistered feet. The baby has stopped screaming, but the toddler’s demand for the ice cream is relentless. The man perches on the edge, rolling a cigarette from the makings balanced on the legs of his jeans. Once he has finished, they give in to the tantrum, and walk in the direction of the beach cafe.

Neither of them even noticed the plaque.