John Romanowsky

I loved this novel. The main character, Patrick MacQueen's coming-of-age story is so incredible and unlikely, it could only have been inspired by a true story. It's not just that this is a rare wartime novel from a Canadian perspective; it is definitely that. But even as I was engrossed in the violent and romantic twists and turns of Patrick's story as he tries to survive one bizarre adventure after another, I kept wanting to check my history books: how could this be based on a true story? Since the author has passed away, I guess we'll never know. Trust me, if you know anything about the war, you'll be surprised. But the rich and detailed historical setting and unforgettable characters has that ring of authenticity that makes this novel that much more fascinating. This is highly entertaining proof that the past is a "different country - they do things differently there." I grew up in Canada and read a lot about World War II, but this book took me to a world I never knew existed. Anyone who loves compelling coming-of-age stories or true-to-life wartime stories or both will love this book. It's four books in one, really a series in one volume, but well worth diving in.