I finished the book because that's what I do. I love World War II history but his writings of the main characters time served as a soldier in World War II was drudgery to read. In my opinion there was too much detail about the apple orchard production business Etc. It seemed to go over and over it when it was already sufficiently explained in the beginning. However, I was happy with the way the book ended. Anything more said would spoil the story for anyone who wants to read it.