Gary W. Toyn

The lives of a German family who emigrated in early 1900’s and became naturalized citizens were treated as the enemy in WWII Midwestern USA. The many connections between the round ups in Europe and those here in the US are brought to light as the story unfolds and sides are chosen, whether true or not. Although I appreciated the topic, the story started slow and didn’t pick up for me. I did like the chapter notes that explained the various historical events that were covered in the story though.
*I received an arc from the publisher through NetGalley for an honest review… (lisätietoja)

For Malic and Mercy by Gary W. Toyn

There is much history written in story format that I believe is written more for younger than older readers. The writing is simple and straightforward but for some reason did not “grab me” even though the story had potential to do so. I could not get into the story and found myself skimming ahead to see what would happen and how it would end. I chose not to invest more time to read word for word. I am sure that some will enjoy this book and learn much from it perhaps even being uplifted by reading it but, this book was not for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and American Legacy Media for the ARC – This is my honest review.

2-3 Stars… (lisätietoja)

We all know the story, it's history, and we can't change it, but this book give us a look into happens that you really never hear about and most that I never knew. Do they make me unhappy, oh yes, and when you think about the enemy being your own country and fellow countrymen, it becomes both tragic and sad.
I never knew about the German interment camps, just the Japanese, and what happened to American citizens, sad but true facts are revealed in this fictional story that is filled with true facts.
We are on a journey of friendship, betrayal, torture, and finding forgiveness. A read to get lost in, and one that we need never forget what happens so history does not repeat.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher American Legacy Media, and was not required to give a positive review.… (lisätietoja)

Much of the writing of this book is gripping and graphic. I felt as if I were on Iwo Jima, alongside the main character, George Wahlen. In the end, however, I found this book disappointing. Yes, Wahlen is a courageous hero, but unlike Louis Zamperini, the hero of Unbroken, Mr. Whalen, as portrayed by the author Gary W. Toyn, is one-dimensional.

But I suspect in real life Wahlen wasn't. Most of us have fears, doubts and character defects - defects that certainly would be magnified by trauma, such as experiencing brutal combat. Truly interesting characters would then struggle to overcome their defects and find some sort of redemption. In this book, Mr. Wahlen has no negative character traits. I never once got the feeling that he was ever afraid. Therefore - and it pains me to write this about such a decorated veteran -I didn't feel he is a real person or someone I saw a part of myself in. If I had, his story of courage would be deeply dramatic and convey an important message.… (lisätietoja)