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Effects of Combat
P is for Pickelhaube follows a man fighting internal battles with love, hatred, addiction, and abuse who also has to deal with the physical battles of the war. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration for the theme of my story came from a mixture of sources. As a lifelong student of history, I have studied countless accounts of combat ranging through the ages, and have always been keen to learn the effects of combat on the individuals directly and indirectly involved. I also was a living historian for a decade, and in my journeys met many individuals who had actually served in the military and had experienced extensive combat. Learning their personal accounts helped shape my understanding of combat in ways not available in textbooks. And finally, having experienced trauma in my childhood and knowing the ways in which these experiences have manifested in the decades that followed, I was curious to explore the combination of the different types of traumas and their effects on my set of characters.
Were you able to achieve everything you wanted with the characters in the novel?
I believe I achieved the thematic goals that I set forth when beginning my novel, and have left some further development of the characters that I wish to use in future writings.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
It was important for me to explore the pain that one suffers mentally when experiencing traumatic events, especially pain and anguish that an individual has buried in their own psyche as a defensive measure.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
The follow-up to my novel, P is for Pickelhaube, is titled S is for Stahlhelm, and will serve as a direct sequel to the first novel. As for a timetable, I’m afraid that I cannot comment directly on my progress, but hope to have something moving towards print in this coming calendar year.
Author Links: Goodreads | Amazon
P is for Pickelhaube
Ryan Weston’s P is for Pickelhaube narratively weaves through the complexities of broken trust and unkept promises during the First World War. The protagonist, Kurt, a soldier entrenched on the Western Front, navigates not only the external brutalities of war but also internal struggles with love, hatred, addiction, and abuse. The story transforms into a stark landscape, eschewing traditional heroics, as Kurt embarks on a battle against his own humanity. The novel poignantly poses the question: in such relentless conflict, who is the real victim, already scarred even before the battle commences?
The book opens on a high note, presenting a thought-provoking query about mortality that instantly grips the reader’s attention. This engaging beginning is one of the book’s strengths. Weston’s writing style is laudable, effectively evoking the era’s atmosphere through vivid descriptions. The varied lengths of the chapters contribute to a pleasing rhythm, with shorter chapters offering a refreshing pace amidst longer ones. The book’s rich descriptive language often adds depth and texture to the narrative, though its detailed nature might cater to specific reader preferences. As an enthusiast of war literature, I found the depth of details quite engaging, even if it occasionally prompted reflective pauses. I felt that, at times, the book jumps around without a strong connection from one chapter to the next. A more streamlined structure might enhance the narrative’s flow, further captivating the reader’s interest.
The book’s conclusion is notably satisfying, leaving readers curious about future developments. It certainly makes one look forward to Weston’s future works. P is for Pickelhaube is a captivating journey into war narratives and historical fiction, with its rich storytelling holding strong appeal even amidst moments of varied pacing.
Pages: 209 | ASIN : B0CL52FVZ1
LITERARY TITAN 