Blog Archives
Sweet Sorrow- Book 3 in The Jungle War series
Set during the final years of the Vietnam War, Sweet Sorrow: Book III in the Jungle War Series by Kregg PJ Jorgenson captures the complex emotions of American soldiers facing a bitter reality. As the conflict nears its end, with support at home dwindling, the men on the ground in Southeast Asia grapple with the prospect of leaving without victory. Some cling fiercely to the hope of a military win, while others grow disillusioned, their attitudes now reflecting the war-weary sentiment back home. It’s a raw, poignant portrayal of a war that left deep scars on those who fought it.
This book reminds me of films like Platoon and Apocalypse Now, but Jorgenson adds his own unique voice. The prologue sets the stage by explaining the significance of MAC-V, the nerve center for U.S. military operations in 1971. From there, we dive into the lives of the young soldiers of Company R, each dealing with the looming end of the war in their own way. Some are desperate to achieve a final victory to justify their sacrifices. Others, however, can no longer ignore the futility of the fight. These conflicting perspectives create much of the story’s tension alongside the brutal and unpredictable firefights. The clashes between soldiers, driven by their shifting beliefs, feel as gut-wrenching as the combat itself.
Jorgenson doesn’t hold back from showing the emotional toll of the war, as soldiers confront their enemies as well as each other and their own disillusionment. The realization that they’re fighting a losing battle slowly dawns on them, and I think it’s this internal conflict that adds depth to the action. The novel’s greatest strength lies in its exploration of these psychological battles, which often prove more devastating than any physical wound.
What was particularly striking to me was the youth of the characters. Many are barely more than teenagers. Jorgenson captures their transformation from wide-eyed boys eager to prove themselves into weary men, drained by the grind of war. Their lost innocence is heartbreaking, and the author’s vivid writing makes their anguish palpable. The novel doesn’t offer easy answers but instead shows the haunting aftermath of a war that offered none.
While the themes of war and loss have been explored before, Jorgenson’s portrayal feels fresh and powerful. The story’s emotional weight, combined with its gritty realism, makes Sweet Sorrow a must-read for anyone interested in military fiction.
To Bloom Like a Tulip
To Bloom Like a Tulip by Carolyn Summer Quinn tells the heartrending story of the Spranger family, torn apart by war. Florentine Spranger and two of her children find themselves stranded in America after traveling there to visit family. When World War II erupts, they are left separated from her husband and three other children, who remain in Holland as Nazi forces spread their control. The novel vividly captures the raw vulnerability and incredible bravery not only of the Spranger children who must endure life without their parents but also of the Van Der Graafs, the courageous couple who risk everything to protect them.
Set against the brutal backdrop of the 1940s, during the Nazis’ relentless persecution of the Jews, the novel reveals the harsh reality of survival. Holland’s supposed neutrality crumbles as the persecution intensifies, making life more treacherous by the day. Quinn’s omniscient narrative pulls readers deep into the characters’ inner worlds, illuminating their fears, hopes, and desperate attempts to cling to any shred of normalcy. The constant uncertainty about who can be trusted—and the shattering betrayals from once-friendly neighbors—injects a palpable sense of dread that’s hard to shake. As a reader, I felt the gut-wrenching anxiety of a world turned on its head, where even simple acts of trust could lead to devastation.
What makes this story truly memorable is its exploration of humanity’s two opposing sides. Quinn expertly portrays the extreme spectrum of human morality. There is the gut-churning evil of those who betray their neighbors to save themselves and the astonishing bravery of individuals who risk their lives to save others. The Van Der Graafs, in particular, shine as symbols of hope and courage, reminding us of the unsung heroes who stood against overwhelming darkness.
To Bloom Like a Tulip is a beautifully crafted story about resilience, the sting of betrayal, and the unbreakable power of hope. Carolyn Summer Quinn delivers a narrative that is as inspiring as it is heartbreaking, a must-read for anyone who cherishes historical fiction that doesn’t shy away from the truth but leaves you feeling deeply moved.
Pages: 230 | ASIN : B0DKHMVNX7
Between the Clouds and the River
Between the Clouds and the River by Dave Mason transports readers into a richly layered narrative set against the backdrop of World War II. This historical fiction follows Bernhardt, a captured German soldier detained in a U.S. prison camp, and Frank Gardner, an aging Canadian living a solitary life. Mason skillfully weaves together two timelines: Bernhardt’s tumultuous youth as a soldier, detailing his service in North Africa, imprisonment, and escape in the United States, and his present life as an adult facing the remnants of a difficult past. In Frank’s story, he wrestles with lingering scars and connects with a troubled young boy from a dysfunctional family. Through Frank’s journey, Mason delves into themes of redemption, love, loss, and the notion of family—whether born or chosen—highlighting the enduring power of human connection to heal emotional wounds.
The strength of this novel lies in its exceptionally crafted characters. Frank and Joseph’s stories stand out with a depth and warmth that make them memorable and relatable. Mason’s introspective style lets us into the minds and hearts of his characters, creating a powerful emotional bridge between them and the reader. This narrative choice not only deepens readers’ empathy but also brings a universal relevance to their journeys. The characters feel real, fully fleshed out, and distinct, drawing readers into their complex, personal struggles. That said, Mason occasionally obscures the storyline with subtle hints that can make it challenging to follow. At times, I found myself needing to re-read sections to piece together certain moments, which broke the story’s flow. While this understated approach succeeds in building suspense during key moments, it occasionally risks losing readers in the process. Despite these occasional ambiguities, Between the Clouds and the River is a compelling and thought-provoking novel.
Between the Clouds and the River is a beautifully crafted tale of resilience, identity, and the transformative power of human connection. Dave Mason’s nuanced storytelling and deeply developed characters bring to life a narrative that resonates long after the final page. I recommend this book to those who enjoy historical fiction with complex characters and themes, as well as readers looking for a story that thoughtfully explores redemption and the meaning of family.
Pages: 383 | ASIN : B0DGQGSGKZ
The Life of Lee Lye Hoe: An Unsung Woman Hero
The Life of Lee Lye Hoe, by James A. Wolter, is a poignant and compelling fictional account that draws from real-life events, chronicling the life of Sister Amah, who is forced to leave her home in South Canton due to the ravages of war. The narrative follows her journey from being a small landowner of a prosperous farm to becoming a servant in a war-torn world. In this new, harsh environment, she discovers love and compassion through her bond with a small child, beginning a new chapter in her life. Lee Lye Hoe’s story is emblematic of the countless sisters and mothers who, fleeing from Japanese or English soldiers, sought refuge far from their homeland. Wolter skillfully presents her life story, from childhood to her transformation into a domestic helper, capturing the resilience and strength of women in the face of unimaginable challenges.
Wolter’s writing is both accessible and deeply engaging, making it difficult to put the book down once you begin. The narrative is driven by a strong, determined plot that captures the reader’s attention from the very start. The book opens with a heart-wrenching challenge faced by Lee Lye Hoe and her mother, immediately immersing the reader in their struggles. However, this is not just a tale of war and migration; it is the story of a woman’s resilience as she overcomes every obstacle life throws her way. Even when she had no obligation to do so, she devoted herself to helping others, showcasing the vast reservoir of compassion within her. This book captivated me entirely, holding me in its grip from beginning to end. It reminded me of Pachinko, a novel that similarly explores the plight of Korean-Japanese people during times of conflict. The Life of Lee Lye Hoe stands out as a powerful addition to the canon of literature that portrays the harrowing experiences of those displaced by war. Wolter’s portrayal of Cantonese society and the hardships endured by its people during these tumultuous times offers readers a vivid glimpse into a world upended by conflict.
I highly recommend The Life of Lee Lye Hoe to anyone interested in exploring the profound impact of war on individuals and societies. This book is not only a tribute to the resilience of women like Lee Lye Hoe but also a stark reminder that, in the end, it is always the common people who bear the brunt of war’s devastation.
Pages: 160 | ASIN : B0DDR3X4ZS
And They Went Up: A Novel from the Saga of Fallen Leaves
In And They Went Up: A Novel from the Saga of Fallen Leaves, J.L. Feuerstack delves into a richly woven tapestry of historical fantasy, offering readers a compelling exploration of the eternal conflict between God and Satan. As the fourth novel in this ambitious series, Feuerstack continues to unravel the complex and often mysterious history of these two celestial brothers, whose struggle for supremacy has shaped the fate of the world for centuries. The narrative centers around Anna Gold and Anorexia Nervosa Perplexus, two emissaries of these divine forces, whose roles as soldiers in this ongoing war are both poignant and tragic. The novel deftly portrays them as weary warriors, burdened by the relentless demands of their masters, yet capable of deep empathy and even love. Their personal struggles and the autonomy they wield, albeit limited, add a layer of human vulnerability to their otherwise otherworldly existence.
Feuerstack’s storytelling draws inevitable comparisons to Neil Gaiman’s American Gods, with its celestial beings intervening in human affairs. However, while Gaiman’s work often carries a mischievous undertone, Feuerstack opts for a more somber and serious approach. The tone reflects the gravity of the celestial conflict, where the stakes are nothing less than the ultimate victory of good or evil. The novel’s pacing is relentless, dragging readers through a series of historical battles, each depicted with visceral intensity. The bloodshed serves as a grim reminder of the war of attrition waged between God and Satan, with humanity, angels, and demons trapped in the crossfire. The characters, especially Anna and Anorexia, are fully fleshed out, their world-weariness and complex emotions adding depth to the narrative.
And They Went Up is high-concept fiction that feels epic in every sense. The writing is both compelling and emotionally charged, taking readers on a rollercoaster journey through time and the human soul. Feuerstack has crafted a story that is as intellectually engaging as it is emotionally resonant, making this novel a must-read for fans of historical fantasy and theological intrigue.
Pages: 491 | ASIN : B0CXMNCBB1
A Conflict Between Love and Tradition
Beyond the Bukubuk Tree follows a young Jewish doctor and a Catholic WWI veteran who are assigned to the same battalion and form an unlikely bond. What inspired the setup of your story?
I wanted to convey two emotional truths in the novel: the beauty of Rabaul, which has a quality of enchantment as it nestles between active volcanoes and lush green flora; and the conflict between love and tradition during wartime. An uncle I never met served in that battalion, Lark Force, and his service inspired me to write Beyond. Family anecdotes suggest that he was conflicted about his sexuality although we don’t actually know. I felt a deep connection to an unspoken pain I saw in photographs of hm. Sharing this truth in a fictionalized character allows readers to connect with characters on a deeper level. I knew that in mainland New Guinea at this time, many incidents of male-male intimacy between soldiers were investigated by the Army. Like Alan Turing, gay soldiers gave their all to their country. It’s time to honor them.
Jake and Alex both have secrets they keep hidden and struggle with their emotions while remaining strong as the battles continue. There was a lot of time spent crafting the character traits in this novel. What was the most important factor for you to get right in your characters?
That they started from one way of functioning in society that repressed vital parts of themselves. With Jake, the orthodox Jewish doctor, it was his desires. With Whipple, his childhood and war traumas gave him a nihilistic view of humanity, stifling his capacity for hope and generosity. Their deepening bond in the crucible of war transformed them.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
First, Lark Force, the lone battalion of volunteers defending Rabaul, was under-resourced and abandoned by the Australian Government. Documents revealing that the government never had a plan to reinforce or extract them were concealed for 50 years. But the soldiers gradually realized their plight as peril approached. I wanted to bring to life those moments of revelation. Fiction seemed like a better genre for me than non-fiction.
Second, to convey the diverse population of Rabaul in 1941-2: Australian administrators and soldiers; a solid community of Chinese merchants; and the majority indigenous Tolai inhabitants. These communities’ cultures were opaque to each other but they were interdependent. I wanted characters from the different communities to have a voice in this war between white and Japanese colonists that upended all their lives. It was a risk to do this, but I felt compelled. I love Rabaul!
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I have a sequel to The Reversible Mask: An Elizabethan Spy Novel in rough shape but no scheduled release. Believe me, Literary Titan will be the first to know. My shorter articles on a variety of topics are likely to come out first. But thank you and readers can stay in touch with me via my website.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
New Guinea, 1941. Heroism, sacrifice and ultimately, hope, transcend the terrifying war.
Two men preparing for war, both with secrets they are determined to keep. Jake Friedman, an idealistic young Jewish doctor from Melbourne, is haunted by the death of a colleague he thinks he caused. Alex Whipple, a Catholic known as Wip, is a soul-scarred veteran of the First World War. Wip is an enigma who fights bullies on behalf of their victims yet has a chequered past in the wild side of post-war Paris that he is determined to forget.
Both are posted to Lark Force, a lone and under-resourced battalion defending the port town of Rabaul. It’s not long before Jake and Wip feel a deep pull of attraction. When the Japanese invade Rabaul, their battalion is abandoned by its government. Improvising a desperate jungle retreat, fighting rain, insects, disease, and vengeful Japanese pursuers, Jake will face the ultimate trials of his courage as Wip struggles to find the will to live.
***
This meticulously researched and richly textured novel is set in a lesser-known battle of the Pacific War. The strength of the human spirit, the bonds of love, and the resilience of diverse communities are tested against the backdrop of these battles. “Beyond the Bukubuk Tree” is a gripping saga of courage, love, and survival in the face of overwhelming adversity.
PRAISE FOR BEYOND THE BUKUBUK TREE
This is a war novel like no other, an aching love-story of two people trying to do right when everything around them has gone wrong. With incredibly rich detail in her characters and their struggles, treating childhood polio, indigenous Tolai beliefs, the Aussie army during World War II and much more. Central to the story is a Jewish physician fighting his affection for a fellow officer, and a captivating, widely diverse supporting cast. With lyrical descriptions, the reader is absorbed into a time and place that history has forgotten, the tropical paradise of Rabaul on the deadly Pacific front line.
Nev March, author of award-winning Murder in Old Bombay
“Exquisite battle sequences of utter chaos. Readers can taste the feel of being outnumbered with antique WWI ordnance, all communications cut off, and no place to go. Homage to James Michener, Herman Wouk, and James Jones.”
Roger Crossland, retired U.S. Navy SEAL officer and author of The Abalone Ukulele
“You convey so well in your writing that Tolia people while very respectful are also a very proud lot.”
Tolai researcher Angelique Giranah, Director, Niugini Singaut Ltd.
“Gripping and sensual love story between two Australian officers during World War Two New Guinea, one a doctor driven to heal, the other an officer with a past he is determined to forget. Amid the worlds of army camp and hospital, the native Tolai, and the fight against fungus sores, malaria, and polio, Jake falls in love with the enigmatic Wip, love which was then against the law. The two men’s spiritual and physical bond will face even dire challenges as the first enemy bombs fall. BEYOND is an utterly fascinating nove. lMagically done. Very hard to put down, impossible to forget.”
Stephanie Cowell, author of Claude & Camille and The Boy in the Rain, American Book Award
Beyond the Bukubuk Tree: A World War II Novel of Love and Loss
Set against the tumultuous backdrop of New Guinea in 1941, Beyond the Bukubuk Tree, by Loretta Goldberg, is a masterfully crafted tale of heroism, sacrifice, and hope amidst the terrors of war. The story centers on two compelling characters: Jake Friedman, an idealistic young Jewish doctor from Melbourne, and Alex Whipple, a Catholic veteran of the First World War with a troubled past. Both men are posted to Lark Force, an under-resourced battalion defending the port town of Rabaul, and both carry secrets that haunt them. Jake is tormented by guilt over the death of a colleague he believes he caused, while Whipple struggles with memories of his chequered past in post-war Paris. Their relationship deepens as they face the impending Japanese invasion, leading to a desperate retreat through the jungle. This harrowing journey tests their courage and will to survive, with Jake facing the ultimate trials of bravery and Whipple battling his desire to live.
Author Loretta Goldberg’s meticulous research and rich narrative bring to life a lesser-known battle of the Pacific War. The novel explores themes of love, resilience, and the strength of the human spirit against overwhelming adversity. The characters are deeply complex and vividly portrayed, making their struggles and growth profoundly affecting. Beyond the Bukubuk Tree stands out not only as a gripping war novel but also as a poignant love story. The relationship between Jake and Whipple is sensitively and beautifully developed, set against the chaotic and dangerous backdrop of war.
Goldberg’s lyrical prose immerses readers in the tropical paradise of Rabaul, capturing both its beauty and its peril. The novel’s authentic portrayal of historical events, emotional depth, and character-driven narrative make it an unforgettable read. Readers will be captivated by the detailed descriptions, the intense battle sequences, and the touching moments of tenderness and connection. It’s a book that not only entertains but also offers a profound reflection on the resilience of the human spirit in the face of war’s horrors.
Beyond the Bukubuk Tree is an absorbing and satisfying read that will leave a lasting impression on anyone who picks it up. Loretta Goldberg has crafted a remarkable novel that combines the best elements of historical fiction and romance, making it a must-read for fans of both genres.
Pages: 395 | ASIN : B0D4MH8D63
LITERARY TITAN 