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The Last Green Valley

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'The Last Green Valley' by Mark T. Sullivan is a gripping World War II story that follows the journey of the Martel family, a German family trying to escape the horrors of war and find safety amidst the chaos of Stalin's regime and Hitler's annihilation of the Jews. The book delves into the themes of faith, family, survival, and the resilience of the human spirit, offering a moving and emotional portrayal of the challenges faced by the characters during this tumultuous period. Sullivan's writing style is described as descriptive, heartwrenching, and inspirational, capturing the historical settings and the darkness of war while also infusing the narrative with spiritual musings and messages of hope.

Characters:

The characters are strong, resilient individuals facing unimaginable adversity, driving the emotional core of the narrative.

Writing/Prose:

The writing is generally praised for its vivid descriptiveness and emotional engagement, though some feel it lacks conciseness.

Plot/Storyline:

The story revolves around the Martel family's harrowing journey for freedom during WWII, highlighting their struggles against oppressive forces and their hopes for a brighter future.

Setting:

The story is set during WWII, illustrating the turmoil of wartime Europe, specifically the struggles of ethnic Germans in Ukraine.

Pacing:

The pacing varies, with engaging moments overshadowed by sections that are perceived as slow and repetitive.
Twenty-eight-year-old Adeline Martel struggled out the back door of her kitchen in heavy winter clothes, carrying a crate full of cooking utensils toward a covered wagon harnessed to two dray horses i...

Notes:

The Last Green Valley is based on the true story of the Martel family.
The novel parallels historical events during WWII, focusing on the struggles of ethnic Germans in Ukraine.
Emil Martel dreams of a better life in the West and considers immigrating to the United States.
The Martel family faces difficult choices between living under Stalin's rule or fleeing with the German army.
The story highlights the hardship and trials faced by families caught between warring factions.
Many readers found the story moving and inspirational, emphasizing themes of courage and survival.
The book is a well-researched historical fiction, offering insight into lesser-known aspects of WWII.
The characters' journey represents the struggle for freedom and the pursuit of a better life.
The novel is described as suspenseful, with significant emotional depth.
It's a popular pick for book clubs due to its historical relevance and themes that resonate today.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include depictions of war violence, starvation, concentration camps, and historical trauma.

From The Publisher:

"Mark Sullivan has done it again! The Last Green Valley is a compelling and inspiring story of heroism and courage in the dark days at the end of World War II." -Kristin Hannah, #1 New York Times bestselling author

From the author of the #1 bestseller Beneath a Scarlet Sky comes a new historical novel inspired by one family's incredible story of daring, survival, and triumph.

In late March 1944, as Stalin's forces push into Ukraine, young Emil and Adeline Martel must make a terrible decision: Do they wait for the Soviet bear's intrusion and risk being sent to Siberia? Or do they reluctantly follow the wolves-murderous Nazi officers who have pledged to protect "pure-blood" Germans?

The Martels are one of many families of German heritage whose ancestors have farmed in Ukraine for more than a century. But after already living under Stalin's horrifying regime, Emil and Adeline decide they must run in retreat from their land with the wolves they despise to escape the Soviets and go in search of freedom.

Caught between two warring forces and overcoming horrific trials to pursue their hope of immigrating to the West, the Martels' story is a brutal, complex, and ultimately triumphant tale that illuminates the extraordinary power of love, faith, and one family's incredible will to survive and see their dreams realized.

Ratings (7)

Incredible (1)
Loved It (3)
It Was OK (3)

Reader Stats (16):

Read It (8)
Want To Read (6)
Not Interested (2)
 
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