Review of Truth and Evil
Posted: 22 Jul 2024, 20:29
[Following is a volunteer review of "Truth and Evil" by G. Edward Martin.]
When I started this book, I never realized the impact it would have on me. I read the author's warning in the forward and took his advice to keep reading. I am glad I did. Truth and Evil: A Historical Novelette is so much more than mere historical fiction. G. Edward Martin calls this his greatest and most important work, I agree.
The story is set in World War II. It is about a single German soldier and how his choices lead to a discovery we humans need to understand ourselves. The soldier is never given a name. He is referred to as our German or our German soldier. The lack of a name is not distracting; in fact, it adds to the story. The tale reads like you are listening to a narration of a fairytale.
I found myself wanting to stop reading, yet I could not. I had to keep going. The simplicity of the prose and the complex thoughts and emotions it conveyed drove me on. I felt something shift in me as my mind absorbed the words. This work could make a philosopher weep.
While the story is compelling, the author's forward is almost as deep and should be read first. He warns the reader that this is for mature readers only and explains why. Mr. Martin also explains why the book is essential and relevant today. The book touches on today's mass hypnosis and blind following of leaders who are not what we are led to believe. The correlation from almost one hundred years ago to today is alarming.
I would not change a thing in the book. I rate it 5 out of 5 stars. There were a few minor editing mistakes, but they did not affect the enjoyment of the work.
I hope everybody reads this work. While it leans toward Christian ideas, it does not state this or condemn any other religion. Those without a belief system can still enjoy the work. I will note again that this is not a book for children or even young teens. It is for mature adults.
If you read nothing else this year, read this book.
******
Truth and Evil
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
When I started this book, I never realized the impact it would have on me. I read the author's warning in the forward and took his advice to keep reading. I am glad I did. Truth and Evil: A Historical Novelette is so much more than mere historical fiction. G. Edward Martin calls this his greatest and most important work, I agree.
The story is set in World War II. It is about a single German soldier and how his choices lead to a discovery we humans need to understand ourselves. The soldier is never given a name. He is referred to as our German or our German soldier. The lack of a name is not distracting; in fact, it adds to the story. The tale reads like you are listening to a narration of a fairytale.
I found myself wanting to stop reading, yet I could not. I had to keep going. The simplicity of the prose and the complex thoughts and emotions it conveyed drove me on. I felt something shift in me as my mind absorbed the words. This work could make a philosopher weep.
While the story is compelling, the author's forward is almost as deep and should be read first. He warns the reader that this is for mature readers only and explains why. Mr. Martin also explains why the book is essential and relevant today. The book touches on today's mass hypnosis and blind following of leaders who are not what we are led to believe. The correlation from almost one hundred years ago to today is alarming.
I would not change a thing in the book. I rate it 5 out of 5 stars. There were a few minor editing mistakes, but they did not affect the enjoyment of the work.
I hope everybody reads this work. While it leans toward Christian ideas, it does not state this or condemn any other religion. Those without a belief system can still enjoy the work. I will note again that this is not a book for children or even young teens. It is for mature adults.
If you read nothing else this year, read this book.
******
Truth and Evil
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon