Review of The Last Newsreel

Mtibza eM · Post by **Mtibza eM** » 07 Nov 2021, 17:45

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Last Newsreel" by Lou Dischler.]

3 out of 4 stars

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The Last Newsreel is a war/crime thriller novel that is written by Lou Dischler. Set in World War II, this book follows several people and shows how they were affected by this war. From a small, clueless boy in the countryside who is trying to navigate this vast place to the Japanese warmonger who is determined to bring the United States to its knees in front of its allies, this book is good and amazing.

It first opens up with a boy called Cyrus having banter with his girl peer. While running around, they end up finding out what seems to be a body covered in bees. Cyrus is glad that finally, he has discovered something that might bring fame to his somewhat boring life. Having second thoughts, he decides not to tell anyone yet, as they might not believe him.

Admiral Hisashi Hito is determined to attack the United States and hit it where it hurts the most. He is determined to make his country proud by completing this task, but the United States is not making it easier for him. Ever since the attack on Pearl Harbour, security has been tightened that even he and his submarine can’t sneak up on the United States. Hito is forced to rethink his strategies and maybe find other means to attack this country.

When Cyrus’s friend decides to tell people about the body she has found, Cyrus gets furious because he feels she has stolen the spotlight that was meant for him. But things start to be serious when he learns that the man who died there was a spy. When few things start to occur where he lives, Cyrus learns that the war might not be far from him after all. What can he do to assist his country? What if his enemies are closer to him than he realises? What about Hito? Will he manage to attack the United States by hiding in plain sight, where they wouldn’t think to search for him?

I liked reading this book. It was different from the many war books I have read, especially this year. It took a different approach. The author didn’t make it too predictable. Like, in the start, I couldn’t tell that I was reading a war novel. I only realised from the middle nearing the end. The author made sure that the war wasn’t the whole centrepiece of this book. I could tell that he rather demonstrated to us, the readers, how the war impacted different people from different backgrounds, ages, beliefs, races, and gender.

Cyrus was just an unassuming boy who was trying to figure this whole life thing out. His naiveté made him related and exciting. How he hated his German heritage and history showed just how childish he was. And deciding to be an actor amidst everything, one could say that he was a confused boy who was trying to figure himself. The author did a splendid job of portraying him. I liked the child-like features Cyrus had.

The characterisation was just spot-on. Every character was authentic. I appreciated the changes in point of view. It certainly made the story enjoyable. I loved the fact that the narration and dialogue were well balanced. The author didn’t give out way too much prematurely. This made me feel included.

The plot was convincing as it was realistic. It wasn’t too epic. The descriptions were enough to make me feel like I was in there, rather than feeling like I was outside looking in. The pace, although it started slow, picked up in the middle, and it remained steady until the end.

What I can say I disliked about this book was that in the middle, it tended to get monotonous. If you are not like me and you don’t pay attention, you will easily get confused. A lot is happening in a short space of time. Some characters get introduced, some die. So if you don’t want to ask yourself questions, make sure you pay a great deal of attention in the middle.

Another thing is that the end felt rushed, and as a result, left a bad taste. It was like the author couldn’t wait to wrap it all up. That he had to stretch it and tell us how Cyrus ended up like because he kind of vanished in the speed of wrapping things up.

Taking everything into consideration, a rating of 3 out of 4 stars is fitting for this book. I only came across a few errors which didn’t dilute the quality of the book. The book doesn’t discriminate against anyone, so everyone should get it. There are profane words, but they are not strong and offensive. There are no sex scenes.

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The Last Newsreel
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Apple 7 · Post by **Apple 7** » 09 Nov 2021, 20:09

The name of the book doesn't depict a warring theme, but seems rather like a teen related or exploratory from my initial perspective, very nice review.

NancyDrew12 · Post by **NancyDrew12** » 10 Nov 2021, 10:42

I don't usually read books about war but I do enjoy crime and thriller. Cyrus seems like a well developed character and I'm intrigued by him. Lovely review!

Paluk Pathania · Post by **Paluk Pathania** » 10 Nov 2021, 12:54

Because war/crime novels/movies have always been one of my favourite genres, it's no surprise that I'm interested in learning more about this one. Reading your review has piqued my interest even more. Thankyou for your review!^^

Prisallen · Post by **Prisallen** » 11 Nov 2021, 09:25

I like that, instead of being a book about the war itself, this book is about the lives of the people that it affected. It seems like a very interesting story. Thanks for your wonderful review!

Neshboy Aburi · Post by **Neshboy Aburi** » 11 Nov 2021, 09:29

I like the confidence that oozes from this review. I also think that this book has a very interesting story. Cyrus also seems to be a kind of regular guy that many people would relate with. Thanks for this beautiful review.

Clare Jose · Post by **Clare Jose** » 14 Nov 2021, 12:36

I like how the book portrays the lives of different people in a war scenario. Cyrus seems like a very endearing character. Hope to read this some day.
Thank you for your lovely review!