Review of Truth and Evil
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Carol McCoy Phelps
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Review of Truth and Evil
[Following is a volunteer review of "Truth and Evil" by G. Edward Martin.]
The historical novelette Truth and Evil by G. Edward Martin delivers an unflinching scrutiny of the dark elements of war crimes. He does not shrink from exposing the sadistic cruelty committed upon helpless individuals in the name of victory. Can you envision peering into a kaleidoscope of rape, blood, death, and destruction? As awful as this sounds, Martin does not shock readers for the sake of gore and horror. The “method to his madness” reveals itself to those who finish reading the book.
The setting is in Europe during World War II. The story begins, “There was once a young German soldier in the year 1942.” Martin describes his protagonist in terms of what the young man used to be. He was drafted in 1940, and he is now twenty years old. He used to be a farmer, and he was an innocent boy who went off to war.
Two years is all he needed to undo the humanity and goodness taught by his parents and his church. He lost, or forgot, everything in him that was ever good. The author shares glimpses of harrowing experiences that inure the young soldier to the savagery of death. The young soldier witnessed countless casualties that bullets and screaming bombs left in their wake.
The story is an allegory of evil versus good. According to the allegory, what the young soldier sees inside the war reshapes his views of truth and reality. When faced with his own horrific deeds, what will the young soldier do? Will he be able to recognize the truth? Can he find greater human understanding? Be brave enough to read Martin’s novelette. The story is its own reward.
I like Martin’s writing style. It is bold, straightforward, and sometimes so real that it made me feel like I might upchuck. Life is like that. War is like that. Evil and horror do not go away just because one refuses to look at it.
I could say that I dislike the abominable actions described in the book. But taming the narrative to fit any constraints of gentility would ruin the basic premise of this gripping allegory. This gritty quality is what makes the story worth reading.
The book was nicely edited, although I questioned the semantics in a few sentences. However, for the author’s conciseness and the masterful plot, I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. I recommend this book to adults because it contains vivid descriptions of rape and violence.
******
Truth and Evil
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
The historical novelette Truth and Evil by G. Edward Martin delivers an unflinching scrutiny of the dark elements of war crimes. He does not shrink from exposing the sadistic cruelty committed upon helpless individuals in the name of victory. Can you envision peering into a kaleidoscope of rape, blood, death, and destruction? As awful as this sounds, Martin does not shock readers for the sake of gore and horror. The “method to his madness” reveals itself to those who finish reading the book.
The setting is in Europe during World War II. The story begins, “There was once a young German soldier in the year 1942.” Martin describes his protagonist in terms of what the young man used to be. He was drafted in 1940, and he is now twenty years old. He used to be a farmer, and he was an innocent boy who went off to war.
Two years is all he needed to undo the humanity and goodness taught by his parents and his church. He lost, or forgot, everything in him that was ever good. The author shares glimpses of harrowing experiences that inure the young soldier to the savagery of death. The young soldier witnessed countless casualties that bullets and screaming bombs left in their wake.
The story is an allegory of evil versus good. According to the allegory, what the young soldier sees inside the war reshapes his views of truth and reality. When faced with his own horrific deeds, what will the young soldier do? Will he be able to recognize the truth? Can he find greater human understanding? Be brave enough to read Martin’s novelette. The story is its own reward.
I like Martin’s writing style. It is bold, straightforward, and sometimes so real that it made me feel like I might upchuck. Life is like that. War is like that. Evil and horror do not go away just because one refuses to look at it.
I could say that I dislike the abominable actions described in the book. But taming the narrative to fit any constraints of gentility would ruin the basic premise of this gripping allegory. This gritty quality is what makes the story worth reading.
The book was nicely edited, although I questioned the semantics in a few sentences. However, for the author’s conciseness and the masterful plot, I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. I recommend this book to adults because it contains vivid descriptions of rape and violence.
******
Truth and Evil
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
J. Carol McCoy-Phelps
