Review of Truth and Evil

[Bradley Twesten]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Truth and Evil" by G. Edward Martin.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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G. Edward Martin writes that Truth and Evil is “the most difficult story I have ever written." The novelette serves as an engaging lesson on morality for a German soldier during World War 2. The topics explored are graphic, and complex, and offer a commentary on the current state of the world's moral fabric.

Several years into the war, an unnamed soldier commits a war crime. Shortly after, he is killed in action and finds himself standing before God, seeking to atone for his actions. Ultimately, God sends him back to relive his his final moments on Earth, priding an opportunity to choose a different path and possibly save soul. The soldier experiences multiple scenarios, reliving his immediate past and exploring possible futures, wherein he is given the chance to make more righteous decisions instead of continuing down the evil path his soul has walked.

Truth and Evil deserves a rating of 5 out of 5. It is well-written and edited, with only a few errors. The compelling story and moral dilemmas presented within make it difficult to put down, urging readers to finish it in a single sitting.

Initially, the reader may believe that the soldier will be trapped in a time loop, similar to Bill Murray in Groundhog Day or Tom Cruise in Edge of Tomorrow. However, the plot holds many surprises, as the soldier is not transported back to the same moment indefinitely. Instead, as he learns each moral lesson, God whisks him away to another opportunity from his past or possible outcomes on his path of evil. This structure is reminiscent of Ebenezer Scrooge's journey in Charle’s Dicken’s A Christmas Carol, where he has the chance to save his soul, albeit within a wartime backdrop.

At its core, Truth and Evil is about an individual making better decisions in life. However, the deeper meaning of the story lies in comparing the German culture and the Devil's presence during World War 2 to the global state of today. Have we learned from the lessons of the past, or are we doomed to repeat our terrible sins? While it may be challenging to stop an entire group of people, every individual making ethical and moral decisions has the power to ultimately influence many and change the course of history.

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Truth and Evil
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