Review of Rescuing General Patton
-
Lal Roni
- Minimum Wage Millionaire Reader
- Posts: 100
- Joined: 11 Jun 2024, 07:55
- Currently Reading:
- Bookshelf Size: 32
- Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-lal-roni.html
- Latest Review: America: The Obliged by Nathan O'Discin
Review of Rescuing General Patton
[Following is a volunteer review of "Rescuing General Patton" by Curtis Stephen Burdick.]
Curtis Stephen Burdick's Rescuing General Patton is an alternative history novel that recounts Patton's World War II ordeal differently. It takes advantage of a premise of intrigue and suspense as a top-secret mission to rescue the general from German hands. Briefing raw with historical fact and fiction, it’s an adrenaline-fueled narrative of espionage, military strategy, and moral dilemma. From telling the patton story to leading its controversial leadership style, the book opens and rapidly escalates into a high-stakes rescue operation, uncovering a layer of World War II’s history that remains hidden.
What saves the novel is its ‘feels’—real and not contrived—incorporated through research and brilliant descriptions of military settings and activities. Mixed among these are real-life figures like Eisenhower and fictionalized missions, combining to forge a plausible narrative that’s grounded but thrilling. Patton's capture being hidden from history is gripping, and the book delivers by wringing tension and action in layers. Out of all moments, one is especially noteworthy, one in which General Eisenhower thinks up the plan to keep Patton's presence in the open at all times, secretly plotting to get him out. It shows how war requires such a contrived web of lies. Patton's fiery temper and inability to compromise are all included in an appreciation of Patton's rendering as a brilliant, yet flawed, military leader. They also support characters like the fictional Corporal Sam Bauer, making the whole thing relatable and giving it some depth. But what made me feel so emotionally invested were scenes like when Patton tells Bauer to perpetrate an incredibly gruesome deception.
The author relates well-captured military procedures, equipment, and settings linked to the author’s research through accuracy. The book alternates between high-octane action sequences with quieter, introspective moments. It doesn’t overwhelm the reader with relentless intensity, which would keep them engaged, but it also doesn’t let the reader fall behind. However, although this journey was exciting, the end left me wanting a primary twist or revelation to make the whole thing come to life.
The storyline could be given a little more nuance of the moral complexities the characters dealt with within the storyline. Let’s take Corporal Bauer, his conflict is great, but it could’ve been expanded on further in terms of how it has affected his psyche post the incident. Another more surprising, or ambiguous, ending could make a much more powerful impression.
While not without flaws, Rescuing General Patton is a fantastic read, mainly for purists of historical fiction and World War II literature. The way the novel manages to combine fact and fiction so intricately and has such dynamic characters and such a neat plot, it stands out as a clear-cut example in the genre. This is not just an entertainment story; it’s a story that will make you think about the sacrifices and ethical dilemmas war brings. The book has definitely been well edited, and on the whole, the prose is clean and polished. I would award this book the full 5 out of 5 stars, as this book’s strengths far outweigh its shortcomings, and I would absolutely recommend this book to you.
******
Rescuing General Patton
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Curtis Stephen Burdick's Rescuing General Patton is an alternative history novel that recounts Patton's World War II ordeal differently. It takes advantage of a premise of intrigue and suspense as a top-secret mission to rescue the general from German hands. Briefing raw with historical fact and fiction, it’s an adrenaline-fueled narrative of espionage, military strategy, and moral dilemma. From telling the patton story to leading its controversial leadership style, the book opens and rapidly escalates into a high-stakes rescue operation, uncovering a layer of World War II’s history that remains hidden.
What saves the novel is its ‘feels’—real and not contrived—incorporated through research and brilliant descriptions of military settings and activities. Mixed among these are real-life figures like Eisenhower and fictionalized missions, combining to forge a plausible narrative that’s grounded but thrilling. Patton's capture being hidden from history is gripping, and the book delivers by wringing tension and action in layers. Out of all moments, one is especially noteworthy, one in which General Eisenhower thinks up the plan to keep Patton's presence in the open at all times, secretly plotting to get him out. It shows how war requires such a contrived web of lies. Patton's fiery temper and inability to compromise are all included in an appreciation of Patton's rendering as a brilliant, yet flawed, military leader. They also support characters like the fictional Corporal Sam Bauer, making the whole thing relatable and giving it some depth. But what made me feel so emotionally invested were scenes like when Patton tells Bauer to perpetrate an incredibly gruesome deception.
The author relates well-captured military procedures, equipment, and settings linked to the author’s research through accuracy. The book alternates between high-octane action sequences with quieter, introspective moments. It doesn’t overwhelm the reader with relentless intensity, which would keep them engaged, but it also doesn’t let the reader fall behind. However, although this journey was exciting, the end left me wanting a primary twist or revelation to make the whole thing come to life.
The storyline could be given a little more nuance of the moral complexities the characters dealt with within the storyline. Let’s take Corporal Bauer, his conflict is great, but it could’ve been expanded on further in terms of how it has affected his psyche post the incident. Another more surprising, or ambiguous, ending could make a much more powerful impression.
While not without flaws, Rescuing General Patton is a fantastic read, mainly for purists of historical fiction and World War II literature. The way the novel manages to combine fact and fiction so intricately and has such dynamic characters and such a neat plot, it stands out as a clear-cut example in the genre. This is not just an entertainment story; it’s a story that will make you think about the sacrifices and ethical dilemmas war brings. The book has definitely been well edited, and on the whole, the prose is clean and polished. I would award this book the full 5 out of 5 stars, as this book’s strengths far outweigh its shortcomings, and I would absolutely recommend this book to you.
******
Rescuing General Patton
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: America: The Obliged by Nathan O'Discin
