Churchill's Secret Agent: A Novel Based On A True Story (2010) - Plot & Excerpts
Don't let the title deceive you - there is no adventure, excitement or intrigue to be found here. I stand with all those who have stated that this book had potential because of the incredible experiences the author had (if, in fact, they really happened); however, the way it was written was so UNincredible it was almost painful to read. I felt as if I were reading the adventure version of a crummy romance novel. Please go find a WWII book more worth your time - there are plenty out there! I am changing my review because I met with Max and Linda at the Unitarian Universalist book club meeting at the beginning of the July. We had a great discussion with the author and his wife. Maybe this info will help those who have read this book: The publishers had the authors make this book into A Novel Based on a True Story, but it was cleared up at our meeting that all but the last page and a half are true. Churchill did not come to meet Max in the hospital. Max never saw Churchill after his missions were over, a regret he said he has to this day. 17 chapters were edited out, there were many more missions Max was involved in. Max's name was changed to Marc in the book, and all other names were changed other than those of famous individuals, who Max did know and did have the personal relationships with as described in the book. Max found out his father was half-Italian, thus the spelling of his last name, and his connection to the Vatican and the Pope. He felt that truly was a miraculous connection, because it did allow himself and others involved to save so many Jewish children. Throughout his life, Max was very deceived by his father, and finding out later that his ancestry/ethnicity was other than he (Max) had previously known was a blow to him. All of the description of the incidents of Max's capture and torture were true, and he suffers to this day from the torture and also from the injury of being shot in the knee. I asked Max about his very literal description of different types of food and drink throughout the book, and he said he truly remembered food and what he ate from a very young age, because he was introduced to food at young age and spent much time in the kitchen. He came from a wealthy family, and was very lucky to be exposed to types of food most people would not have access to. He learned to become a chef and later became an executive chef and ran a restaurant here in the US. Some of the food "remembered" may have been fictional, but he remembered much of what he actually had partaken of :) I hope this helps some of you. I LOVED meeting Max and Linda and found them to be warm, personal and so receptive to their readers! I hope my recollections due them justice.
What do You think about Churchill's Secret Agent: A Novel Based On A True Story (2010)?
A very exciting read. What a life the author had. It was hard to put down.
—Sophia
This is the best book I have ever read, literally.
—Tere
Generally a good book. Interesting to read about.
—Jordynn
Amazing story, gave a real humanity to the war.
—love2read
