Very slow moving plot, but worth the read because it's told from a Slavic solider's point of view and describes the Southern Front of War World One. It also tells of the sniper history of WW1 trenches. I had to constantly google background information to keep up with the story but it was a very satisfying historical fiction story where I learned so much. The beginning is odd and a bit disconnected, don't give up on it! Although this book is short in pages it is dense in content. Covers the lives of two boys before, during and after the first World War. It starts with a death and a mother's desperate attempt to save the life of her child, in a mining town, 19th century Colorado.Returning to his home in rural Austria-Hungary, Josef and his father lead the lives of impoverished sheperds. They are soon joined by another young boy named Zlee, who his father agrees to raise as his own. Though their lives are short of money, their lives are full of stories, their father reading to them from Moby Dick and others. He trains them to stalk, hide and shoot. Their lives are lonely, insular and soon the boys want more than the lives they are leading.Enter the war and the boys enlist together. Although Josef was hoping for the community of many men in the regiment, because of their shooting ability the boys find themselves as sharpshooters in the Kaisers army. Eventually this will lead to an Italian prison where Josef meets a man who has been jailed for a long time.I love this quote, "One or many, he said. "Still they are dead and we are alive." "If there was a difference it was that I had marched with an army and that he had acted alone, but each believed that God was on his side, for no one raises a hand without convincing himself first that he is right."A very succinct explanation of war. The love between a father and son, of others who are placed in our paths along the way and of sacrifices that must be made. Of how a life changes course often without warning. Based on the authors personal family history, a small book that makes a big impression.
What do You think about The Sojurn (2011)?
I really liked this one. Very well written, an excellent story, great characters. Highly recommend!
—Fatisama1
This is an excellent story about a young man's life and service in WW 1. I highly recommend!
—Craig
If you like this book, I also recommend "City of Thieves," by David Benioff.
—simone2011
