5/5: It may be a cliche in the literary world, but the phrase "I couldn't put it down!" wholly applies in this instance. Author David Baerwald's epic debut novel takes off at a breakneck pace, with a prologue diving into the story during the post-WWII devastation of Tokyo, then circling back in the first chapter to the beginning in early 20th century Germany prior to WWI. It's an expansive, vividly told tale of war and peace, loyalty and betrayal, cruelty and kindness, and ultimately life and death. The story follows our protagonist, Ernst Baerwald (the author's grandfather) from his younger ...

I just reviewed The Fire Agent by David Baerwald

5/5: It may be a cliche in the literary world, but the phrase "I couldn't put it down!" wholly applies in this instance. Author David Baerwald's epic debut novel takes off at a breakneck pace, with a prologue diving into the story during the post-WWII devastation of Tokyo, then circling back in the first chapter to the beginning in early 20th century Germany prior to WWI. It's an expansive, vividly told tale of war and peace, loyalty and betrayal, cruelty and kindness, and ultimately life and death. The story follows our protagonist, Ernst Baerwald (the author's grandfather) from his younger ...