Elisabeth Marrion

The story is based on facts, and it is told from a very personal perspective. It covers the time a few years before, during, and shortly after the 'Third Reich'. I was a bit puzzled by the title, so I looked up Rommel. Well, from where I stand now, I can't quite fathom what it was about Rommel that attracted the author so much, but then I guess there and then I just might have shared her feelings.

This book was gifted to me a while ago, but I only managed to listen to it now. I had listened to another book by the same narrator a while ago, and had really liked her performance.
I was completely unprepared for the German accent here. At first, I thought I couldn't stand it (being German myself, it always makes me wonder whether that is how I talk, too, which would be horrifying). However, I wanted to know the story, and after a while I got used to the accent.
I have to say, though, that I was so distracted by the accent, that I didn't grasp the prologue at all, and afterwards had to go back and listen to it again to understand what happened there. If I hadn't read up on Rommel in the meantime, I'm not sure I'd have got it even then.

I don't know whose idea it was to have this book read with a German accent, and I'm still not sure it was a good idea, but it was perfectly narrated by Nancy Peterson. It must have been hard to do the accent without overdoing it, so kudos to her for that, even if I for one didn't like it. :)… (mehr)

I very much enjoyed the story. I didn't realise that this was the second book in a series (my mistake), and I think if I'd read the first story, that may have made things a little clearer - especially the German angle.
The story was very dialogue heavy, which I found alternately refreshing, and at times stilted. I don't want to take away from the wealth of the writing though! Far from it. The writing was lovely. And the story was truthful and honest in the portrayal of the characters, but at times I wanted more story and less dialogue.
War is horrible, and this story covers how hard it was for those left behind. I just don't think the world realises now how hard it was for the mothers and children who were left to fend for themselves. This book covers that reality very well.
I will now read the first book in the series, and cover off the gaps I think I felt when I was reading this book.… (mehr)