BOOK REVIEWS

Thank you so very much for all readers who have taken the time and trouble to write reviews.

WE WERE THERE...and other wartime poems

TT - Redditch, Worcestershire:

I have all of Tony Astons books and all are thoroughly enjoyable to read. When I saw there was to be a book of poems also written by Tony, I knew it was a 'must have', especially given the subject, Wartime and conflict always having been close to my heart - Lest We Forget - and I was not disappointed. Once I had started to read it, I continued until I had read all these very poignant/nostalgic poems, taking me probably an hour and a half....I now will read them all over again, reflecting while I do so...Tony, I have every admiration for you and what you have put into words yet again, what an achievement!

Redditch Standard Newspaper

HANUKKAH TO HELL

LK - Stourport-on-Severn, Worcestershire

I have to say I think it is nothing short of brilliant. Not the sort of book I normally read but I was engrossed from start to finish. It is a challenging read in places but the nature of the story means it has to be or else it would not reflect the human suffering that took place. Your poetic use of words and description paints a vivid picture. You obviously have a lot of specialist knowledge on the subject and/or have researched extremely hard to portray the culture, ethos and environment as it existed at that time.

SW - Devon

This was a wonderful read, and one which should be read by everyone, especially the young.

AF - Devon

The novel Hanukkah to Hell by author Tony Aston tells corresponding stories set during World War Two of the different routes taken to the Nazi concentration camp of Mauthausen in Austria; by a Jewish family, the US 11 th Armoured Division, and a young German soldier destined for the SS and Camp Commandant. This is a complicated tale following different characters with differing allegiances, and backgrounds. The author switches from one branch to another almost seamlessly, in the manner of Ken Follet. He does a great job of avoiding being sanctimonious by allowing the reader make up his or her own mind about the morality and conscience of war through the actions of the protagonists. Although
inevitably there are episodes of violence, it is never gratuitous or laboured and always moves the story on. What is most striking about the book is the author’s emotional intelligence. There is no implausible heroism or unlikely acts of resistance; just ordinary folk caught up on one side or another of a World War, trying to do their best to survive physically and mentally unscathed in extraordinary times. The book tells of the bloody combats leading to the liberation of Mauthausen and the hopeless battle for survival of those incarcerated. We learn of the uneducated, naïve SS officer and his journey to becoming the cruel and uncompromising Commandant of the camp. The moral heart of this book is the Jacobson family and their different journeys through the brutality of war and the unbending Nazi extermination machine. Journeys which for some family members end in brutality, death and the end of hope. However, for the younger generation, hope lives on. Siblings separated by ideology, war and a continuing uncertain future; but lending a great opportunity for a sequel!

THE BOMBER AND THE WEATHERVANE

MO - Grimsby, Lincolnshire

I read this book from start to finish in one long day……never before have been so taken by reading something that I had to finish it in a day !
The book is written in such a gripping manner by Tony,but the content is both from historical research and inputs from the crew families. I have never appreciated the heartache and stress families went through when their loved ones volunteered for the RAF. Actual letters from the crew and families are heartbreaking to read.
The book does not just finish …..it leaves you with a desire to understand and appreciate more of the young boys that gave us what we have today.
All of this from finding a weathervane in a scrapyard….
It is very emotional but is only one crew of over 55000 men who gave their lives for our freedom.

JH - Redditch, Worcestershire

The Bomber and the Weathervane, is obviously a book that was a labour of love for the author. He has used his detective ability to properly research and document the facts surrounding the last flight of a Lancaster Bomber JB453 on 2/3 January 1944 and the loss of the whole crew. A very interesting and well written book, including a description of his flight in a Lancaster!!!! I thoroughly recommend this book.

THE LAST SCHOOL BELL

Chris Bloor, Member of Parliament

Redditch Standard Newspaper