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The Last Green Valley
From the author of the #1 bestseller Beneath a Scarlet Sky comes a new historical novel inspired by one family’s incredible story of daring, survival, and triumph.
In late March 1944, as Stalin’s forces push into Ukraine, young Emil and Adeline Martel must make a terrible decision: Do they wait for the Soviet bear’s intrusion and risk being sent to Siberia? Or do they reluctantly follow the wolves—murderous Nazi officers who have pledged to protect “pure-blood” Germans?
The Martels are one of many families of German heritage whose ancestors have farmed in Ukraine for more than a century. But after already living under Stalin’s horrifying regime, Emil and Adeline decide they must run in retreat from their land with the wolves they despise to escape the Soviets and go in search of freedom.
Caught between two warring forces and overcoming horrific trials to pursue their hope of immigrating to the West, the Martels’ story is a brutal, complex, and ultimately triumphant tale that illuminates the extraordinary power of love, faith, and one family’s incredible will to survive and see their dreams realized.
In late March 1944, as Stalin’s forces push into Ukraine, young Emil and Adeline Martel must make a terrible decision: Do they wait for the Soviet bear’s intrusion and risk being sent to Siberia? Or do they reluctantly follow the wolves—murderous Nazi officers who have pledged to protect “pure-blood” Germans?
The Martels are one of many families of German heritage whose ancestors have farmed in Ukraine for more than a century. But after already living under Stalin’s horrifying regime, Emil and Adeline decide they must run in retreat from their land with the wolves they despise to escape the Soviets and go in search of freedom.
Caught between two warring forces and overcoming horrific trials to pursue their hope of immigrating to the West, the Martels’ story is a brutal, complex, and ultimately triumphant tale that illuminates the extraordinary power of love, faith, and one family’s incredible will to survive and see their dreams realized.
423 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 4, 2021
14971 people are currently reading
82389 people want to read
About the author
Mark T. Sullivan
38 books4,122 followersMark T. Sullivan (b. 1958) is an author of thrillers. Born in a Boston suburb, he joined the Peace Corp after college, traveling to West Africa to live with a tribe of Saharan nomads. Upon returning to the United States, he took a job at Reuters, beginning a decade-long career in journalism that would eventually lead to a job as an investigative reporter for the San Diego Tribune.
Sullivan spent the winter of 1990 living with a group of skiers in Utah and Wyoming, and used the experience as the foundation for his first novel, The Fall Line (1994). In 1995 he published Hard News, a thriller based on his work as a reporter, and a year later he released The Purification Ceremony, which won the WH Smith Award for Best New Talent. His most recent work is Private Games (2012), which he co-authored with James Patterson. Sullivan lives with his family in Montana, where he skis, hunts, and practices martial arts.
Sullivan spent the winter of 1990 living with a group of skiers in Utah and Wyoming, and used the experience as the foundation for his first novel, The Fall Line (1994). In 1995 he published Hard News, a thriller based on his work as a reporter, and a year later he released The Purification Ceremony, which won the WH Smith Award for Best New Talent. His most recent work is Private Games (2012), which he co-authored with James Patterson. Sullivan lives with his family in Montana, where he skis, hunts, and practices martial arts.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 5,617 reviews
March 25, 2021
Beneath a Scarlet Sky is one of the best historical fictions I’ve ever read, so I couldn’t wait to see what Mark Sullivan would produce next. The Last Green Valley is also based on real people, again the history of a family now living in Montana.
This time, the story starts in Ukraine. The Martels are Volksdeutsche, sixth generation Germans brought to the Ukraine by Catherine the Great to share their agricultural skills. Of course, under Stalin, they became personae non gratae and Adeline’s father was sent to Siberia. During the war, the land was taken over by the Germans. Now, in 1945, the Germans are in retreat from the Russian Army and the Martels must make a choice whether to follow the Germans or stay behind to be destroyed by the Russians.
The story is told from Emil’s and Adeline’s perspectives - both in the “present day” of 1944 forward and the past, starting in 1922. Time and again, we see the contrast of doing what’s needed to survive and doing what’s right. One of the main themes of the book is faith- keeping it and losing it. The book also provides constant reminders about finding small joys in each day. One of my favorite characters was Corporal Gheorghe and I was thrilled to discover in the Author’s Notes that he was based on a real person.
This book isn’t as engaging as Under a Scarlet Sky. It was interesting, but not engrossing. But I felt I learned much more about the last days of WWII. It’s thoroughly researched and Sullivan does a great job of fleshing out the facts with fiction. It was a total revelation to learn about The Great Trek by the ethnic Germans. This book is also a reminder of the importance of immigrants to the US experience.
My thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for an advance copy of this book.
This time, the story starts in Ukraine. The Martels are Volksdeutsche, sixth generation Germans brought to the Ukraine by Catherine the Great to share their agricultural skills. Of course, under Stalin, they became personae non gratae and Adeline’s father was sent to Siberia. During the war, the land was taken over by the Germans. Now, in 1945, the Germans are in retreat from the Russian Army and the Martels must make a choice whether to follow the Germans or stay behind to be destroyed by the Russians.
The story is told from Emil’s and Adeline’s perspectives - both in the “present day” of 1944 forward and the past, starting in 1922. Time and again, we see the contrast of doing what’s needed to survive and doing what’s right. One of the main themes of the book is faith- keeping it and losing it. The book also provides constant reminders about finding small joys in each day. One of my favorite characters was Corporal Gheorghe and I was thrilled to discover in the Author’s Notes that he was based on a real person.
This book isn’t as engaging as Under a Scarlet Sky. It was interesting, but not engrossing. But I felt I learned much more about the last days of WWII. It’s thoroughly researched and Sullivan does a great job of fleshing out the facts with fiction. It was a total revelation to learn about The Great Trek by the ethnic Germans. This book is also a reminder of the importance of immigrants to the US experience.
My thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for an advance copy of this book.
May 27, 2025
This is a WWII historical fiction that is very hard hitting. This WWII historical fiction follows a family of German heritage whose ancestors have farmed in Ukraine for a long time before the war started. I think all the other WWII historical fiction books I have read in the past follows a Jewish family, so I feel this book is like no other WWII historical fiction book I have read in the past. I have to say this book is incredibly hard to read at times because the author goes into details about the very bad things that is happening to this family we are following. There is way to many trigger warnings to go though all of them in this review, but if you are a person that gets upset by what you read please look into the trigger warnings before reading this book. While reading this book I felt I was right there with these characters. This book was well written. The author notes at the end when into how the author came to write this book, and you find out that this book is written basic on a true story someone told the author. This was a very moving story, and it is sad that people were treated the way these characters were. This is just one of those moving heart touching book you read, and it stays with you for a long time. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Lake Union Publishing) or author (Mark T. Sullivan) via NetGalley, so I can give honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
Note: I am incredibly lucky to win an ARC Cover Copy of this book from a goodreads giveaway too.
Note: I am incredibly lucky to win an ARC Cover Copy of this book from a goodreads giveaway too.
June 29, 2024
Holy Moly!!! My favorite quote about reading is by Kevin Ansbro, "A book should grab you by the lapels and kiss you into tomorrow." The Last Green Valley did exactly that, and then some! Highly, highly recommend!
Mark Sullivan has written more than twenty books, including bestseller Beneath a Scarlet Sky. I am going to add every Mark Sullivan book to my TBR. His writing is phenomenal.
Sullivan's preface hooked me immediately! After he wrote the historical novel, Beneath a Scarlet Sky, he received dozens of letters and pitches about other possible war stories. His criteria was that the story had to be moving, inspiring, and potentially transformative to him and to readers. In November 2017, while speaking at a Rotary Club event, a man came forward and shared with him the story that would become The Last Green Valley.
The preface and afterword are spellbinding. Sullivan describes in detail what is factually accurate in the book as well as the travels and research he conducted to create the story.
The book is about the Martel family who find themselves trapped between Nazi forces and Stalin's Russian Army in 1944 while farming in Ukraine. Their decisions and actions have life and death consequences. There is a continual tension between disillusionment and believing in hope and dreams.
This was a story that needed to be told and Mark Sullivan is a masterful storyteller.
Re-read this book for Book Club. Phenomenal, memorable historical fiction based on a true story. Robust character development coupled with a fast paced story arc make this a book that lives on after it has ended.
Mark Sullivan has written more than twenty books, including bestseller Beneath a Scarlet Sky. I am going to add every Mark Sullivan book to my TBR. His writing is phenomenal.
Sullivan's preface hooked me immediately! After he wrote the historical novel, Beneath a Scarlet Sky, he received dozens of letters and pitches about other possible war stories. His criteria was that the story had to be moving, inspiring, and potentially transformative to him and to readers. In November 2017, while speaking at a Rotary Club event, a man came forward and shared with him the story that would become The Last Green Valley.
The preface and afterword are spellbinding. Sullivan describes in detail what is factually accurate in the book as well as the travels and research he conducted to create the story.
The book is about the Martel family who find themselves trapped between Nazi forces and Stalin's Russian Army in 1944 while farming in Ukraine. Their decisions and actions have life and death consequences. There is a continual tension between disillusionment and believing in hope and dreams.
This was a story that needed to be told and Mark Sullivan is a masterful storyteller.
Re-read this book for Book Club. Phenomenal, memorable historical fiction based on a true story. Robust character development coupled with a fast paced story arc make this a book that lives on after it has ended.
August 9, 2022
Audiobook, synced with ebook reading ….
……audio by Will Damron
……16 hours and 8 minutes
Having loved the Historical Fiction book “Beneath the Scarlet Sky”….by Mark Sullivan ….(as many others have too)….I had planned to read this sooner — then it slipped away from me.
Given all that has happened in Ukraine recently…..I didn’t want to put this book off any longer.
So …..being late to the party - with already 31,777 ratings on Amazon…..with a 73% 5 star rating …..nobody needs another review from me. But….if you haven’t read - or listened to this book - yet- I assure you — you - are ‘not’ really late for the party. It’s a timely educational phenomenally told story …..[horrendous history]-
MADDENING as I like to say…..but also written with highly imagined superior prose.
Mark Sullivan is both: a first class historian and storyteller.
…..Will Damron is an excellent audiobook reader, too. He read both of these novels of Mark Sullivan’s.
Since there are already tons of reviews….I’ll just add - confirm- agree that
this is an inspiring true story — during the dark days at end of World War II …….with diligent research.
……The ending pulls the book together marvelously. The author’s notes about the ‘fiction’ and ‘non-fiction parts were interesting.
…..The Martel family - down home folks, farmers, were resilient to say the least. They were good, kind loving people: characters any reader would enjoy spending time with.
The book is a little long -but forgiving in the big scoop of things.
The Martel’s were brought to Ukraine from Germany by Catherine the Great: Empress from Russia - in 1943, to share their agricultural skills with the Russians. By 1945 ….most had lost their farms. The Martel family too,
The journey we take with them is gripping—filled with fear, exhaustion, hunger, trials and tribulations.
It’s not easy to digest the horrific atrocities — but it’s a book worth reading > with a few wondrous blessings as well.
I’ll leave you with a powerful - meaningful excerpt that another Goodreads member SKIP…..included in his review. To me he captured the essence and meaning for this book —
They feel like words from God…..(actually from Mrs.Kantor)
“Our Job in life is to endure, to be kind, and to constantly put the past behind us and not dwell too much on the future. If you must look back, try to find the beauty and the benefit in every cruelty done to you. If you must think about the future, try to have no expectations about it … when you do you that you will deserve every happiness and abundance this life has to offer as long as you give part of your abundance to others less fortunate”
Beautiful quote *Skip*…. Thank you for letting me steal it. Share it again.
It’s speaks to me on many levels. It speaks to the type of person Skip is too —
Terrific historical fiction novel ……lots of emotional baggage schlepping during this journey to happier greener days….in Montana.
Interesting note to myself — this is the second recent book I’ve read with visions- destinations in *Montana*….
I’ll be in Montana next month for a week. (Montana seems to be in my space)….
why?
……love-connecting. (with our daughter and her husband who live in Calgrey)…..staying in a cabin on the lake ….
So glad I didn’t miss this book - never too late for a powerful read!
……audio by Will Damron
……16 hours and 8 minutes
Having loved the Historical Fiction book “Beneath the Scarlet Sky”….by Mark Sullivan ….(as many others have too)….I had planned to read this sooner — then it slipped away from me.
Given all that has happened in Ukraine recently…..I didn’t want to put this book off any longer.
So …..being late to the party - with already 31,777 ratings on Amazon…..with a 73% 5 star rating …..nobody needs another review from me. But….if you haven’t read - or listened to this book - yet- I assure you — you - are ‘not’ really late for the party. It’s a timely educational phenomenally told story …..[horrendous history]-
MADDENING as I like to say…..but also written with highly imagined superior prose.
Mark Sullivan is both: a first class historian and storyteller.
…..Will Damron is an excellent audiobook reader, too. He read both of these novels of Mark Sullivan’s.
Since there are already tons of reviews….I’ll just add - confirm- agree that
this is an inspiring true story — during the dark days at end of World War II …….with diligent research.
……The ending pulls the book together marvelously. The author’s notes about the ‘fiction’ and ‘non-fiction parts were interesting.
…..The Martel family - down home folks, farmers, were resilient to say the least. They were good, kind loving people: characters any reader would enjoy spending time with.
The book is a little long -but forgiving in the big scoop of things.
The Martel’s were brought to Ukraine from Germany by Catherine the Great: Empress from Russia - in 1943, to share their agricultural skills with the Russians. By 1945 ….most had lost their farms. The Martel family too,
The journey we take with them is gripping—filled with fear, exhaustion, hunger, trials and tribulations.
It’s not easy to digest the horrific atrocities — but it’s a book worth reading > with a few wondrous blessings as well.
I’ll leave you with a powerful - meaningful excerpt that another Goodreads member SKIP…..included in his review. To me he captured the essence and meaning for this book —
They feel like words from God…..(actually from Mrs.Kantor)
“Our Job in life is to endure, to be kind, and to constantly put the past behind us and not dwell too much on the future. If you must look back, try to find the beauty and the benefit in every cruelty done to you. If you must think about the future, try to have no expectations about it … when you do you that you will deserve every happiness and abundance this life has to offer as long as you give part of your abundance to others less fortunate”
Beautiful quote *Skip*…. Thank you for letting me steal it. Share it again.
It’s speaks to me on many levels. It speaks to the type of person Skip is too —
Terrific historical fiction novel ……lots of emotional baggage schlepping during this journey to happier greener days….in Montana.
Interesting note to myself — this is the second recent book I’ve read with visions- destinations in *Montana*….
I’ll be in Montana next month for a week. (Montana seems to be in my space)….
why?
……love-connecting. (with our daughter and her husband who live in Calgrey)…..staying in a cabin on the lake ….
So glad I didn’t miss this book - never too late for a powerful read!
January 29, 2022
4.5 Stars
Amazing story that follows the Martels (based on a true story), a family that decides to leave their farm and home in Ukraine because Stalin's forces are intruding. It is March of 1944 and they have a difficult choice to make. Do they follow the Nazi's who promise to protect them in their retreat from Ukraine or do they stay and risk being killed or sent to Siberia?
After a German SS officer knocks on their door and tells them to pack up if they want their protection to move west, Adeline and her husband Emil argue about what to do. They are in turmoil, but she knows he is a good man, a fighter, and a survivor.
"We run with the wolves."
"Sometimes you have to do things that you don't want to in order to stay alive," Emil said.
He thought life would be better for them under the Germans rather than the Russians, but was it true? Adeline was ethnic German and spoke both languages, but had no ties to either country. She detested both Stalin and Hitler.
It is an incredible journey with many hardships and scares. I learned about the Holodomor, the Black Sea Germans and the brutal Great Trek from Ukraine.
A family saga that will stay with me. Thanks to Meagan for the group read/ recommendation
Own the Ebook
Amazing story that follows the Martels (based on a true story), a family that decides to leave their farm and home in Ukraine because Stalin's forces are intruding. It is March of 1944 and they have a difficult choice to make. Do they follow the Nazi's who promise to protect them in their retreat from Ukraine or do they stay and risk being killed or sent to Siberia?
After a German SS officer knocks on their door and tells them to pack up if they want their protection to move west, Adeline and her husband Emil argue about what to do. They are in turmoil, but she knows he is a good man, a fighter, and a survivor.
"We run with the wolves."
"Sometimes you have to do things that you don't want to in order to stay alive," Emil said.
He thought life would be better for them under the Germans rather than the Russians, but was it true? Adeline was ethnic German and spoke both languages, but had no ties to either country. She detested both Stalin and Hitler.
It is an incredible journey with many hardships and scares. I learned about the Holodomor, the Black Sea Germans and the brutal Great Trek from Ukraine.
A family saga that will stay with me. Thanks to Meagan for the group read/ recommendation
Own the Ebook
December 14, 2022
"The traveling Martels are off on another adventure."
With the soviets right behind them, and the allies closing in on Berlin the Martel family decides to join a caravan headed west under the protection of the Nazi SS. Emil Martel put it, "When we were fleeing the bear and running with the wolves." The Martels didn't care for the communist Russians or the murderous Nazis, they just wanted to make a better life for their family, and they'd endure one hardship after another to make a better life for themselves.
The writing was meh, you can't get around that. There's no one out there that's going to tell you the writing was eloquent and amazing because it wasn't. But the story was compelling, and even with the simplistic writing, it conveyed a whole array of emotions from happiness to hatred and everything in between.
I highly enjoyed it and would recommend it.
With the soviets right behind them, and the allies closing in on Berlin the Martel family decides to join a caravan headed west under the protection of the Nazi SS. Emil Martel put it, "When we were fleeing the bear and running with the wolves." The Martels didn't care for the communist Russians or the murderous Nazis, they just wanted to make a better life for their family, and they'd endure one hardship after another to make a better life for themselves.
The writing was meh, you can't get around that. There's no one out there that's going to tell you the writing was eloquent and amazing because it wasn't. But the story was compelling, and even with the simplistic writing, it conveyed a whole array of emotions from happiness to hatred and everything in between.
I highly enjoyed it and would recommend it.
May 25, 2021
This was a slog. I’m sure Sullivan felt obligated to be faithful to the real Martel family story, but this was less a novel than a point by point rehash of a true story that nonetheless still seemed cliched in its telling. The religious themes were preachy rather than revelatory, and I wanted to strangle half the characters for not behaving believably. Similar stories have been frequently told, and much better.
April 28, 2023
Emil and Adeline Martel are of German heritage, forced to make the difficult decision to either stay in the Ukraine and it’s about to be invaded by the Russian army or leave and flee West with the Germany army? The Martel’s have lived under Russian rule before, they decide to leave, they have two young sons Walt and Will, and they pack their wagon with, food, water, clothing, bedding and tools. They begin the journey into the unknown, with horses Thor & Oden pulling the wagon, the roads are busy, full of other refugees and retreating German soldiers. Adeline’s mother Lydia and her sister Malia, have a wagon and leave with the Martel’s. On the road, they catch up with Emil’s parents Johann, Karoline and his sister Rese.
The trip is a nightmare, they can hear gun shots, bombs exploding, and both Russian and German planes are flying overhead, and they go through endless German check points and hold ups. They keep traveling for days, the strength and courage that Emil and Adeline show is remarkable, and their determination is truly inspiring. Things get worse, eventually the couple are separated, and both still continue to fight to survive, hope they will be together again and one day live in peace.
The Last Green Valley is based on a true story, Mark Sullivan has written an epic novel, it's a testimony to the love Adeline and Emil had for each other and their children. At such a horrific time, they showed incredible fortitude, persistence, faith, bravery, courage and it’s inspiring. I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, it was amazing and five stars from me.
The trip is a nightmare, they can hear gun shots, bombs exploding, and both Russian and German planes are flying overhead, and they go through endless German check points and hold ups. They keep traveling for days, the strength and courage that Emil and Adeline show is remarkable, and their determination is truly inspiring. Things get worse, eventually the couple are separated, and both still continue to fight to survive, hope they will be together again and one day live in peace.
The Last Green Valley is based on a true story, Mark Sullivan has written an epic novel, it's a testimony to the love Adeline and Emil had for each other and their children. At such a horrific time, they showed incredible fortitude, persistence, faith, bravery, courage and it’s inspiring. I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, it was amazing and five stars from me.
July 17, 2021
I’ve been wanting to read a book by Mark Sullivan since his Beneath a Scarlet Sky was such a smashing success. I still haven’t read that one, but I’m grateful to say I’ve read and loved The Last Green Valley.
In the 1940s, just as Stalin pushes into Ukraine, Emil and Adeline have a choice to make. Do they stay in their home and possibly get sent to Siberia, or do they follow the Nazis who have promised to protect Germans abroad in Ukraine. They decide to leave their beloved home and go with the Nazis, but it’s not that simple. They continue to be caught between horrific dictators.
I found The Last Green Valley extremely interesting. I’m not sure I’ve read another book set in Ukraine, especially during a historic time period. I had not learned about The Great Trek made by ethnic Germans during World War II. This book really touched my heart and left a mark there. The atrocities of WWII are never ending, and I’m grateful for those who share these voices and stories with us.
I received a gifted copy from the publisher.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
In the 1940s, just as Stalin pushes into Ukraine, Emil and Adeline have a choice to make. Do they stay in their home and possibly get sent to Siberia, or do they follow the Nazis who have promised to protect Germans abroad in Ukraine. They decide to leave their beloved home and go with the Nazis, but it’s not that simple. They continue to be caught between horrific dictators.
I found The Last Green Valley extremely interesting. I’m not sure I’ve read another book set in Ukraine, especially during a historic time period. I had not learned about The Great Trek made by ethnic Germans during World War II. This book really touched my heart and left a mark there. The atrocities of WWII are never ending, and I’m grateful for those who share these voices and stories with us.
I received a gifted copy from the publisher.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
April 28, 2022
This WW2 historical fiction was incredibly well written. It chronicled the journey of the Martel family, Emil, Adeline, and their two young sons as they escaped Ukraine in the last days of WW2, forced to choose between accepting Nazi protecting or falling into the hands of the Russians. I’ve read lots of WW2 stories and all tell a different, terrible perspective of those days. This was a perspective I hadn’t yet heard and the author did a wonderful job showing the journey of the family, as well as the connection they shared.
February 9, 2022
The Last Green Valley is my first Mark Sullivan book and a long-time-coming foray into the world of WWII fiction, a subgenre I’ve only slightly dipped my toes into over the years. I’m glad I started here though, as this book really got me interested in it. The book is based on a true story and tells the story of the Martel family—ethnic Germans who have lived in Ukraine for a few generations, and their amazing story of attempting to flee west to the Western Allies’ lines as the Red Army rolls over Eastern Europe—the story starts with the Nazis already retreating west. They are essentially fleeing both the Soviets and the Nazis - this was their experience with The Long Trek, and I knew shamefully little of it before reading this book. What I did know, and what is confirmed in this book, is how utterly brutal the warfare was on the Eastern Front of WWII, and anyone who knows anything about it knows that for every horrifying story you hear, there’s bound to be one that’s even worse.
At the end of the book, Mark Sullivan goes into detail about his meetings with the family, shares some pictures, and talks about what he fictionalized and why. He also sheds some light on some of the more periphery characters; notably, the story behind one of my favorite characters from the book, the Romanian Cpl Gheorghey. I thought this section was interesting and, for me, ultimately added to the whole reading experience.
It’s not a perfect book however, and while that certainly doesn’t make it any less powerful, there are a few things I should mention, especially considering how much I am and will likely continue to rave about this book, yet I’ve “only” given it 4 stars. The combination of a few things caused me to knock of a star here, and those things are this: The writing. It’s not that it’s bad. But there’s something about it that I couldn’t always even put my finger on that could’ve been better. It’s easy to read and easy to understand, but nonetheless felt a bit disjointed to me at times. We had some info dumps, especially in the last few chapters. I think the issue I had with this had to do with the first half of the book being a tight story that for the most part, took place over a short period of time. After this, the timeline started jumping around a bit and sped up. I understand why he did this; there’s a hell of a lot to tell here and he didn’t want a book that was thousands of pages long. Still, I felt like it could’ve been done a little better. And the second thing was a somewhat schmaltzy, if understandable, religious theme that just came up a little bit too much. It is not a religious book, so I don’t want to say that it is, but there were a few too many mentions of God here for me in a book like this.
Overall, despite a couple criticisms, this remains an extremely powerful and moving book that was simultaneously difficult to read and impossible to put down. It opened my eyes to some aspects of the war I never knew about, and told them in a way that never strayed from raw human experience. Something we all can relate to. If you’re a fan of WWII fiction, check this out. If you’re thinking about dipping your toes in, this wouldn’t be a bad place to start. I will without a doubt be checking out Sullivan’s other WWII novel, Beneath A Scarlet Sky.
At the end of the book, Mark Sullivan goes into detail about his meetings with the family, shares some pictures, and talks about what he fictionalized and why. He also sheds some light on some of the more periphery characters; notably, the story behind one of my favorite characters from the book, the Romanian Cpl Gheorghey. I thought this section was interesting and, for me, ultimately added to the whole reading experience.
It’s not a perfect book however, and while that certainly doesn’t make it any less powerful, there are a few things I should mention, especially considering how much I am and will likely continue to rave about this book, yet I’ve “only” given it 4 stars. The combination of a few things caused me to knock of a star here, and those things are this: The writing. It’s not that it’s bad. But there’s something about it that I couldn’t always even put my finger on that could’ve been better. It’s easy to read and easy to understand, but nonetheless felt a bit disjointed to me at times. We had some info dumps, especially in the last few chapters. I think the issue I had with this had to do with the first half of the book being a tight story that for the most part, took place over a short period of time. After this, the timeline started jumping around a bit and sped up. I understand why he did this; there’s a hell of a lot to tell here and he didn’t want a book that was thousands of pages long. Still, I felt like it could’ve been done a little better. And the second thing was a somewhat schmaltzy, if understandable, religious theme that just came up a little bit too much. It is not a religious book, so I don’t want to say that it is, but there were a few too many mentions of God here for me in a book like this.
Overall, despite a couple criticisms, this remains an extremely powerful and moving book that was simultaneously difficult to read and impossible to put down. It opened my eyes to some aspects of the war I never knew about, and told them in a way that never strayed from raw human experience. Something we all can relate to. If you’re a fan of WWII fiction, check this out. If you’re thinking about dipping your toes in, this wouldn’t be a bad place to start. I will without a doubt be checking out Sullivan’s other WWII novel, Beneath A Scarlet Sky.
September 13, 2021
I originally thought this was a self-published work, given the weak writing style, but I understand that Lake Union, an Amazon publishing house, is a standard publisher. Surprising, given the length and quality of the work.
While the story is based on real people, and it’s a compelling one of resilience and survival, the writing unfortunately doesn’t do it justice. Basic writing concepts like showing not telling are ignored and naming everyone’s emotions throughout (she felt angry, he felt sad) takes much away from the book. The dialogue is both corny/clichéd and isn’t used effectively and therefore seems misplaced at times and choppy at others. Characters are hollow as is the reader’s experience. The sections/separations within the chapters seem entirely random and pointless as the storyline is almost always the same before and after these.
Other reviewers have called the book “well-researched” but there are no notes or a bibliography and the author admittedly refers to the work as “historical fiction” rather than “narrative non-fiction”. It’s “researched” in that he interviewed the family and the strategic historical facts are accurate (i.e. what Stalin did to his own people, the westerly trek of the Volksdeutche) but I wouldn’t considered it “researched” and certainly not “well researched”.
I’m not sure what the hype is about or why the ratings are so high, but the writing wasn’t good at all and the book was unnecessarily long. Trying to draw emotion from a reader by listing feelings like “she was hungry, and felt terror and fear and despair all at the same time” is just plain bad/simplistic writing.
Kudos to the author for writing the family’s story though, a nice homage to their struggles and survival, and for sticking with such a large writing project, but I would not recommend this book to anyone.
The printing and binding were top notch, as was font size, the book is however a bit on the heavy side so not too travel friendly.
While the story is based on real people, and it’s a compelling one of resilience and survival, the writing unfortunately doesn’t do it justice. Basic writing concepts like showing not telling are ignored and naming everyone’s emotions throughout (she felt angry, he felt sad) takes much away from the book. The dialogue is both corny/clichéd and isn’t used effectively and therefore seems misplaced at times and choppy at others. Characters are hollow as is the reader’s experience. The sections/separations within the chapters seem entirely random and pointless as the storyline is almost always the same before and after these.
Other reviewers have called the book “well-researched” but there are no notes or a bibliography and the author admittedly refers to the work as “historical fiction” rather than “narrative non-fiction”. It’s “researched” in that he interviewed the family and the strategic historical facts are accurate (i.e. what Stalin did to his own people, the westerly trek of the Volksdeutche) but I wouldn’t considered it “researched” and certainly not “well researched”.
I’m not sure what the hype is about or why the ratings are so high, but the writing wasn’t good at all and the book was unnecessarily long. Trying to draw emotion from a reader by listing feelings like “she was hungry, and felt terror and fear and despair all at the same time” is just plain bad/simplistic writing.
Kudos to the author for writing the family’s story though, a nice homage to their struggles and survival, and for sticking with such a large writing project, but I would not recommend this book to anyone.
The printing and binding were top notch, as was font size, the book is however a bit on the heavy side so not too travel friendly.
May 8, 2021
As Adeline and Emil Martel and their two young sons joined the caravan of refugees, along with both Emil and Adeline’s families, they were under no illusions of what could and probably would lie ahead. Their wagon with their two faithful horses leading the way, followed the directions of the Germans who were ‘protecting’ them, taking them away from the danger of Stalin’s rule. Ukraine in 1944 was a dreadful place to call home, with hunger and starvation high on their list of grievances. Their dream of escaping to the west, to a beautiful green valley, was strong.
Riding on the trains, crowded with fleeing refugees, Adeline and her boys journeyed on the roof. Torment and horror, death and danger – those things were there every day. But their love and faith in each other kept them strong. Until the day many months later, when they were finally on the cusp of escape and Emil was captured by Polish soldiers. Adeline didn’t know where he’d be taken, but Siberia was mentioned. How would she manage without his calm guidance? How could she get her family to safety without Emil’s strength? What would be the outcome in the dreaded east of Germany if they couldn’t escape to the West? Would they ever find their green valley?
The Last Green Valley is my first by Mark Sullivan, and it won’t be my last. Based on the factual life of the Martel family, of their journey to freedom, the heartache and devastating trials they encountered along the way, the author’s writing is sublime. His descriptions of their journey; of the prison camp Emil was incarcerated in for so long; of Adeline and the small church one Christmas Eve; of the many people the Martels encountered along the way – I could picture it all with ease. I thoroughly enjoyed The Last Green Valley and it is one I highly recommend.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Riding on the trains, crowded with fleeing refugees, Adeline and her boys journeyed on the roof. Torment and horror, death and danger – those things were there every day. But their love and faith in each other kept them strong. Until the day many months later, when they were finally on the cusp of escape and Emil was captured by Polish soldiers. Adeline didn’t know where he’d be taken, but Siberia was mentioned. How would she manage without his calm guidance? How could she get her family to safety without Emil’s strength? What would be the outcome in the dreaded east of Germany if they couldn’t escape to the West? Would they ever find their green valley?
The Last Green Valley is my first by Mark Sullivan, and it won’t be my last. Based on the factual life of the Martel family, of their journey to freedom, the heartache and devastating trials they encountered along the way, the author’s writing is sublime. His descriptions of their journey; of the prison camp Emil was incarcerated in for so long; of Adeline and the small church one Christmas Eve; of the many people the Martels encountered along the way – I could picture it all with ease. I thoroughly enjoyed The Last Green Valley and it is one I highly recommend.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
May 20, 2021
I have just finished reading The Last Green Valley by Author Mark T. Sullivan.
This story follows the Martel Family, and begins in late March 1944 as Stalin moves into the Ukraine.
The voices of the book are German born Emil and Adeline Martel.
I have read many books about war, and this horrific time in history, and still find it eye opening and alarming.
This is a very good historical fiction, and the second book I have read by the author. I did find “Under a Scarlet Sky”, a bit more engaging to me.
Thank you to NetGalley, Author Mark T. Sullivan and Lake Union Publishing for my advanced copy to read and review.
#TheLastGreenValley #NetGalley
This story follows the Martel Family, and begins in late March 1944 as Stalin moves into the Ukraine.
The voices of the book are German born Emil and Adeline Martel.
I have read many books about war, and this horrific time in history, and still find it eye opening and alarming.
This is a very good historical fiction, and the second book I have read by the author. I did find “Under a Scarlet Sky”, a bit more engaging to me.
Thank you to NetGalley, Author Mark T. Sullivan and Lake Union Publishing for my advanced copy to read and review.
#TheLastGreenValley #NetGalley
July 2, 2022
El ultimo valle verde es una de esas novelas, que aunque son largas se hacen cortas y no quieres que acaben, una novela de 600 paginas contada en tercera persona, que cuando empece, sabia que me iba a gustar, ya que la novela anterior del autor para mi fue de lo mejor que leí..
La novela nos narra como un matrimonio con dos hijos que viven en Ucrania, tienen que huir de su país porque las tropas soviéticas se adentran y si continuan allí serán enviados a un campo de concentración en Siberia, asique es eso, o escapar con los nazis los cuales les ofrecen protección para ser trasladados a Alemania, y allí poder buscar la libertad.
Durante el viaje de la familia, el autor nos llevará al pasado de algunos de los personajes, reviviendo momentos históricos muy duros como fue el Holodomor que creó Stalin a principios de 1930 para matar de hambre a millones de personas...
Una novela que está escrita con el mas mínimo detalle, una historia que el mismo autor nos cuenta que estuvo investigando durante mas de un año, ya que los hechos históricos son los que son, y la historia de la familia es real salvo ciertas cosas que el autor ha ficcionado (debido a que la propia familia no lo recordaba)
Como en su anterior novela una pluma super cuidada, trasmitiendo lo que tuvieron que pasar tanto refugiados como prisioneros. Se sabe mucho sobre la Segunda Guerra Mundial, y este momento ocurre durante la Segunda Guerra Mundial y durante el régimen de Stalin, del cual yo se poco.
Una historia dura, de supervivencia, que merece mucho ser leída, y quizá nos demos cuenta, de que lo que ocurrió en el pasado y que pensamos que no puede volver a ocurrir... pues no, repetimos, porque el ser humano no avanza.
La novela nos narra como un matrimonio con dos hijos que viven en Ucrania, tienen que huir de su país porque las tropas soviéticas se adentran y si continuan allí serán enviados a un campo de concentración en Siberia, asique es eso, o escapar con los nazis los cuales les ofrecen protección para ser trasladados a Alemania, y allí poder buscar la libertad.
Durante el viaje de la familia, el autor nos llevará al pasado de algunos de los personajes, reviviendo momentos históricos muy duros como fue el Holodomor que creó Stalin a principios de 1930 para matar de hambre a millones de personas...
Una novela que está escrita con el mas mínimo detalle, una historia que el mismo autor nos cuenta que estuvo investigando durante mas de un año, ya que los hechos históricos son los que son, y la historia de la familia es real salvo ciertas cosas que el autor ha ficcionado (debido a que la propia familia no lo recordaba)
Como en su anterior novela una pluma super cuidada, trasmitiendo lo que tuvieron que pasar tanto refugiados como prisioneros. Se sabe mucho sobre la Segunda Guerra Mundial, y este momento ocurre durante la Segunda Guerra Mundial y durante el régimen de Stalin, del cual yo se poco.
Una historia dura, de supervivencia, que merece mucho ser leída, y quizá nos demos cuenta, de que lo que ocurrió en el pasado y que pensamos que no puede volver a ocurrir... pues no, repetimos, porque el ser humano no avanza.
May 25, 2021
From the author of #1 bestseller "Beneath A Scarlet Sky" comes a new captivating historical novel.
"The Last Green Valley" by Mark T. Sullivan is a WWII story of a dream that leads one family to freedom. This novel is inspired by one family's unimaginable story of courage, survival and triumph. Raw and heartbreaking the Martel family flees Stalin's Russia and Hiltler's Nazi Germany, despite extreme physical and psychological challenges, to ultimately find freedom in the USA.
An inspirational and fascinating journey!
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for an arc of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
"The Last Green Valley" by Mark T. Sullivan is a WWII story of a dream that leads one family to freedom. This novel is inspired by one family's unimaginable story of courage, survival and triumph. Raw and heartbreaking the Martel family flees Stalin's Russia and Hiltler's Nazi Germany, despite extreme physical and psychological challenges, to ultimately find freedom in the USA.
An inspirational and fascinating journey!
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for an arc of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
April 6, 2021
Inspired by actual events during the Second World War, this book is about the Martel family who must make the impossible decision to leave their homier Ukraine as the Soviet army advances and follow the Germans. They find themselves caught on the frontline between two warring nations in a harrowing journey of survival. This book will be out May 4th so add it to your TBR pile now!
Read
December 23, 2020DNF
My husband and I have great-grandparents who were Germans living in Russia, so I was interested in the subject matter of this novel.
Sadly, I did not find the writing appealing. Info dumps, jumping between timelines, etc etc, so have walked away.
My husband and I have great-grandparents who were Germans living in Russia, so I was interested in the subject matter of this novel.
Sadly, I did not find the writing appealing. Info dumps, jumping between timelines, etc etc, so have walked away.
June 13, 2021
Not going to finish.
Insanely boring writing, insanely boring characters. Insane. I feel like I'm constantly having a stroke.
Insanely boring writing, insanely boring characters. Insane. I feel like I'm constantly having a stroke.
April 12, 2022
Skaityti apie karą karo metu - įdomi patirtis. Vienok, gali galvoti, kad ne laikas sau dar labiau kelti stresą, iš kitos pusės - įdomus suvokimas, kad nieko naujo pasaulyje nevyksta, viskas kažkada jau buvo ir įdomu sužinoti kaip visa tai buvo išgyventa. Skaičiau su dideliu susidomėjimu ir trumpai pasidalinsiu savo įspūdžiais.
Tai vienos šeimos istorija Antrojo pasaulinio karo metu. Konkrečiau - Stalinas įsiveržia į Ukrainą ir Martelų šeima nusprendžia emigruoti į Vakarus ir surasti savo paskutinį žaliąjį slėnį - vietą, kurioje visi apsistos ilgam ir bus kartu. Tai trumpa anotacija tokia, o realiai knygoje tie daug sluoksnių, kad sunku išvardinti. Autorius įsigilinęs į istorines subtilybes, puikiai vaizduoja herojų vidinį gyvenimą, kiekvienas personažas iki galo išvystytas ir pasakojimas tiesiog slysta. Seniai su tokiu dideliu susidomėjimu skaičiau knygą.
Istorija puikiai parašyta - ne tik apdovanoja skaitytoją įvairiausių pojūčių puokšte, bet ir maloniai skaitosi. Išgyvensite siaubą, jaudinsitės dėl herojų likimo, sirgsite už juos, bus momentų, kurie jus šokiruos, džiaugsitės, kai veikėjams seksis.
Keistas jausmas buvo skaityt apie rusų kariuomenę. Manau, autorius puikiai perprato ir atvaizdavo sovietų mentalitetą, daugelio sprendimų nelogiškumą. Sutikite, yra reta, kad vakariečiai taip gerai būtų įsigilinę į rusų logiką. Beskaitant, pradėjo eiti baisios žinios apie rusų žiaurumus Ukrainoje, kurie visiškai paraleliai sekė knygos veiksmą. Brrrr.
Ar čia taip supuolė ar ką, bet tai jau kelinta iš eilės itin stipri Balto leidyklos knyga. Labai stipri, labai paveiki ir labai patiko.
Tai vienos šeimos istorija Antrojo pasaulinio karo metu. Konkrečiau - Stalinas įsiveržia į Ukrainą ir Martelų šeima nusprendžia emigruoti į Vakarus ir surasti savo paskutinį žaliąjį slėnį - vietą, kurioje visi apsistos ilgam ir bus kartu. Tai trumpa anotacija tokia, o realiai knygoje tie daug sluoksnių, kad sunku išvardinti. Autorius įsigilinęs į istorines subtilybes, puikiai vaizduoja herojų vidinį gyvenimą, kiekvienas personažas iki galo išvystytas ir pasakojimas tiesiog slysta. Seniai su tokiu dideliu susidomėjimu skaičiau knygą.
Istorija puikiai parašyta - ne tik apdovanoja skaitytoją įvairiausių pojūčių puokšte, bet ir maloniai skaitosi. Išgyvensite siaubą, jaudinsitės dėl herojų likimo, sirgsite už juos, bus momentų, kurie jus šokiruos, džiaugsitės, kai veikėjams seksis.
Keistas jausmas buvo skaityt apie rusų kariuomenę. Manau, autorius puikiai perprato ir atvaizdavo sovietų mentalitetą, daugelio sprendimų nelogiškumą. Sutikite, yra reta, kad vakariečiai taip gerai būtų įsigilinę į rusų logiką. Beskaitant, pradėjo eiti baisios žinios apie rusų žiaurumus Ukrainoje, kurie visiškai paraleliai sekė knygos veiksmą. Brrrr.
Ar čia taip supuolė ar ką, bet tai jau kelinta iš eilės itin stipri Balto leidyklos knyga. Labai stipri, labai paveiki ir labai patiko.
January 17, 2022
Listened via audible
I think this book is so highly rated because it is a true story about WWII and who wants to give a bad rating to a story like this? But my rating is not because of the story (although what is the story other than suffering) - but about this book. Part of it I am certain is the narrator of the audio version - but the other part is that this story is just so depressing and awful. I never felt a relationship with any of the characters - that again probably was the narration because he is so terrible at female voices.
There is so also much useless dialogue in this book. I swear there is a solid 5 minute part where the parents are discussing on whether or not their child should pee out of the wagon. And I had the speed at 1.3 so it probably was even longer.
I made it about half way and realized I had 7 hours of this book left and decided I couldn't read such a depressing book. He is clearly taking a religious angle, as well, on this book and it seems so forced.
I'd love for someone else to listen and let me know their thoughts. Such a disappointment after his last book.
I think this book is so highly rated because it is a true story about WWII and who wants to give a bad rating to a story like this? But my rating is not because of the story (although what is the story other than suffering) - but about this book. Part of it I am certain is the narrator of the audio version - but the other part is that this story is just so depressing and awful. I never felt a relationship with any of the characters - that again probably was the narration because he is so terrible at female voices.
There is so also much useless dialogue in this book. I swear there is a solid 5 minute part where the parents are discussing on whether or not their child should pee out of the wagon. And I had the speed at 1.3 so it probably was even longer.
I made it about half way and realized I had 7 hours of this book left and decided I couldn't read such a depressing book. He is clearly taking a religious angle, as well, on this book and it seems so forced.
I'd love for someone else to listen and let me know their thoughts. Such a disappointment after his last book.
July 29, 2022
That is one helluva tale. I'm not quite sure what I was expecting but this was remarkable. In fairness it was also remarkably bleak - unremittingly so at times. I kept think "Oh this will go right in a minute" and then reminding myself that this is not a fiction read in many senses - it actually happened.
I found Adeline quite incredible (in fairness Emil too). Their resilience in the face of such overwhelming events - you just have to admire and respect them enormously. The book for me is very well written. I realise that the author had to create/interpret parts of the family's story but it all felt fairly authentic. I probably have to say my favourite character was probably the Romanian Corporal who has something of a bit part - though vital - his persona came through strongly. From the author's notes at the end he was probably still a fairly remarkable character anyway. 4.5/5 for a darkly poignant read.
I found Adeline quite incredible (in fairness Emil too). Their resilience in the face of such overwhelming events - you just have to admire and respect them enormously. The book for me is very well written. I realise that the author had to create/interpret parts of the family's story but it all felt fairly authentic. I probably have to say my favourite character was probably the Romanian Corporal who has something of a bit part - though vital - his persona came through strongly. From the author's notes at the end he was probably still a fairly remarkable character anyway. 4.5/5 for a darkly poignant read.
May 6, 2024
The Last Green Valley is an extraordinary story based on the harrowing life of the Martel family as they attempted to flee both the Germans and Soviets during and after WWII. This is a story about how faith, love and family can help lift the human spirit and allow life to go on even when it doesn’t seem possible.
“This is an American Story, an immigrant story, a spiritual and universal story. May we all dare to chase such dreams, experience such grace, and lead such miraculous lives.” - Mark T. Sullivan
The Last Green Valley is a well paced story with history, action, drama, hope and triumph. As always, Sullivan does immaculate research when compiling an unforgettable story. I felt so connected to each member of the family and friends he introduced throughout the storyline. I stayed up very late many nights simply because I couldn't go to sleep not knowing what would happen next. I was constantly tabbing paragraphs that were full of wisdom and insight (there were many). I will never be the same after reading this story based on the real Martel family. I'm thankful that Mark Sullivan searched out and wrote the Martel’s story for the world, it is a gift indeed.
I was truly amazed at the shocking moments throughout the story that the Martels were forced to endure, but there were also so many uplifting moments to cherish as the Martels continued to never give up their hopes of moving west to freedom. Both Emil and Adeline were able to stay hopeful and keep their faith even through the most despairing situations, they were able to love where other only found hate, and their spirits radiated till the very last page. And, you too will have tears streaming down your face at the end.
Overall, this is an outstanding and masterful story. Mark Sullivan has told another important, eye opening, and never-to-be forgotten story.
The Last Green Valley turns a spotlight on the lesser known events of World War II (mainly post WWII), giving them a well documented place in our current culture. This is a book that would make for an excellent book club read, and is one I truly urge everyone to read. History should never be forgotten, and I consider myself blessed to have read this story.
Thank you Amazon and Lake Union Publishing for the gifted copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
“This is an American Story, an immigrant story, a spiritual and universal story. May we all dare to chase such dreams, experience such grace, and lead such miraculous lives.” - Mark T. Sullivan
The Last Green Valley is a well paced story with history, action, drama, hope and triumph. As always, Sullivan does immaculate research when compiling an unforgettable story. I felt so connected to each member of the family and friends he introduced throughout the storyline. I stayed up very late many nights simply because I couldn't go to sleep not knowing what would happen next. I was constantly tabbing paragraphs that were full of wisdom and insight (there were many). I will never be the same after reading this story based on the real Martel family. I'm thankful that Mark Sullivan searched out and wrote the Martel’s story for the world, it is a gift indeed.
I was truly amazed at the shocking moments throughout the story that the Martels were forced to endure, but there were also so many uplifting moments to cherish as the Martels continued to never give up their hopes of moving west to freedom. Both Emil and Adeline were able to stay hopeful and keep their faith even through the most despairing situations, they were able to love where other only found hate, and their spirits radiated till the very last page. And, you too will have tears streaming down your face at the end.
Overall, this is an outstanding and masterful story. Mark Sullivan has told another important, eye opening, and never-to-be forgotten story.
The Last Green Valley turns a spotlight on the lesser known events of World War II (mainly post WWII), giving them a well documented place in our current culture. This is a book that would make for an excellent book club read, and is one I truly urge everyone to read. History should never be forgotten, and I consider myself blessed to have read this story.
Thank you Amazon and Lake Union Publishing for the gifted copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
June 16, 2021
I almost quit reading by page 180. (Yawn.) Reading this historical novel of an actual family of German descent, trying to escape Ukraine with Russian troops on their tails as WW2 closes, I was bored.
But the book had received so much hype, I stuck with it. Turning to the end "Acknowledgement" pages, I read of the intensive research the author had undertaken, following the exact trail these German-blooded Ukrainian outcasts had taken seventy-five years earlier. Most important, I realized the two young sons in the book, escaping with their parents, were chief informants of details for the author. Something clicked with me then as I belatedly realized this historical fiction was more historical than fiction. I'd never before thought of the treacherous predicament ethnic Germans living in countries taken over by Nazis were in when the war was over. Of course they'd be hated by the locals, even if they'd made Ukraine (or wherever) their homeland for (in this case) a century. They were of German blood so they were hated.
So many critical moments in the book were places I'd personally known. I'd lived in Ukraine for four years. I'd helped our church group clean the park where seventy years earlier Nazi gunmen lined up Jewish men, women and children near a ravine's edge so their bodies would drop into a ready-made mass grave that would house 100,000 bodies. I'd been to Kharkov Ukraine which was near the father's forced slave labor site. I'd lived in Germany and been to the Berlin Wall during the Cold War; a place near where this mother and two sons successfully snuck across to freedom. And coming full-circle, I'd spent weeks every summer in Hamilton, Montana, my father's birthplace and the place where one of the sons in this immigrant family settled with his family; truly a glorious Last Green Valley for the family. (My dad always referred to this part of Montana as "heaven on earth".
A book that makes me love America and freedom all the more and makes me shed tears several times should be given five stars. But I give it four because of the slow start.
But the book had received so much hype, I stuck with it. Turning to the end "Acknowledgement" pages, I read of the intensive research the author had undertaken, following the exact trail these German-blooded Ukrainian outcasts had taken seventy-five years earlier. Most important, I realized the two young sons in the book, escaping with their parents, were chief informants of details for the author. Something clicked with me then as I belatedly realized this historical fiction was more historical than fiction. I'd never before thought of the treacherous predicament ethnic Germans living in countries taken over by Nazis were in when the war was over. Of course they'd be hated by the locals, even if they'd made Ukraine (or wherever) their homeland for (in this case) a century. They were of German blood so they were hated.
So many critical moments in the book were places I'd personally known. I'd lived in Ukraine for four years. I'd helped our church group clean the park where seventy years earlier Nazi gunmen lined up Jewish men, women and children near a ravine's edge so their bodies would drop into a ready-made mass grave that would house 100,000 bodies. I'd been to Kharkov Ukraine which was near the father's forced slave labor site. I'd lived in Germany and been to the Berlin Wall during the Cold War; a place near where this mother and two sons successfully snuck across to freedom. And coming full-circle, I'd spent weeks every summer in Hamilton, Montana, my father's birthplace and the place where one of the sons in this immigrant family settled with his family; truly a glorious Last Green Valley for the family. (My dad always referred to this part of Montana as "heaven on earth".
A book that makes me love America and freedom all the more and makes me shed tears several times should be given five stars. But I give it four because of the slow start.
July 21, 2024
The Last Green Valley is a remarkable historical fiction based on a real family - The Martels - and their experiences during and after The Long Trek.
Part 1 begins in March 1944 in the village of Friedenstal in Romania on the border of Soviet Ukraine. The Martel family, consisting of husband Emil, wife Adeline, and young sons Waldemar and Wilhelm, are descended from German farmers who came to Ukraine in the 18th century. The narrative opens with the Martels packing a wagon in preparation to travel west under the protection of Nazi soldiers. Emil and Adeline do not agree with the ideals of the Nazi Party but are accepting its help to escape from the Soviet Union.
In Part 2, the refugee caravan moves through Moldova and Romania. When the refugees arrive at the train station in Oradea, Romania, they are forced to leave behind most of their possessions. When they reach Poland, the Martels are quarantined in an immigration camp before they can join the general population.
At the start of Part 3, the Martels are relocated from the immigration camp to Wielun, Poland. Emil is eventually arrested and sent to Poltova, Ukraine to rebuild the city meaning Emil and Adeline are separated.
In Part 4, Adeline, Walt, and Will are initially relocated to Gutengermendorf in Soviet-occupied Germany before they are moved closer to Berlin. Emil eventually escapes Poltova and makes his way to a refugee camp in Alfeld, inside the British Zone in western Germany.
In Part 5, the family is reunited and eventually makes their way to Montana, where Adeline finaly finds The Green Valley she had always dreamed of living in.
This is the second book Sullivan has written about real life stories. In his first, Beneath a Scarlet Sky, he describes the life of Pino Lella, a 17 year old Italian boy, who lives in Nazi occupied Italy during WWII. After writing about Pino, Sullivan did not think he would ever find another story as poignant as Pino's. He was wrong, because living in the Bozeman area, where the Martels had finally settled, he met the two surviving sons of the Martels: Walter and Bill. He eventually accompanied them back to Poltava, where their father had been incarcerated and then Sullivan and Walter continued from there to retrace the steps of their mother to find their father in Alfed.
Sullivan was able to meet one more character still living when he was researching and writing the book. Corporal Gheorghe, who had survived Stalingrad and served as a mentor figure for Emil, ultimately helping Emil rediscover his belief in God.
In the Afterward, Sullivan states:
"The real Corporal Gheorghe was, without a doubt, one of the more remarkable and enlightened individuals I have ever had the privilege of meeting."
My reading was enhanced when I found a map of the family's journey and pictures of Walter, Bill and Corporal Gheorghe.
Strongly recommend.
5 stars
Part 1 begins in March 1944 in the village of Friedenstal in Romania on the border of Soviet Ukraine. The Martel family, consisting of husband Emil, wife Adeline, and young sons Waldemar and Wilhelm, are descended from German farmers who came to Ukraine in the 18th century. The narrative opens with the Martels packing a wagon in preparation to travel west under the protection of Nazi soldiers. Emil and Adeline do not agree with the ideals of the Nazi Party but are accepting its help to escape from the Soviet Union.
In Part 2, the refugee caravan moves through Moldova and Romania. When the refugees arrive at the train station in Oradea, Romania, they are forced to leave behind most of their possessions. When they reach Poland, the Martels are quarantined in an immigration camp before they can join the general population.
At the start of Part 3, the Martels are relocated from the immigration camp to Wielun, Poland. Emil is eventually arrested and sent to Poltova, Ukraine to rebuild the city meaning Emil and Adeline are separated.
In Part 4, Adeline, Walt, and Will are initially relocated to Gutengermendorf in Soviet-occupied Germany before they are moved closer to Berlin. Emil eventually escapes Poltova and makes his way to a refugee camp in Alfeld, inside the British Zone in western Germany.
In Part 5, the family is reunited and eventually makes their way to Montana, where Adeline finaly finds The Green Valley she had always dreamed of living in.
This is the second book Sullivan has written about real life stories. In his first, Beneath a Scarlet Sky, he describes the life of Pino Lella, a 17 year old Italian boy, who lives in Nazi occupied Italy during WWII. After writing about Pino, Sullivan did not think he would ever find another story as poignant as Pino's. He was wrong, because living in the Bozeman area, where the Martels had finally settled, he met the two surviving sons of the Martels: Walter and Bill. He eventually accompanied them back to Poltava, where their father had been incarcerated and then Sullivan and Walter continued from there to retrace the steps of their mother to find their father in Alfed.
Sullivan was able to meet one more character still living when he was researching and writing the book. Corporal Gheorghe, who had survived Stalingrad and served as a mentor figure for Emil, ultimately helping Emil rediscover his belief in God.
In the Afterward, Sullivan states:
"The real Corporal Gheorghe was, without a doubt, one of the more remarkable and enlightened individuals I have ever had the privilege of meeting."
My reading was enhanced when I found a map of the family's journey and pictures of Walter, Bill and Corporal Gheorghe.
Strongly recommend.
5 stars
April 12, 2021
Fleeing the bear and running with the wolves
One of the best books I have read all year. This story spans all range of emotions, Love, Hate, Fear, Sadness and even at times loathing. It is a story that would test the faith of even the most staunch of believers. Half the time I was holding back tears and the rest of the time I was holding my breath. I cannot believe the courage of this family. First under Stalin, then under Hitler and once more under Stalin. I know it was said that there is a safe place in the eye of every storm, but there were times where I wasn't sure there was a safe place for this family anywhere.
This is the story of Emil and Adeline Martel and their two children Will and Walt. As young people they immigrated to Ukraine from Germany. They remember the Holodomor suffered as children. The killing Ukraine famine where millions died under the failed policies of Joseph Stalin in 1932 and 1933. They have been farming in the Ukraine under Hitler's rule. Now Stalin is coming back to take over Ukraine once again and in 1944 they fled from the Ukraine toward Germany with the fleeing Nazi's hoping they can break away and go west toward the allied forces during WWII.
They go on what the know as "The Long Trek" a journey from Ukraine to Hungary on the way to Poland and Germany. They traveled through Moldova, Romania, Hungary and Poland on the route of the Long Trek with aging parents and two small children. With a cart and a horse and later just a red wagon on they traveled. Their travel and life and death experiences are documented in this story. You will be holding your breath and cheering them on in their travels.
Just as they have decided to try and break away and travel west Emil is arrested by Polish policemen and held for the Soviets and sent to a prison camp in Poltava Ukraine. Adeline and the boys kept traveling west and made it to Berlin. The lives they both had to live Emil in the camp and Adeline under Nazi rule for the next five years is a story of great strength, courage and faith. It is a testimony of their love for each other and their will to someday be free. The things they see and are forced to do will haunt you long after you finish this book.
You will be holding your breath through their daring escapes to freedom and wondering if they will make it or not. I will not give away the ending but it will be worth reading the book to find out. It makes it more real knowing that the author wrote it on actual stories told to him by the people that lived them, and that the historical events and the actions by the Soviets and the Nazi's did take place during this time as horrible as they were.
I would definitely recommend this book.
Thanks to Mark Sullivan, Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advanced copy of the book and to give my honest review.
One of the best books I have read all year. This story spans all range of emotions, Love, Hate, Fear, Sadness and even at times loathing. It is a story that would test the faith of even the most staunch of believers. Half the time I was holding back tears and the rest of the time I was holding my breath. I cannot believe the courage of this family. First under Stalin, then under Hitler and once more under Stalin. I know it was said that there is a safe place in the eye of every storm, but there were times where I wasn't sure there was a safe place for this family anywhere.
This is the story of Emil and Adeline Martel and their two children Will and Walt. As young people they immigrated to Ukraine from Germany. They remember the Holodomor suffered as children. The killing Ukraine famine where millions died under the failed policies of Joseph Stalin in 1932 and 1933. They have been farming in the Ukraine under Hitler's rule. Now Stalin is coming back to take over Ukraine once again and in 1944 they fled from the Ukraine toward Germany with the fleeing Nazi's hoping they can break away and go west toward the allied forces during WWII.
They go on what the know as "The Long Trek" a journey from Ukraine to Hungary on the way to Poland and Germany. They traveled through Moldova, Romania, Hungary and Poland on the route of the Long Trek with aging parents and two small children. With a cart and a horse and later just a red wagon on they traveled. Their travel and life and death experiences are documented in this story. You will be holding your breath and cheering them on in their travels.
Just as they have decided to try and break away and travel west Emil is arrested by Polish policemen and held for the Soviets and sent to a prison camp in Poltava Ukraine. Adeline and the boys kept traveling west and made it to Berlin. The lives they both had to live Emil in the camp and Adeline under Nazi rule for the next five years is a story of great strength, courage and faith. It is a testimony of their love for each other and their will to someday be free. The things they see and are forced to do will haunt you long after you finish this book.
You will be holding your breath through their daring escapes to freedom and wondering if they will make it or not. I will not give away the ending but it will be worth reading the book to find out. It makes it more real knowing that the author wrote it on actual stories told to him by the people that lived them, and that the historical events and the actions by the Soviets and the Nazi's did take place during this time as horrible as they were.
I would definitely recommend this book.
Thanks to Mark Sullivan, Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advanced copy of the book and to give my honest review.
July 22, 2021
Audible.com 16 hours 8 min. Narrated by Will Damon
For the first half of this book, I thought this book would never measure up to Beneath A Scarlet Sky. Then the story really took off when the main characters the Martels became separated and each of them went though what seemed to be insurmountable obstacles in their struggle to be reunited. This book opened my eyes to some of what Ukrainians went through under Stalin's iron hand. It reminded me that refugees from war torn Europe post WW II saw America as a beacon of hope and freedom, and It was with their help our country achieved great revitalization after the war. America with all her faults and failures is still the greatest country in the world in which to live.
I highly recommend this book!
For the first half of this book, I thought this book would never measure up to Beneath A Scarlet Sky. Then the story really took off when the main characters the Martels became separated and each of them went though what seemed to be insurmountable obstacles in their struggle to be reunited. This book opened my eyes to some of what Ukrainians went through under Stalin's iron hand. It reminded me that refugees from war torn Europe post WW II saw America as a beacon of hope and freedom, and It was with their help our country achieved great revitalization after the war. America with all her faults and failures is still the greatest country in the world in which to live.
I highly recommend this book!
October 10, 2023
Labai patiko tos knygos dalys, kurios rėmėsi tikrais istoriniais faktais. Parašyta puikiai ir emociškai stipriai.
Erzino visi tie Dievo/Apvaizdos/Visatos momentai, ta sunkiai įtikima sėkmė, tas perdėtas pakylėjimas ir dvasingumas, tas balansuojantis ant fanatiškumo ribos tikėjimas, kas karo/pokario metais sunkiai tikėtina, kai žmonės turėjo kažkaip išgyventi, iškęsti ir nenuprotėti, o ne pasitelkę kažkokia dzenbudistinę išmintį filosofuoti. Na, bet pats autorius pabaigos žodyje rašo, kad tai amerikietiška istorija, pasakojanti apie stebuklingą gyvenimą, tad šioks toks holivudinis šios knygos atspalvis ir neturėtų stebinti.
Erzino visi tie Dievo/Apvaizdos/Visatos momentai, ta sunkiai įtikima sėkmė, tas perdėtas pakylėjimas ir dvasingumas, tas balansuojantis ant fanatiškumo ribos tikėjimas, kas karo/pokario metais sunkiai tikėtina, kai žmonės turėjo kažkaip išgyventi, iškęsti ir nenuprotėti, o ne pasitelkę kažkokia dzenbudistinę išmintį filosofuoti. Na, bet pats autorius pabaigos žodyje rašo, kad tai amerikietiška istorija, pasakojanti apie stebuklingą gyvenimą, tad šioks toks holivudinis šios knygos atspalvis ir neturėtų stebinti.
July 2, 2022
I lost interest a few pages in because this is yet another story of people suffering for many years during and after WWII. I had hoped the true story aspect would make it worth reading, but it seemed to follow a run, respite, run, respite formula I'm tired of. The last chapter was interesting though - how the family fared in the US, and how the two little boys the book opened with are doing today.
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