Book Review — “Orphaned Leaves” by Christopher Holt
I would like to start my review by stating simply and clearly: this is a beautiful book.
I should say that I could be a bit biased, since I’m a big fan of WWII-related novels. However, this book is different from others I have read, because it focuses on the aftermath of the war, after the scars have been made, after the monstrosities have been inflicted. It focuses on the road to healing, to redemption, to atonement… a road made hard by the ghosts of the past, who would not leave you alone. This road was impossible for some to survive, but not to the main character, Otto, and that is due to the power of love.
This book is about the healing power of love. It shows how being cared for and loved, by a neighbor, a lover, a friend, a son, will help you survive the rising tide of deadly guilt. This book is a story of survival and the fight against one’s own monster.
As well as being a beautiful story of survival, it is also a great adventure through early days Australia, the gold land of dreams.
All in all, a great novel!
4.5 / 5
— This is my review as it appears on both of my Goodreads and NetGalley profiles—
