Reviews
Charlene Kallestad
On August 12, 2023 I took refuge in a special book, “Father Love.” I read long into the following nights, unable to put it down. Your hard work has resulted in a masterfully told story. Tonight, I finished reading it for the second time in order to provide some coherent feedback. But I cannot offer a single improvement to the story or the way the authors told it. Father Love is so beautifully woven: the flashbacks, the imagery, the dialog, the poignant history …seamlessly infiltrating present day; every page is riveting.My one regret is best expressed by my daughter Kim, who said, “I only wish Grandpa could have read this.” He taught history; WWII was personal for him. The authors’ beautifully wrought words have that same ability as his lectures did, to educate, enlighten and champion truth. Father Love is a masterpiece out of the gate. It is destined to be a blockbuster. And it has to be a TV-series!
Pat Keim (Montana, USA)
The authors of Father Love honored me with the privilege of reviewing a pre-publication copy of their book. Having now read it, I am really glad they asked me. For context, I am a longtime resident of Montana, the most beautiful state in the USA, an avid student of history, and have been involved with government and it’s accompanying political affairs for nearly four decades.Father Love is an important story that tells how political movements… can get out of hand. It tells how they can become especially dangerous when they are rooted in bigotry and intolerance that are allowed to go unchecked because of fear and intimidation. It delves into how such things can destroy families, communities, nations, and freedom itself. In so telling, the book has significant relevance for us in the world we live in today. It puts historical context on many of the events we are currently experiencing. These include the resurgence of bigotry, political discord, and their accompanying social polarization. It is a clear warning about the threats these things present to our personal lives and our society as a whole.
The authors Nick Wilder and Richard Opper spin a fascinating story of adventure, intrigue, and family history that all have relevance in events we are seeing in today’s world. The story follows the life of Alex von Stein, or should I say the three lives of Alex von Stein, the son of a former Nazi Waffen SS officer. It delves into the stresses that young Alex must deal with in relation to his father’s past and present life and activities. And it all plays out against the backdrop of actual, ominous current events in our world today.
In Father Love the authors are pushing the reader to think about where we have been and what we can learn from our past. It challenges the reader to reflect on what is going on in many of our countries today with the resurgence of forces pushing isolationism and intolerance of divergent views. The story sounds a clear and strong warning about where we may be headed if we fail to understand and head the lessons of the past.
The book is extremely well written. It is fast paced with a well-developed storyline that flows smoothly from one adventure to the next while remaining anchored to its beginning. Simply put, it is spellbinding high adventure that is hard to put down while making its readers think deeply about some of the most important issues in today’s world.
Pam Schindler (USA)
I recently delved into the captivating world of “Father Love” and found myself thoroughly engrossed by its rich tapestry of history, compelling father and son characters, and intricately woven plot. Nick Wilder’s and Richard Opper’s meticulous attention to historical detail creates a vivid backdrop that breathes life into every page.The characters are not mere vessels for the plot; they are beautifully crafted… individuals with depth and complexity, making it impossible not to become emotionally invested in their journeys. From the protagonists to the enigmatic supporting cast, each character contributes uniquely to the overall narrative, leaving an indelible mark on the reader.
The plot is a masterful dance through time, seamlessly blending historical events with a gripping storyline. The twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat, and the expertly crafted pacing ensured that the momentum never waned. As the layers of the narrative unfolded, I found myself eagerly turning pages, hungry to discover what awaited the characters in the next historical chapter.
In summary, “Father Love” is a literary masterpiece that seamlessly melds history, characters, and plot into a harmonious symphony of storytelling. This novel is a must-read for anyone who appreciates a well-crafted narrative that transports readers through time while keeping them firmly tethered to the characters’ fates.