A bride-to-be without answers.A soldier who never came home.And nutcracker that might hold one last Christmas wish…World War II has been over for three months, but Clara can’t join in the Christmas festivities with her friends and family. The fiance she sent off to Europe three years ago never returned. But just as she’s about to give up hope, her godfather might just have one last miracle up … up his sleeve.And it all begins with a nutcracker.
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Clara’s Soldier is a haunting rendition of The Nutcracker set at the end of World War II. Clara is waiting for her soldier, James, to come home from the war even after nearly everyone else has given up hope. This tale is darker than the original, but Godfather Drosselmeyer’s Christmas Magic still has a part to play.
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Very different…
Very confusing story line.
The war ended three months ago but Clara still hasn’t heard anything about her fiance James. None knows where he is or what might have happened to him. Clara is staying strong and hopeful but hates all the looks of pity from the townsfolk. Clara’s Christmas wish was to know what happened to James. This leads to her having a very realistic dream with James. The dream involves them jumping through different places James had been while running from supernatural Nazi’s. Right before Clara wakes up her and James are surrounded by darkness and he is breaking down. This is when Clara realizes that he is suffering from extreme PTSD.
This was an interesting story. It shows how debilitating PTSD can be and how war can change a person. This was an emotional story that shows how terrible WWII was for families. So many men never came home. It also shows how terrifying but hopeful the families are while they wait for word. I did get a little confused during the dream sequence because I was like did she time travel or is this still a dream.
As someone who has not read or watched the Nutcracker I easily understood the story. Overall, I did enjoy this book and was glad that I took a chance on this book since it’s not my usual choice in a retelling.
A Nutcracker retell that’s worth reading.
The war in Europe is over and the Nazi’s have been defeated, but Clara’s fiance James has yet to come home. She hasn’t even heard from him in more than a year, but still she holds out hope from one day to the next that God will return her beloved to her.
This sensitive and deeply moving retell of the famed Nutcracker is more than just a romantic fantasy. It has a real and present message about the darkness of PTSD. Though not truly understood in the 1940’s, it is a condition that still plagues many of our warriors who have served their country.
I found a lot to love about this engrossing read. Clara’s Soldier is well researched and very well written by author Brittany Fichter. Although categorized as a novella, the characters are well developed and believable. The plot moves at a steady pace with just the right balance of dialogue to description. Since this is fiction with a bit of sweet magic and lots of forever love, the ending is both satisfying and sigh-worthy.
Content alert: Although this is both sweet and clean, the story is very descriptive about the terrors of PTSD.
Amazing book. I read it in less than a day. Just couldn’t put it down.
This book was an easy read although not really my thing. It did not flow as easily between the reality and the time sequence. Still a nice book on Trauma and WW2.
I loved that I couldn’t predict how this was going to end. Great story!
Unusual story. Will remember the strangeness.
This is a sweet retelling of the Nutcracker with a grown up Clara who just wants her soldier fiance James to be found after the end of WWII. While battling fantastical “rats” James and Clara must also face the demons of PTSD together with the help of Clara’s Godfather. Mr. Drosselmeyer has one last bit of Christmas magic to give to the last little girl who needs him. If you are so terribly ready for Christmas, this is a sweet read! Enjoy!
This sweet retelling of the Nutcracker was just what I needed to get into the Christmas Spirit! Clara’s Soldier is a historical fantasy retelling set just after World War II. The war is over, but Clara’s fiance, James hasn’t returned. Clara’s family begs her to move on, but one magical Christmas Eve, their reunion happens in the most unexpected way…
CLARA’S SOLDIER is a fascinating blend of history and fantasy set in NC at the end of WWII.
Clara’s childhood sweetheart and fiance, James, has been MIA for many months, and her family urges her to leave her memories and loss behind and move on with life–as in, marry another eager suitor.
How does this story connect with The Nutcracker? Clara’s next-door-neighbor, Mr. Drosselmeier, has magic . . . and Clara’s dreams connect her with James, her soldier, who is lost inside his own head, tormented by “rats,” or Nazi soldiers–he is a victim of PTSD or shell shock. Clara’s desire yet inability to help, the deep love between her and James, their mutual confusion and fear, and the urgency of his condition all blend to make this a powerful, poignant, and beautiful tale. There are no easy answers, yet love and courage are key.
Seriously, you don’t want to miss this beautiful Christmas story!
Such an emotional and beautiful story! This is the first story I’ve read that is a retelling of the classic story The Nutcracker. The author has written an original tale with realistic history as background and combines them together into a sweet romance. Clara is sweet and brave and such a perfect fit for this story. I can’t recommend this novella enough!
I voluntarily received and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Final Rating: 5 Stars