The brand new Courtney Series novel, and the much-anticipated sequel to the global bestseller WAR CRY Paris, 1939 – Torn apart by war, Saffron Courtney and Gerhard von Meerbach are thousands of miles apart, both struggling for their lives. Gerhard – despite his objections to the Nazi regime – is fighting for the Fatherland, hoping to one day have the opportunity to get rid Germany of Hitler and … to get rid Germany of Hitler and his cronies. But as his unit is thrown into the hellish attrition of the Battle of Stalingrad, he knows his chances of survival are dwindling by the day.
Meanwhile Saffron – recruited by the Special Operations Executive and sent to occupied Belgium to discover how the Nazis have infiltrated SOE’s network – soon finds herself being hunted by Germany’s most ruthless spymaster.
Confronted by evil beyond their worst imaginings, the lovers must each make the hardest choice of all: sacrifice themselves, or do whatever they can to survive, hoping that one day they will be reunited.
Courtney’s War is an epic story of courage, betrayal and undying love that takes the reader to the very heart of a world at war.
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One again Wilbur Smith is on a winner. The romance between Saffron Courtney and Gerard von Meerbach during WW2 is doomed with her fighting for the Allies and he reluctantly part of Hitler’s forces. But, is it?
We learn about both sides of the war as Saffron joins the British Special Operations and Gerard becomes a German flying ace and we follow them during the war.
I loved this book and recommend it.
All of Mr. Smith’s books are enjoyable
I love all of the Courtney series. So informative of the times and wonderful characters. If you have not read any of Wilber Smith this series will have you hooked.
Really loved it
Very good as all his books are
Not as much action as some of Wilber Smith’s books, but well written and edited.
Any of his books (I have read them all) are better than most.
Wilbur Smith is among the Great All -time story tellers! The Courtney’s are a MUST read.
Typical Wilbur Smith—loved every minute of it. The characters were great and the twists and turns made this book about WWII very real and the evil about Hitler’s henchmen more true than ever. The ending was a surprise, but a good one!!
Wilber Smith is one of my favorite authors. This book is another reason why.
Courtney’s War by Wilbur Smith is a novel that examines the experience of WWII from both the German and Allies perspective. There is a lot I liked about this book but there is also a lot I didn’t like and in some instances I found it to be implausible.
The novel begins in Paris shortly before the main onslaught of WWII. Saffron Courtney and Gerhard von Meerbach are a couple in love but know they are about to be separated because Gerhard is German and Saffron is a South African living in England. When Gerhard returns to Germany to fight a war he doesn’t believe in for a Fuhrer he despises Saffron joins the Allied forces. Proving herself more than capable to hold her own as a driver in North Africa she is recruited by the British Special Operations Executive and trains as a spy to infiltrate occupied territories and work with resistance forces. Meanwhile Gerhard has become a Luftwaffe pilot and endures the misery of the Battle of Stalingrad.
What I really liked about this book is it tells the story of the women who risked everything and operated in what had been male dominated jobs until WWII. Saffron was a strong female lead that I liked and respected.
What I didn’t like is the implausible piece of the story when Saffrons on one of her father’s ships when it is bombed. Her father is severely wounded, Gerhard is part of it, Saffron sees him and instead of being angry she silently celebrates the fact he is still alive. I can’t believe anyone’s feelings would be unchanged after that. I believe it would be an unforgivable act.
Also, I hated the ending of the book. It seemed rushed and incomplete. The reader is left wondering what happens to a couple of the villains and the future of Saffron and Gerhard is not completely explored.
The storyline was well developed except for the ending and easy to follow. The book switches back and forth between Saffron and Gerhard’s experiences with ease and without leaving the reader confused.
Character development was done well. I got the sense I knew who these characters were. However, I do not believe Saffron would be as forgiving of Gerhard’s participation in the attack on her father’s ship since it left him gravely wounded.
I would recommend this book mainly based on the history of the British SOE and the way it presents the role women played in the war. There are problems with the book but it shows a piece of the war rarely explored in other books about WWII.
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it.
Torn apart by war, Saffron Courtney and Gerhard von Meerbach are thousands of miles apart, both struggling for their lives. Gerhard despite his objections to the Nazi regime is fighting for the Fatherland, hoping to one day have the opportunity to rid Germany of Hitler and his cronies. But as his unit is thrown into the hellish attrition of the Battle of Stalingrad, he knows his chances of survival are dwindling by the day. Meanwhile Saffron – recruited by the Special Operations Executive and sent to occupied Belgium to discover how the Nazis have infiltrated SOE’s network – soon finds herself being hunted.
I’ve loved the author’s books ever since I read When the Lion Feeds & I eagerly awaited his next book each year or so. However recently his books have lost their way but I’m glad to say this is back to his best. We first met Saffy & Gerhard in War Cry & the story of their fathers was in Assegai, I’m so glad they are now centre stage. This is a harrowing book at times & really brings home the horrors of the Second World War, I cringed, I gasped, I felt sick, I cried & I couldn’t put it down. There are quite a few things that are left unresolved so desperately need the next book in the series.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read