Title: Of Knights and Dogfights Pdf A WWII Novel
“Has it ever occurred to you, Johann; the fact that we’re fighting on the wrong side?”
Austria, 1938
On the verge of the most devastating war of all times, four young men found themselves sharing a room in a flying school dormitory. A bohemian Berliner, a Flieger-Hitlerjugend member, a prodigy pilot, and a butcher’s son, with nothing in common but their love for the Luftwaffe and the freedom the sky has to offer. The bond they develop is put to the test by what might be a stronger adversary - war itself. Over the English Channel, in the dusty skies of Africa, on the brutal Eastern front, they will discover where their loyalty lies, and what true bravery means.
“It’s Großdeutsches Reich, soldier. When one has a family at home, it doesn’t leave him many chances for the revolt.”
As the war progresses, Willi and Johann grow more and more disillusioned with the regime they’re protecting with their lives. An SS unit appearing on their base to claim one of their own; bits of conversation revealing the truth about the extermination program accidentally overheard during the official reception - the pieces of the puzzle are slowly coming together, but it’s too late to do anything but fight to the bitter end, whatever it may bring.
Set during one of the bloodiest wars in history, “Of Knights and Dogfights” is the story of the shattered illusions of youth, tyranny and freedom, friendship and love guiding one out of the darkest hell of Soviet captivity.
Midwood deserves a seat at the table with the best the literature world has to offer. I think I’ve read all this author’s books so when this one came out I grabbed a copy. How could I resist when the synopsis starts with “Has it ever occurred to you, Johann; the fact that we’re fighting on the wrong side?” Luring and enticing, the rave accolades for this author’s war-story writing continue with this narrative of interwoven friendships in the worst of times. But it is these relationships that burn from the pages and ignite the storyline with tension. They are real and authentic as are the scenes of war in a time in history noted for the worst crimes against humanity perpetrated by Hitler. Midwood writes with a hand of passion and compassion, not holding back from divulging the human condition with all its shadows. Whereas her last novel took to the frozen ground in Russia, this story takes flight and the infinite possibilities the open skies offer. A different perspective, the author masterfully, brings the scenes to life as four friends in flying school together grow and come to terms with the evils that war brings. And the love. Whereas the scenes that expose the nightmare of the extermination camps ring repulsive the courage of the flying-fighting men gives balance. Characters are real. And flawed. Like the rest of us. The worst of what divides us and best of what unites us as individuals, as peoples, as countries is brilliantly depicted in this devastatingly bloody war. The very prolific Midwood deserves a seat at the table with the best the literature world has to offer.An Important Piece of World War II History Ellie Midwood, expert of World War II historical fiction, has done it again. She’s crafted a gripping, emotional tale about the everyday person who lived through such harrowing times.In Of Knights and Dogfights, we meet two young men just starting flight school, on the verge of the war. More-reserved Johann Brandt and free-spirit Wilhelm “Willi” von Sielaff are roommates at flying school, in addition to Rudi and Walter, two other characters who play lesser roles in novel. Johann and Willi quickly kick it off and become best buddies, having each other’s backs throughout the story.Once the war begins, Johann and Willi are official pilots for the Luftwaffe (the German Air Force). They fight over the English Channel, in North Africa, and even on the awful Eastern Front. Like most young soldiers, they have dreams of glory and honor as fighting men. They are serving their country, believing they were doing something right and good...until the dark truths behind the Nazi Regime creep out between the cracks. Willi, the more outspoken of the two, is especially adamant on where he stands. He hates everything the Nazis stand for. Johann is of a like mind, but he keeps his mouth shut, not wishing to cause trouble.Ellie Midwood does such an amazing job of humanizing who we as readers might at first think of as the enemy, because, after all, Johann and Willi are Germans, and they would have been our (I am American) adversaries during the war had they been real people. What’s clear, and this is historically accurate, is that many of the common soldiers, including those serving in the Luftwaffe, disliked the SS, who were basically Hitler’s power-hungry thugs who worked for him. It’s important to remember that on both sides during a war, the common, everyday soldier is not evil. He (or she) is fighting for their country.Over the course of the story, the innocence of boyhood and childhood dreams is stripped away from both Johann and Willi as they endure the horrors of war, hatred, and persecution. To stand for what’s right in the face of such evil is deeply admirable, and I thank Ellie Midwood for tackling such serious and heavy topics in her books. Of Knights and Dogfights is the fourth book of hers I’ve had the privilege to read and review, and like I say every time, I highly recommend it.Bravo "I know you're grieving. I know you're outraged at such a low, despicable move. So am I. But the action of one rogue pilot can't be set as a precedent for the rest of us to follow."Ms. Midwood brings another powerful masterpiece to the table. Make yourself comfortable, have plenty of snacks, a huge drink, and tissues handy because once you start, you're not going to want to put it down. Make sure you have your life preserver ready because you will be going through a sea of emotion.Ms. Midwood has such a way with words that not only will you feel like you are a part of the story along with her characters, but it also evokes powerful feelings as you read. You'll want to celebrate their victories, smirk at their antics, and mourn with them.On a more serious note, Of Knights and Dogfights also provides several great nuggets to think about. Not everyone in Hitler's Army felt or believed the same as him. Which brings me to the quote I mentioned in the very beginning. Something to think about. People villainize the Nazi Regime, and with good reason. But not everyone is like that, and that is what is refreshing about Ms. Midwood's books. She not only gives you the nitty gritty about the less desirable aspect of that time, but also the glimmer of hope that not every single one of them were so lost.Of Knights and Dogfights follows a group of four friends, dubbed the Four Musketeers. Through their highs and lows. Their comradery that held strong to their more liberal beliefs, even when their country around them was losing their minds. When their opinion was not the "popular" one they were still heroes in ways that could have gotten them thrown in a camp or worse killed.If you've never read anything by Ms. Midwood, this is a perfect start to get you hooked to her work. I would definitely recommend this book.
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Tags: B07KX56ZJK pdf,Of Knights and Dogfights pdf,A WWII Novel pdf,ebook,Ellie Midwood,Of Knights and Dogfights: A WWII Novel,History / Europe / Austria & Hungary,Fiction / Historical
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