This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Reviewed by Danelle Petersen for Readers' Favorite
Annette Oppenlander's 24 Hours: The Trade retells the experiences of her father, Günter, and his friend, Helmut, in Germany during World War II. Life is dismal with no relief in sight. There is only starvation and despair to look forward to day after day. Ever since the government drafted his father and older brother, Günter has had to look after his mother and little brother, living off rations and scrounging for what food he can find among the ruins left by the bombs. Helmut’s situation is much the same. Today is no different but by mid-afternoon, it becomes clear that they will have to try even harder to find food until a chance encounter promises to change everything. However, it is not without a price. Günter knows what horrible fate awaits them if caught, but he is willing to take the risk.
I was captivated by 24 Hours: The Trade from the start. It is beautifully written and although short, the story had an impact on me; no one should have to go through what Günter and his fellow countrymen did. The author's vivid descriptions of the war-torn city and its occupants were difficult to take in. I am grateful to Annette Oppenlander for sharing Günter and Helmut's story; it opened my eyes to how Germany's citizens suffered, too. Günter's sensitivity and selflessness were apparent throughout, despite the horror he had to endure. His courage and love for his family made him face the possibility of dying a terrible death. It is amazing what one can do with sheer willpower and resilience.
