Triumphant Where It Dares Defy by Nathaniel M. Wrey is a military action novella set in a World War Two prison camp in Torun, Poland. Two British prisoners collaborate with locals to steal a truckful of gold bullion from the Germans stationed in town. The prisoner unit had been captured in a retreat action that allowed the British army to escape at Dunkirk. Besides the exciting plot, the story is carried by its two main characters; Jock, a corporal and Scottish gardener, and Hyde, a private and former street delinquent. These two play off one another in a humorous buddy relationship, Jock trying always to hold Hyde back, and Hyde forging recklessly ahead. Hijacking a truck of gold bullion from the Nazi conquests in Russia is a way the prisoners can prevent the riches from being used in Hitler’s war effort. Hyde, ever the daredevil, is also motivated to pull off a heist that will make him famous.

Nathaniel M. Wrey did a fabulous job not only in creating Jock and Hyde but the several other prisoners barely surviving in the stalag. For me, it brought back memories of the TV series Hogan’s Heroes. Once the plan is set into motion, the suspense builds to a fever pitch as the group of five (the two Brits and three local Poles) set off on bicycles lent them by the local underground to steal a truck loaded with gold, guarded at a local tavern. They intend on hiding it where the Nazis can’t find it and then returning to the camp. The intense action kept me turning the pages. Wrey’s direct, clear prose heightens the suspense. He does a masterful job of creating the landscape, the atmosphere, the suffering and patriotism of the prisoners, and the warmth and humor of their interactions as they dig turnips and bicker over cigarettes. Triumphant Where It Dares Defy (a line from Lord Byron) is also a triumph of literary fiction. Thank you, Mr. Wrey, for a most entertaining read.

Triumphant Where it Dares Defy by Nathaniel M Wrey is a thrilling WWII novella that brings a prisoner of war camp alive. Lance Corporal Jock Mitchell is a Scot who rubs elbows with the other commanders while helping the privates during this oppressing time. They decided that even though they cannot fight in the war, they can still send out information that can serve the Allies. Jock has his hands full when he accompanies the camp pickpocket and thief, Hyde. Their mission is to escape the camp, break into the house that holds vital information, find a resistance group who can deliver it to the Allies, then break back in without getting caught. Sounds easy on paper, but Jock finds nothing goes as expected with Hyde, Nazis, and well laid out plans.

An old Polish fort houses a prisoner of war camp and the seeds of a daring plan in Triumphant Where it Dares Defy. Nathaniel M Wrey brings his characters alive with their bravery and daring in a time when distrust and fear rule. The beginning starts out slowly so you get the feel of the prisoners and the camp routine. It quickly picks up with an unusual turn of events that builds this mission into a sensation and the characters into a legend. This quick read is primarily written for young adults who need to see that a few men can make a difference. Being brave is not without fear or complications, but is standing up for what is right in the most unlikely places and circumstances. As a student of WWII history, I found this novella fascinating and inspiring without the gore of the Jewish camps. The author’s ability to instill a vision and the motivation to see it through is seen throughout his writing.