Leaving Fatherland
by Matt Graydon
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Pub Date 20 Aug 2024 | Archive Date 5 Jan 2025
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Description
Oskar Bachmann always imagined that giving his first lecture would be the defining moment of his life.
It was, but not in the way he expected…
Growing up a misfit in pre-war Germany, a victim of his father’s beatings, Oskar’s love of books is a constant comfort in a world turned upside-down by conflict.
As a student, as a pilot in the brutal Luftwaffe during the Second World War, in an unhappy marriage to an English bride, he finds himself returning over and over to the circumstances of his childhood. What was the source and cause of his father’s mistreatment? Could there have been more to it than he had once believed?
Little did Oskar know that his first lecture at the University of Tübingen would ultimately lead to the end of a lifetime of searching… and finally reveal the figure who had been controlling his life from a distance.
Advance Praise
"“A well-researched WWII novel that tackles compelling questions of family loyalty and broader ethics. The nuanced depiction of a seemingly “good” young man torn asunder by conflicting beliefs is where this novel really sings.”
— Kirkus Reviews
“Graydon’s haunting, thought-provoking narrative makes for an immersive, memorable and cinematic read.”
— Award-winning filmmaker, Andi Reiss
""An amazing story, beautifully told.""
- Amazon reader
Featured Reviews
Kathryn M, Reviewer
This was a strong historical fiction novel, it had that element that I wanted and enjoyed of this type of book. The characters were everything that I was looking for and worked well in the time-period. I enjoyed getting to read this and am excited to read more from Matt Graydon.
Librarian 113723
Historical fiction readers will enjoy this debut book. Since the book is based on family history, it seems be read like a memoir. Oskar’s search for his identity becomes his life’s mission. Will Oskar succeed his quest for answers? Readers will be eager to find out in this emotionally charged story. Highly recommended!
Educator 809926
Leaving fatherland is a lovely novel about a family during World War Two. It is engaging and well written though the pace is off throwing and the details sometimes a little muddled. It is not completely clear until the end how all the people mentioned in the narrative are linked and the end seems to tie up all ends very neatly.
This is based on a true story and sometimes the narrative does flesh out the trueness but this is a lovely retelling.
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