"Crossroads of Granite", by Michael Reit

Orphans of War book #3

“Crossroads of Granite” continues where “They Bled Orange”, left and is the final chapter in the trilogy. In alternate chapters and from the point of view of Christiaan, Lisa and Nora narrate their life during the last years of the war.

In a few words:

Christiaan was in the resistance till he was captured and sent to Mauthausen, a concentration camp, where he struggled to survive. While, Lisa at the front with General Patton’s army is caring for the wounded, Nora is interned in a concentration camp hoping to stay alive while helping those around her. As the noose begins to close around the Germans, life became dangerous for all. The physical and emotional stresses took a toll.... Too much horror and too much uncertainty....Quite a venture into a tapestry of courage, sacrifice and love...

My thoughts:

The events are based on true accounts from prisoners and survivors. The author does honors in representing them. The well-crafted chapters paint a vivid and poignant picture of what life was during the war. The dialogue is authentic and active. Mr. Reit doesn’t shy away from telling us the horrors the prisoners suffered at the hands of their captors but does this with tact. This story has a lot going on that is captivating to no end so much so I read it in two settings so eager to see what will come next and if the three heroes would manage to survive. The energy in this historical fiction is far more that I had expected. So well- said, so well- researched. Michael Reit is a powerful story teller and one of my preferred in historical fiction.

I received this ARC from The Book Whisperer via Netgalley