Customer Reviews

No Salutes For Your Surrender

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Reading No Salutes For Your Surrender is like riding on a locomotive: it starts off slowly but it gains momentum through chapter after chapter until the reader suddenly finds that it becomes almost impossible to put the book down. Along the way, Antanas introduces characters that seem so real that they might as well be passengers sitting alongside you, but the true merit of the book lies within its universal appeal.

Firstly, though the specifics of the tale are from the Lithuanian perspective, it will appeal to all of those who have an interest in, or ties to, the war history of eastern Europe for it portrays, rather vividly, the particular horrors that both Hitler and Stalin had inflicted throughout the region. But more pertinent to everyone else is that this tale is much more of an enthralling show of how virtuous character can be won through nefarious exploits than it is a mere telling of an old warrior's deepest troubles and darkest secrets. By besieging the protagonist, Vince Oskaunas, throughout his quest to rescue his ailing father with a series of ethical conflicts that challenge conventional perceptions of how integrity is won, Antanas shows us that heroism is not necessarily a result of adherence to admirable duty, but more usually the natural consequence of mixing obstinacy with selfishness. Such is, I suspect, the author's subtle way of suggesting that everyone can be made into a hero in one way or another and here is precisely where his story becomes significant to all.

"No Salutes for Surrender" is a great mystery novel. Allowing for the small mistakes of a young and new writer the book was excellent. It was particulary interesting to those of us who have visited the area Antanas talks about. My Lithuanian friends were particularly interested in the book also.Congratulations to Anatanas for a fine peice of work.

I finished this novel and just quietly sat there, my eyes filled with tears that would not spill. The author's strong command of vocabulary made this book seem so real--this brilliant bittersweet story of an old man's incredible life. Each chapter unfolded like a woman's fan, scented with mystery, danger, and suspense; and yet, I felt comfortable with the whispers of deep care, kindness, and unconditional family love. The authentic Lithuanian words, places, and characters, completed the ambiance of the story to almost perfection. Truly the many immigrant sons and daughters of Lithuanian "DP's" of the 1940's will especially relate to this novel, perhaps because they often listened to similar family stories from their own parents and grandparents. One cannot deny the explicable human power of the Lithuanian spirit exemplified in this outstanding novel. Antanas, I salute you!

God what a good read! I have read "No Salutes for your Surrender" 3 times already and have enjoyed each time as much as the first. Each time I read it I discover something new that I missed before. It's definitely "visually" stimulating! It has been a long time since I have picked up a book that I couldn't put down. The imagery is wonderful, the character development is excellent and the conflicts have you pulling for Vince all the time. Way to go Antanas! When is the next one coming out?

After reading this excellent book, I had the pleasure of meeting someone who had to flee Colombia under similar circumstances. Although I am of Lithuanian descent and truly enjoyed this fine piece of literature, it must be said that humankind's cruelty is not limited to our race only. I hope that future generations can reflect on the main message in this masterpiece. God bless.

At the risk of annoying the author (who makes his distate for Hemingway very clear in his acknowledegements), it has to be said that this book distinctly combines the churlish temperment of Hemingway's work and the literary style of F. Scott Fitzgerald -- an ironic delight for fans of both, who know very well that the two were avid rivals!

I look forward to more of the same from this author.

"No Salutes for Your Surrender" was a book that I could not put down once I started reading it. I have visited Lithuania, and found the references to locations in Lithuania extremely realistic. The plots, emotions, and "secrets" were enjoyable to read as well as a realistic reminder of my experience having grown up in Canada with parents from Lithuania. Antanas, you have done a great job in tackling a sensitive subject (war memories) and writing a current description of the way it is for Lithuanians in these post reinstitution of independence days!