Customer Reviews

Whisper on the Wind (The Great War Series, No. 2)

5 star:		(24)
4 star:		(16)
3 star:		(8)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Whisper on the Wind is the second book in Maureen Lang's The Great War series. A powerful and gripping love story set in Belgium during the First World War.

Isa Lassone, daughter of a Belgium father and American mother, is a wealthy socialite who escapes with her family to America before the German occupation of Belgium in 1914. She leaves behind Edward Kirkland, the boy she has always loved, and his mother, who looked after Isa when her parents were too busy with their own lives to worry about their daughter. In 1916 Isa makes the perilous trek back across the border with the financial means to rescue Edward and his family.

Edward survives a German work camp, is assumed dead, and uses different aliases in his pursuit to liberate Belgium. He is involved in an extensive secret network that prints and distributes the underground newspaper La Libre Belgique.

Edward refuses to leave Belgium and Isa reclaims her stately family home in Brussels which is now occupied by an injured German Major. Isa and Edward's mother move into a separate part of the house and are forced to co-exist with the Major. Isa insists on helping Edward, despite the massive personal risks if her involvement is discovered by the Germans.

An exciting tale unfolds as danger lurks in unexpected places and no one can be trusted. The German Imperial Army is determined to close down the paper and punish those involved. Edward's weak faith is challenged and his growing relationship with Isa seems impossible since they are from different worlds and living under dire circumstances.

Whisper on the Wind is a heart wrenching and beautiful story of love and hope. The courageous characters undertake enormous personal risks in their pursuit of freedom. Loyalties are tested, and the faith of characters on both sides of the war are challenged as they deal with injustice and are torn apart by loyalty to their country and loved ones. The brutality of war isn't glossed over in this realistic portrayal of characters dealing with the poverty, desperation and hardship of war. I would recommend Whisper on the Wind for those looking for an exciting and thought provoking historical romance.

Along with another reviewer, I, too, struggled a bit with Whisper on the Wind. It took three tries for me to get past the first 80 or so pages (normally I wouldn't give a book more than two tries, but the author so graciously responded to my critical review of her previous book that I really, really wanted to read this one all the way through). On the third try I kept going and sailed successfully through all the way to the end. Although I got over my initial hang-up with Isa Lassone (which was the cause for the two false starts), I never warmed up to her or the other main character (more on that below); as a result my overall reaction is that I liked the book but didn't love it.

Whisper on the Wind is set in Brussels during WWI and, although we do get glimpses of the war that was raging and the efforts of Belgians to resist their German occupiers, they are little more than glimpses, and these events are very firmly pushed into the background. What occupies center stage of this book from beginning to end is the love story between Isa Lassone and Edward Kirkland. Now, there is nothing at all wrong with a 400-page love story if there is enough conflict and uncertainty to keep the reader hooked and the pages turning, wanting to know how it is all going to turn out. Unfortunately, in Whisper on the Wind the ending was a foregone conclusion; by page 8 it was obvious how Edward's and Isa's story was going to turn out. Although the author introduced elements and characters into her book that could have provided excellent conflict and added drama (namely in the characters of Rosalie, Pierrette and Von Eckhart), she failed to develop these elements and characters to their full potential. With Rosalie and Pierrette the possibilities were so obvious, but instead they each simply faded off the scene without creating much more than a ripple in the story. With Von Eckhart the author did somewhat better, although even he could have been developed into a much more threatening menace than he was.

Aside from this, I think the main reason the book never hooked me is because I didn't connect with either of the main characters. For a romance to be good, the reader has to either like the main female character (or at least connect with her in some way) or fall in love with the main male character. In the best love stories, of course, the reader does both. Unfortunately, in Whisper on the Wind I did neither. I actually found the characters of Genny and Major von Burkel, and their story, much more interesting and engaging than Edward or Isa; unfortunately, they were only given second billing.

Isa Lassone is a spoiled, immature 17-year old who has been raised in wealthy protection from much of the world around her, and is accustomed to getting her own way without objections. The author depicted her as a poor little rich girl who is neglected by her self-centered parents (who never make an appearance), but that didn't really make me like her any more. Her obsession with Edward was more adolescent than adult (would he notice her? would he think she was pretty? would he finally see she wasn't a little girl any more?) and it was constant; no matter what situation Isa was in, her thoughts sooner or later turned to Edward and whether or not he was going to hold her hand or kiss her, etc. After a few pages it got tiresome.

Isa's flight from the safety of America and her return to dangerous and war-sieged Belgium was undoubtedly brave and could have made me an ardent admirer of her, if I had been convinced of it. Fiction is fiction, I know, but even then, if an author has one of their characters do something that is highly unlikely, they have to convince me by putting me there and letting me see it for myself. In Isa's case, I found it highly unlikely that a naive 17-year-old girl in 1916 would have successfully run away from her parents in the safety of Baltimore, travelled all alone and bribed her way all the way back into war-torn and German-occupied Belgium. Had I witnessed some of the difficult details of her journey -- been there with her, as it were -- I could have believed it. Simply being told that she had done it didn't convince me. There was one other element of Isa's story that the author glossed over, and this was her return to her family home in the rich section of Brussels. She goes to visit the American ambassador in Belgium (who was a friend of her father's) to ask/demand that he get her home back for her from the Germans who have been occupying it. He tells her he will do what he can, but he will have to invent an alibi for her two-year absence and isn't at all positive he will be successful. We hear no more about it for several pages and then, all of a sudden, Isa and her entourage are simply walking back into her old home to take up residence. How did it happen? When an author skips over important details like that, it leaves me unconvinced and unbelieving, feeling like that part of the story is contrived.

As for Edward, I really didn't like him all that much, much less fall in love with him myself. He was angry, bossy and uptight. His choice of Isa (who seemed to have no redeeming qualities in his eyes other than her beauty and wealth and her puppy love for him) over the brave and more-deserving Rosalie made him seem shallow. Indeed, as briefly mentioned above, Rosalie was a character who could have added so much more depth to the story, but who was sadly underdeveloped. For instance, to have Edward love both Isa and Rosalie, and then struggle with the choice he must make, would have made a more gripping story. Instead, Rosalie only makes a few brief appearances and never creates even a ripple of uncertainty. We're never even told what she looks like, other than the fact that she has beautiful hands.

As another reviewer mentioned, it would have been nice if the author had headed each chapter with genuine excerpts from the real La Libre Belgique, instead of inventing her own. Knowing that they were fictional, I didn't even bother to read these "excerpts."

All in all, my assessment of Whisper on the Wind is that it is ok, a nice story but not a great one. With a little added spark and spice it could have been gripping. (When I say "spice" I am not talking about sexuality, since I am turned off by explicit sex in books; in fact, I won't even read such books. I simply mean more emotion and drama to keep the reader hooked and the pages turning). I would have liked a stronger feel for the war itself; WWI is a period that isn't written about much in fiction (especially Christian fiction) and I would have liked to be a little more "educated" while being entertained. Instead, it felt like the war was little more than a background prop, and that the story of Isa and Edward could have been set in any time or place.

Isa Lassone, a young Belgian-American socialite, sneaks into Brussels -- after being whisked to the United States before the war started -- to rescue those dearest to her, Edward and his mother. While there, though, she works to keep the underground newspaper running.

I was drawn to this book because of the underground newspaper. This was my first experience with Maureen Lang.

I kind of struggled with Whisper on the Wind. I generally like war stories, and I often love stories that revolve around newspapering.

Each chapter opens with a quote from the underground newspaper. I was disappointed to learn, though, that most of the quotes were fabricated rather than from the very real newspaper. Actually, I was hoping for a bit more use of actual history throughout the book. There's not necessarily anything wrong with a book that's mostly just set in a historical context but is actually all fictional. But since I knew this was at least partly based on a newspaper that actually existed, I expected a bit more fact with my fiction.

I was also disappointed that the story didn't even touch on the newsgathering, writing, and editing aspects of the paper. Partly because of this, I felt the newspaper was mostly only a jumping off point for the story. The story followed these characters, who risked their lives for this product/cause, yes, but it was so much more about the characters than the product or cause. Perhaps this felt like a leap to me because I haven't read book 1 in the series, Look to the East (The Great War Series #1), but I doubt that's why, since that appears to feature different characters.

This is historical fiction in the way that Julie Lessman's Daughters of Boston series is historical fiction -- it's fiction, set in a historical time and place, but it's mostly a romance. There's nothing necessarily wrong with this type of book, but it's not what I generally prefer, and it's not what I expected, either. Lessman's books I still quite enjoyed, because of the characters. I didn't appreciate this one as much.

The third book in this series is schedule for release in March 2011, Springtime of the Spirit (The Great War).

I received this book from the publisher. This review was originally published on my blog.

Book Review: Whisper on the Wind
Whisper on the Wind (The Great War Series, No. 2)By Maureen Lang

This is not usually the type of book I read. Although I enjoy historical fiction once the history moves into more contemporary times I would find it less enjoyable. Fortunately for me, I was able to look past my dislike for war novels and read this one. Little did I realize what a pleasant suprise it would be when I made that decision.

Ms. Lang's portrayal of World War One looks past all the technical aspects of battle and planning and instead focuses on the human quotient. This historical romance set in Belgium during the German occupation of that country in 1916, focuses on the people, both rich and poor, German and Belgian who could have lived through that nightmare period of history. The love stories are not contrived and I could feel and see them happening. What all the people suffered was very real. The action drew me in and would not let me go. Finally , but not least by any stretch of the imagination, the people's faith either developing or firmly in place was richly portrayed. Their journeys, even that of the German major were so real, I could almost see myself there going through it with them.

The lack of battle strategy and technical terminology so often associated with war stories and the inclusion of faith and peoples dogged faith made this read a lovable experience. Thank you Ms. Lang for a wonderful story.

In a five star rating system I would give Ms. Lang's story four and a half stars. It was an excellent read although it took this reader a little time to get into it, but once into it and having the time to devote to reading the end of the story pulled me along like a fast moving stream. I could not wait to see how God would bring the characters out of their trials. If you love a good Historical Romance then I recommend this book, you will certainly enjoy it.

Enjoy and God Bless,

Chris

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To comply with new regulations introduced by the Federal Trade Commission, please mention as part of every Web or Amazon review that Tyndale House Publishers has provided you with a complimentary copy of this book.

Maureen Lang has written a book that wowed me.

I usually dislike soap opera like, historical fiction. However this one was a novel similar to what Sidney Shelton used to write...a multi layered story .

This novel keeps the reader interested with plot devices that seem stolen by Lang, BUT she makes them hers. Her story being a second novel in the series, nevertheless you dont need to read book one to get to understand book two. I cant wait for book three.

This novel gets me wanting to look up her other works by Ms Lang.

I will also say, this is my first kindle purchase. I am impressed to say, this was a great idea. I have been anti-kindle for a long time. I was impressed with the ease of reading a novel via my PC kindle. It is a great way to read the book

Bennet Pomerantz
AUDIOWORLD

I really enjoyed this book. I usually enjoy reading WWII stories so the WWI setting was different for me which may be why I enjoyed this book as much as I did. I liked that each main character was developed and each had their time in the spotlight. This isn't a book that is just about one person. I also liked how the author used an alternating person view where the reader would know what's going on in different character's minds at any given time. So if you're like me and you like a little history, a little intrigue, and a cute little love story, then you will be sure to enjoy this book.

Whisper on the Wind, by Maureen Lang, is a Christian, historical fiction novel set in Belgium during World War I. It tells the story of wealthy, strong-minded Isa Lassone, who had previously escaped Belgium. She leaves the safety of her family to return to Belgium to rescue her former nanny and her sons. One of these sons is Edward Kirkland, Isa's love interest, much to his initial resistance.

I enjoyed the suspense and romantic elements of this book. I also appreciated its underlying message of hope, faith, and love during the most difficult of circumstances. The interplay between the characters was very well written and believable. However, some of the details in the book seemed very tedious, and distracted from the story line. Overall though, it is a wonderful book to read, especially if you enjoy Christian historical fiction. I would definitely read books by this author in the future.

To comply with new regulations introduced by the Federal Trade Commission, I must disclose that Tyndale House Publishers provided me with a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed in this review are strictly my own.

This book was set in Brussels in the midst of WW1. Isa Lassone sneaks back to Brussles to rescue those closest to her and Edward Kirkland is the son of the lady who was more of a mother to Isa than her own mother. We see what the war has done to Brussels and how the Germans have taken over. It was an interesting story seeing the war from Belgium's side as a conquered country at the mercy of the Germans. We see samples of how the Germans can do what they say with little regard for anyone else. We also see some good in some of the German soldiers also. What I liked about this book is we see what it was like back in WW1 and how the people try to survive. I also love the secondary stories that happen in this book. We see faith tested in this book and faith doubted in the midst of war. If you have an interest in war time stories this is a must read.

This novel is well written and the juxtaposition of a couple with different backgrounds, the heroine from wealth, the hero from more middle class circumstances is very appealing. I LOVE it that we have an interesting and fresh setting instead of the tired Regency or western! I won't repeat here the essence of the plot. The thing that bothered me throughout this story was that although it is clearly well researched, it seems out of the context of the period. Most of entries from La Belgique Libre seem almost hypocritcal as they castigate the Germans for deporting young men to Germany to work and talk about the deprivations and suffering of the Belgians. Only five years earlier, King Leopold of Belgium's harsh regime in the Belgian Congo was directly or indirectly responsible for the death of at least five million people, half the population! Wikipedia says: "The Congo became one of the most infamous international scandals of the early 20th century" It was not kept a secret from the world that the Congelese were enslaved, starved, beaten tortured and murdered.

Further from Wikipedia: The abuses suffered were horrific, especially in the rubber industry, and included the effective enslavement of the native population, savage beatings, widespread killing, and frequent mutilation. Missionary John Harris of Baringa, was so shocked by what saw that he wrote to Leopold's chief agent in the Congo saying: "The abject misery and utter abandon is positively indescribable. I was so moved, Your Excellency, by the people's stories that I took the liberty of promising them that in future you will only kill them for crimes they commit." Arthur Conan Doyle blasted the 'rubber regime' in his 1908 work 'The Crime of the Congo'.

So given this situation, it seems at best ingenuous to have these characters constantly critizing the Germans and lauding the integrity of the Belgians on every page. Germans are evil; Belgians are good people. They ought to be acknowledging that they too have fallen far from grace and could be enduring a kind of retribution. This was not a historical footnote but a major crime, a publicly known genocide that was barely over. Writing about this time and place as if it had not happened is like writing about postwar Germany and saying how horrible the Americans were to bomb Dresden or Berlin without ever mentioning the holocaust.

Other than that, it is a wonderful story!

I loved this book! It definitely gave me some anxiety while reading it... but that's the kind of book I love. I didn't want to put it down. I love historical fiction, so this was a perfect read. I would recommend this to anyone.