Title: Leaving Fatherland
Author: Matt Graydon
Publisher: Cranthorpe Millner Publishers
Published: August 20, 2024
Pages: 326 pages
Matt Graydon’s gripping, well-researched historical fiction debut Leaving Fatherland explores the difficulties of growing up with an abusive father in the context of World War II, Hitler’s ascent, and how our early years have a significant influence on our adult life. Right away, we are introduced to the abuse Oskar Bachmann suffers at the hands of his father, Karl, who assaults his son both physically and mentally. He refers to him as weak and wishes that he, like his brother Emil, had joined the Hitler Youth.
The first time Karl hits Oskar in the book shocked me, even though the author did an excellent job showing the cruelty that led up to it. This would profoundly affect Oskar throughout his life, a life the author shares with us in such detail that it reads like an autobiography.
Contrasted against Karl’s cruelty is his mother Aneta’s kindness and gentleness, a welcome relief. She encourages him to read, which becomes his safe space. Aneta also finds a way to buy Oskar a tourist-class ticket to America to complete his education.
“The pages of the books I wrapped around my mind and soul like blankets brought distraction and great solace from the relentless strife of home life.”
-Leaving Fatherland, Oskar Bacchman
Oskar continued on to study psychology at Manhattan’s University of New York, a decision he made especially to gain a deeper understanding of his father. Even though Karl is mean to him, Oskar still loves him, evident in his desperate attempt to understand him. In his own words: “I’ve learned it’s possible to hate what your father is and yet still yearn for his approval.” As he navigates the city and makes new friends, Oskar is still affected by his father’s actions as shocking revelations about Karl’s ties to Hitler emerge.
I love the research that went into this book, even down to the Black man taxi driver referring to the ten-dollar bill as a “sawbuck.” Even though the author is not Black, his depiction of the driver and his persona was spot on. Bachmann referring to him as a “Negro cab driver” and how he had not seen many Black people growing up in Germany also fit the times (1930s).
Although a lengthy read, Oskar’s life is filled with many secrets and unexplainable fortunes, culminating in a surprising revelation that connects everything together.
Ratings
- Plot Movement / Strength: 4/5
- Entertainment Factor: 4/5
- Characterization: 5/5
- Authenticity / Believable: 5/5
- Thought Provoking: 5/5
Overall: 5/5
Leaving Fatherland is Available Now on Amazon!
About the Author
Matt Graydon has loved writing since childhood. In his early career, he trained and then worked as a journalist for local and national newspapers, developing research skills that proved vital in his historical fiction writing. He later worked as a senior public relations executive for major corporations in a global context, interacting with people from many cultures around the world. In recent years he rekindled his love of creative writing, attending expert writing courses by Faber and others to develop his craft. He is an active member of the UK’s Society of Authors and belongs to the Phoenix Writing Group in Dorking. He has had both poetry and short stories published, most recently Saigo No Tatakai, an account of a kamikaze attack in the Second World War told from both sides.
Matt lives in Surrey, with his wife, adult children and an unruly cockapoo. When not writing, he spends as much time as possible outside gardening, or engaging in astronomy and photography.
Links:
Website: www.mattgraydon.com
Facebook: Matt Graydon Writes
Instagram: @matt_graydon_writes
Twitter: @graydonwrites
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