Title: Mein Gustav
Author: Ira Campbell
Publisher: XlibrisUS
ISBN: 978-1796020694
Pages: 772
Genre: Historical Fiction/Fantasy
Reviewed by: Anthony Avina

Read Book Review

The complexities of war are nearly impossible to fathom. Whether you have experienced it for yourself or not, the experience a person has in that battlefield is unique and original to the person experiencing it, and showcases that no matter what side a soldier is fighting for, their own motivations and struggles are far more complex than one can imagine. It was Ulysses S. Grant that once said, “In every battle there comes a time when both sides consider themselves beaten, then he who continues the attack wins.” In author Ira Campbell’s novel Mein Gustav, readers are shown the lives of people on two sides of World War I, and the painful struggles each suffered before, during and after that war.

In this character driven historical fiction/fantasy, readers are introduced to two characters: British fighter squadron Corporal Noble-Brown, and German fighter squadron soldier Vicefeldwebel Gustav Model. The former is surprised by an ambush attack in the skies and survives, seeking to return the favor to whoever caught him off guard. Meanwhile the latter comes into his new position after surviving a painful gas attack in the infantry, haunted by the memories of that awful battle.

The novel focuses greatly on the characters rather than the narrative. Introducing squad mates, acquaintances and friends throughout the novel for both soldiers, the story is as much about the aerial combat these two see as well as the lives they lead in and out of the cockpit during WWI. While fighting for their own respective sides of the war, the readers are shown the complex yet simple reality that these two soldiers are more than the uniforms they wear and the countries they serve. They are human beings with lives, pain and love all their own.
This is a novel for anyone who enjoys history, fantasy and the personal stories of men and women from the frontlines of WWI. As a history and fantasy fan, it was interesting to see the author use a wealth of knowledge to create a detailed vision of the struggles and intense fights and survival situations these men and women faced constantly both on land and in the skies. During this war new forms of warfare came into play, and aerial fights were some of the most intense of these new warfare. The strength not only the protagonists showcased but the women who stepped up and showed the world the equal value they brought to the warfront made for incredible storytelling.

This is a powerful read that readers will find difficult to put down. While a very lengthy read at over 700 pages, the story flows smoothly as the reader becomes engaged in the lives and situations these men and women live through, showcasing that despite the lines drawn on the battlefield, every person is a human being who wants safety, security, family and love, making this a truly relatable read. If you love historical fiction or tales from WWI with a very sharp eye for detail regarding aerial warfare, then be sure to grab author Ira Campbell’s Mein Gustav today!