Best Biographies of World War II Reviewed By BookViral

A BookViral Review Of That Lucky Old Son By Mark Cote

Recommend  for the coveted BookViral Crimson Quill. To make your recommendation simply click on the award badge below..…. 

Summary: Having lost his father when he was only eight years old, Cote embarks on a quest to discover the man who left him too soon, but who left behind a legacy of courage, love, and faith.

The BookViral Review: Genre – Biographies of World War II

Far too many war fiction novels reach for an epic sweep only to get bogged down in clichéd drama and two-dimensional characters. But Cote’s autobiographical creative nonfiction That Lucky Old Son proves a compelling sky-war pageant of a read. With chapters moving between disparate timelines. First writing from his own perspective as he recalls intimate moments with his father then a quasi-fictional perspective as he weaves known facts about his father, Len, into a nail-biting story. The flak flies, German fighters attack, wings are shredded and gun turrets are blown off. And once again we are reminded of the skill, courage and sacrifices of RCAF and RAF aircrews who played a pivotal role in winning World War Two. Following Len from basic training to his drafty and isolated rear turret the scenes of aerial combat are skilfully written and it’s a credit to Cote’s prose that we can clearly imagine 158 Squadrons devastating bombing run on Peenemunde and feel the loss of Len’s many comrades who are listed as FTR. More importantly we can’t help but make an emotive connection with the characters he introduces us to with Len’s stalwart nature in no doubt when he is finally captured by Germans after bailing out over The Netherlands.

 

Powerfully capturing the transient and fragile human element of war Cote states in his epilogue that in writing his biography he came to “a truly cathartic realization” that his father had never truly left him. He has also ensured that Len’s bravery and those of his fellow RCAF and RAF airmen will be remembered for future generations. Recommended without reservation That Lucky Old Son proves a must-read. 

Recommended Book Reviews
In The BookViral Spotlight

Psychological Thrillers

Psychological Thrillers

Fourteen-year-old Brady is ‘in’. In a neighbourhood where alcohol and drugs are what makes the world go round, it’s not a bad position to be in. However, the arrival of a new and cocky kid of the block, Alex, spells disaster.

Read More »
Coming Of Age Fiction

Coming Of Age Fiction

Take a deep breath and enter the world of Gene Nelson. Joltingly powerful, instantly compelling and often heart-breaking, Oliver hasn’t picked an easy subject on which to write but his willingness to steer away from a prescriptive approach means he reaches his readers on both an emotional and intellectual level.

Read More »

Author Publishing Tips & Recommended Book Reviews

Book Reviews That Readers Trust.

From humble beginnings in 2002 as a book review club BookViral has grown to become the first choice in book reviews for authors around the world and one of the biggest book review sites on the web. BookViral reaches millions of potential readers through best practice SEO and a trusted social media presence ensuring readers get unbiased, critical recommendations they can trust. 

BookViral also offers a full suite of author services, including, book editing services for unpublished and self-published authors, website design and bespoke SEO that help authors get discovered by more potential readers as well as industry influencers, such as publishers, agents and film executives. 

© Copyright 2019 BookViral Reviews. All Rights Reserved.