Island of Saints

May 2, 2005
Bestseller Andrews provides another round of light historical fiction, with themes similar to his last book, The Lost Choice
. This time the person finding historical artifacts in his yard is Andrews himself. (Fact or fiction? It's tough to tell, and some readers may find that confusing.) While trying to dig out the roots of a dead wax myrtle tree, Andrews's shovel hits a tin containing WWII artifacts—buttons, photos, a badge and medal from a German U-boat officer. Andrews, who lives on a Gulf Coast island, immediately begins researching U-boats in the Gulf of Mexico during the war. Who did these items belong to? How did they end up buried in his yard? What happened to the German officer and the family shown in one of the pictures? The questions lead him to uncover the past: a U-boat officer washed ashore, critically injured; a desperately bitter young war widow; a crazed Nazi; and a cast of characters from a sleepy undeveloped beach town. The underlying theme concerns the necessity and nature of true forgiveness, portrayed through the story and in occasionally didactic dialogue that may grate on some readers. But many are sure to love this sweet tale, simply told.

May 15, 2005
A pragmatic, plainspoken author ("The Traveler's Gift") and highly sought corporate lecturer, Andrews will please his fans with this parable based on true stories of American loss, forgiveness, and healing during World War II. The story opens with the author finding military treasure under his own wax myrtle tree; curiosity leads him to solve the mystery by talking to the locals. Readers get to know "Helen," who struggles with her anger at the Nazis for killing her husband and eventually comes to terms with it as she finds new love. Along the way, we meet other characters who have learned forgiveness: German lieutenant Josef Landemann, who was shot and lost his wife and child during the war's bombing; Margaret and Billy, at peace now with having a handicapped son, Danny; and Danny himself, who knows that letting go of slights makes for one's own happiness. Clearly, the message here is that forgiveness is the only way to heal ourselves. Although simplistic and a bit preachy, this book builds on the author's popularity and will speak to the masses. Best suited to larger public libraries in a category that straddles spirituality and personal growth. -Lisa Liquori, MLS, Syracuse, NY

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