orgtheory.net

Fabio

A good friend of mine, Bryan Malessa, recently had his first novel published by HarperCollins UK. The Flight addresses a painful chapter in European history — the German population’s attempt to escape the Red Army in 1945 as it invaded the main German territory. His book has much going for it. Focusing on a family in the Samland, the story recognizes the innate humanity of the characters while facing the horrific pain that the German and Russian states inflicted on each other and the rest of humanity. Bryan has wisely chosen to use an understated tone, which allows the reader to engage with the characters, yet maintain the moral distance needed to appreciate their role in what is happening.

It is suggestive that Bryan’s novel is inspired by archival research, personal histories, and “physical research at each location herein described.” I have little knowledge of the events described, but as a literary work, The Flight succeeds in making them feel grounded and urgent, an effect no doubt facilitated by his informed perspective. You can read the Canberra Times’ review here and The Independent’s here. Highly recommended.