Creative nonfiction History, Historical romance, WW2, Family Saga, Memoir
Biography
Date Published: September 1, 2020
Publisher: Silver Star Publishing Llc
Duty called.
He answered.
She, with child, was left behind.
He did not come home.
"They were the fathers we never knew, the uncles we never met, the
friends who never returned, the heroes we can never repay." (B
Clinton.) Such a man was 1st Lt Dean Harold Sherman, B-29 Airplane Commander
one of the thousands of man-boys, not far from their mother’s apron
strings, that learned to fly a B-29 thousands of miles and bomb an
enemy.
“They Called Him Marvin” is a history of Dean Sherman and his
teenage bride Connie’s love, World War 2 and their efforts to create a
family. A history of the collision of the raging politics of a global war,
young love, patriotism, sacred family commitments, duty and the horrors and
tragedies, the catastrophe that war is.
A reviewer explains: "I am a fan of historical fiction and this story
did not disappoint. It was sweet, tragic, personal, and moving. Gradually
and almost imperceptibly, the story of two wartime sweethearts begins
circling the drain of a tragedy you know is coming. The book begins with the
ending, but by the time you get there you have convinced yourself that it
can't possibly be the case. I enjoyed every moment, even the ones that left
me in tears.
The letters between Connie and Dean provided a fascinating glimpse into
wartime life. Reading the experiences of people both at home and abroad was
very engaging. I found myself eagerly awaiting the next letter, right along
with the young couple!
Lastly, the book left me with an overwhelming acknowledgment of the
universal trauma and tragedy of war. The Sherman’s are not the only
family we meet in the book and the weaving together of several different
narratives added a depth to the story that's hard to put into words. I definitely encourage anyone to read this book, especially if historical
novels are not something you typically read. This is a story about people
and you won't want it to end."
Currently
a 4.0* Rating on Amazon
About the Author
I am, by my own admission, a reluctant writer. But there are stories
that demand to to be told. When we hear them, we must pick up our pen, lest
we forget and the stories be lost.
Six years ago, in a quiet conversation with my friend Marvin, I learned the
tragic story his father, a WW2 B-29 Airplane Commander, shot down over
Nagoya, Japan just months before the end of the war. A father he never
knew. The telling of the story that evening by this half orphan was so
moving and full of emotion, it compelled me to ask if I could write the
story. The result being “They Called Him Marvin.”
My life has been profoundly touched in so many ways by being part of
documenting this sacred story. I pray that we never forget, as a people, the
depth of sacrifice that was made by ordinary people like Marvin and his
father and mother on our behalf.
My career as an addiction counselor (CDP) lead me to write “The
Waterfall Concept; A Blueprint for Addiction Recovery," and co-author
"Reclaiming Your Addicted Brain."
After my counseling retirement, I decided I wanted to learn more about the
craft of writing and started attending classes at Portland Oregon’s
Attic Institute. What I learned is that there are an mazing number of great
writers in my area and they were willing to help others improve their
skills. I am grateful to many of them.
My next project is already underway, a memoir of growing in SW Washington
called “Life on a Sorta Farm.” My wife of 49 years, Susan and I
still live in that area.
We raised seven children, and have eleven grandchildren. We love to travel
and see the sites and cultures of the world. I still get on my bicycle
whenever I can.
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