Nonfiction "Menu of War" by William Dow (AuthorHouse, $10.40).
Retired journalist William Dow shares his experiences at Camp Gruber near Muskogee and other places, as well as his 88th Infantry Division service in Italy culminating in the May 8, 1945, Victory in Europe Day. His title may reflect that he is leaving a written memory of his own life to his son, Mark, who is an Arizona chef. He describes Christmas meals and field meals in such ways that he makes his story come to life by engaging all the senses.
The dialogue rings true as the reader travels with Dow across Italy, from one encampment to another as the Germans are routed, Mussolini is killed, the atom bombs are dropped on Japan and the conflict ends. Information about the sufferings of war, including those who were killed, wounded and missing, is filtered through the talk of the soldiers beside whom they fought. The sight of quarters emptied and littered with leavings is a poignant contrast to the joy of soldiers giving up their chocolate to orphans and at last going home to America.
In 1971, Dow and his Hungarian-Canadian wife, Erzsi, returned to Italy, and the book is filled with photos of the places where he served that were then at peace. Erzsi drew maps to place the reader in the 1944-45 context of the military campaign in Italy.
It is clear that Dow does not tell all, but he reveals enough to allow readers to experience with him this reflection on war, those who return forever changed and those who are left behind.
-- Linda O'Hern
Juneteenth signings
Families First Foundation and Sisters Sippin' Book Club will host the first Juneteenth Book Signing featuring black authors during Juneteenth celebrations in Oklahoma City and Tulsa.
Families First Foundation and Sisters Sippin' Book Club will host the first Juneteenth Book Signing featuring black authors during Juneteenth celebrations in Oklahoma City and Tulsa.
Next Story
