Rating: 
Summary: High Suspense. Absorbing!
Review: Bonnie Toews knows how to draw a reader into a story and keep you wanting more. Treason & Triumph is a compelling story of sacrifice in time when morals and honor were something of value. I highly recommend this book, especially to readers who love stories of WWII.
Rating:
Summary: Heartwrenchingly emotional
Review: Due to the historical nature of the book, I felt the author had a very personal reason for writing it. It was done in such incredible and maticulous detail, that you could literally feel her mission. She was able to take something that most people can't bare to think about and create one amazingly intricate story around it. You find yourself completely unsure of how to feel about the main characters, then the two who are intended to steal the show, pull through and carry you into their side and their nightmares and small triumphs, through the most horrific acts of mankind. To me, it represented how war could effect people and how some people could find the strength to effect war.
Rating: 
Summary: A moving and challenging read
Review: Few things in life both attract and repel simultaneously. "Treason and Triumph" is one of them. The skill with which it is executed, the characterization and vivid description, draws in the reader. The pages turn fast and, like a torrid whirlwind, sweep us into war-torn Europe. It is 1937, and World War II envelops not only civilization in terror, but the cautious reader of this novel also. Indeed it is here, amidst horrific realism, that repulsion sets in. "Treason and Triumph" depicts war and its consequences in graphical detail. The realism is alarming; at times, it is almost painful to read. The scenes of mankind's inhumanity to mankind haunt the reader long after the book is closed. I doubt I shall ever forget the scene in which Nazi officers use a Jewish baby as a human football, while his parents look on helplessly. This book is not for the faint-hearted. It is, however, for the human-hearted. "Treason and Triumph" is not merely a story of war and espionage, but of friendship and love also. In the growing friendship between Marla Franklin, an American journalist, and Lady Catherine, a British royal, we trace the plight of humanity, of friendship, beauty, and courage, to transcend the evils of war and hatred. The book itself transcends the evils it depicts, the evils of bigotry, for it awakens its readers' compassion and tolerance. I cannot say that I 'like' "Treason and Triumph." But I can say, without doubt, that I respect it. It is a great and poignant work of literature, filled with copious research. Bonnie Toews is a bold writer: she refuses to compromise the truth for the sake of our squeamishness. Reading "Treason and Triumph" is an experience to remember (though not always a comfortable experience). It stirs the emotions, and churns the stomach; it challenges our complacency as readers. Only the best of novelists succeed in doing this.
Rating:
Summary: Treason and Triumph: a moving and challenging read.
Review: Few things in life both attract and repel simultaneously. Treason and Triumph is one of them. The skill with which it is executed, the characterisation and vivid description, draws in the reader. The pages turn fast and, like a torrid whirlwind, sweep us into war-torn Europe. It is 1937 and World War II envelops not only civilisation in terror, but the cautious reader of this novel also. Indeed it is here, amidst horrific realism, that repulsion sets in. Treason and Triumph depicts war and its consequences in graphical detail. The realism is alarming; at times, it is almost painful to read. The scenes of mankind's inhumanity to mankind haunt the reader long after the book is closed. I doubt I shall ever forget the scene in which Nazi officers use a Jewish baby as a human football while his parents look on helplessly. This book is not for the faint-hearted. It is, however, for the human-hearted. Treason and Triumph is not merely a story of war and espionage, but of friendship and love also. In the growing friendship between Marla Franklin, an American journalist, and Lady Catherine, a British royal, we trace the plight of humanity, of friendship, beauty, and courage, to transcend the evils of war and hatred. The book itself transcends the evils it depicts, the evils of bigotry, for it awakens its readers' compassion and tolerance. I cannot say that I 'like' Treason and Triumph. But I can say, without doubt, that I respect it. It is a great and poignant work of literature, filled with copious research. Bonnie Toews is a bold writer: she refuses to compromise the truth for the sake of our squeamishness. Reading Treason and Triumph is an experience to remember (though not always a comfortable experience). It stirs the emotions, and churns the stomach; it challenges our complacency as readers. Only the best of novelists succeed in doing this.
Rating:
Summary: Treason & Triumph a Triumph for First-Time Novelist
Review: For those of us whose only knowledge of the struggles endured during World War II comes from the clinical detatchment of academic history books, Bonnie Toews' Treason & Triumph speaks volumes, illustrating this period with both new-found understanding and humanity. For those who have experienced the atrocities of war first-hand, the novel revisits that era with alarming precision and sharpness. This first-time author has given readers a compelling work of fiction which intertwines espionage and romance over a nine-year span in war-torn Europe. Treason & Triumph details the Allies' secret project to stop the Nazis from developing the first atomic bomb, a conspiracy operation called Project Amanita, Laden with surprises and diversions, this genuine page-turner will keep readers guessing through to the very end. Authenticity rings true throughout the novel, and Toews' painstaking research is apparent -- from the gripping description of a Heinkel-111 dogfight to the details of the intricate hierarchy of the Third Reich. Even though both the central characters and plot are ficticious, the novel suspends any feelings of disbelief. It is a carefully-crafted study of realism, yet Toews never lets the reader's knowledge of history and the eventual outcome of the war interfere with the world the characters inhabit. Depth and credibility are added to the plot because it is woven around true-life events, settings and people: the senseless destruction of Kristallnacht, Germany's omnipotent take-over of the Scandinavian countries -- even Churchill surfaces as a minor character. Some of the novel's imagery remains with the reader long after the final page is turned. Especially difficult to shake from memory are the disturbing and graphic descriptions of Nazi-inflicted torture. One image in particular -- that of SS officers brutally using a Jewish infant as a football, as its parents look on helplessly -- warranted a momentary pause from reading. This is not levelled as a criticism; if anything, this chillingly sadistic and potent passage compells readers to reflect and digest -- and stuns them into comprehending the Nazi mentality on a different, deeper level. One of Treason & Triumph's greatest strengths is its emphasis on strong female lead characters. Guerilla journalist Marla and delicate concert pianist Catherine are as caught up in the mayhem as their male counterparts, if not more so. Each suffers her own misery, loss and despair yet draws on inner strength and courage to persevere. Toews explores the peaks and valleys of the human psyche through her twin heroines, who are like one soul split in two. Marla's sensual, defiant and rebellious spirit is a dark contrast to aristocratic Catherine's gentle, lighter nature, though they share common tragedies. Kindred spirits, they are magnetically drawn to each other, nurturing a friendship that is determined to succeed, no matter what challenges it will face. Treason & Triumph runs the whole gamut of emotions -- from grief, fear and anger to hope, passion and joy. The novel is an emotional roller-coaster, leaving readers exhilarated, triumphant and craving another ride. Readers can't help but feel empathetic towards the characters; it is as though they have forged a common bond with them, similar to strangers who have suffered a tragedy together (such as enduring a war). And after all is said and done, and the time comes to move on, there is always the question of what happened to those who were left behind. Let's hope Toews doesn't leave it too long before we find out.
Rating:
Summary: Treason & Triumph a Triumph for First-Time Novelist
Review: For those of us whose only knowledge of the struggles endured during World War II comes from the clinical detatchment of academic history books, Bonnie Toews' Treason & Triumph speaks volumes, illustrating this period with both new-found understanding and humanity. For those who have experienced the atrocities of war first-hand, the novel revisits that era with alarming precision and sharpness.
This first-time author has given readers a compelling work of fiction which intertwines espionage and romance over a nine-year span in war-torn Europe. Treason & Triumph details the Allies' secret project to stop the Nazis from developing the first atomic bomb, a conspiracy operation called Project Amanita, Laden with surprises and diversions, this genuine page-turner will keep readers guessing through to the very end. Authenticity rings true throughout the novel, and Toews' painstaking research is apparent -- from the gripping description of a Heinkel-111 dogfight to the details of the intricate hierarchy of the Third Reich. Even though both the central characters and plot are ficticious, the novel suspends any feelings of disbelief. It is a carefully-crafted study of realism, yet Toews never lets the reader's knowledge of history and the eventual outcome of the war interfere with the world the characters inhabit. Depth and credibility are added to the plot because it is woven around true-life events, settings and people: the senseless destruction of Kristallnacht, Germany's omnipotent take-over of the Scandinavian countries -- even Churchill surfaces as a minor character. Some of the novel's imagery remains with the reader long after the final page is turned. Especially difficult to shake from memory are the disturbing and graphic descriptions of Nazi-inflicted torture. One image in particular -- that of SS officers brutally using a Jewish infant as a football, as its parents look on helplessly -- warranted a momentary pause from reading. This is not levelled as a criticism; if anything, this chillingly sadistic and potent passage compells readers to reflect and digest -- and stuns them into comprehending the Nazi mentality on a different, deeper level. One of Treason & Triumph's greatest strengths is its emphasis on strong female lead characters. Guerilla journalist Marla and delicate concert pianist Catherine are as caught up in the mayhem as their male counterparts, if not more so. Each suffers her own misery, loss and despair yet draws on inner strength and courage to persevere. Toews explores the peaks and valleys of the human psyche through her twin heroines, who are like one soul split in two. Marla's sensual, defiant and rebellious spirit is a dark contrast to aristocratic Catherine's gentle, lighter nature, though they share common tragedies. Kindred spirits, they are magnetically drawn to each other, nurturing a friendship that is determined to succeed, no matter what challenges it will face. Treason & Triumph runs the whole gamut of emotions -- from grief, fear and anger to hope, passion and joy. The novel is an emotional roller-coaster, leaving readers exhilarated, triumphant and craving another ride. Readers can't help but feel empathetic towards the characters; it is as though they have forged a common bond with them, similar to strangers who have suffered a tragedy together (such as enduring a war). And after all is said and done, and the time comes to move on, there is always the question of what happened to those who were left behind. Let's hope Toews doesn't leave it too long before we find out.
Rating: 
Summary: Why is this rated so highly? Are only teens reviewing it?
Review: I admit that I'm only about 80 pages into the book so far, but it reminds me of a Harlequin Bodice Ripper, at least it's written with simpering metaphors like one (I read those when I was 9, but then I grew up).
I've found two glaring spelling and punctuation errors so far, terrible in so few pages. (rings a sparkling on his hands?) a sparkling?? Geez.
I'm tempted to just put it down and go on to another book, but the reviews have been so glowing that I'm wondering if this writer improves later in the book.
I've read many great novels about the Holocaust/WWI era..this definitely isn't going to be one of them.
Rating:
Summary: "Excellent Read!"
Review: I enjoyed writer Toews, "Treason & Triumph," very much. I found her characters very believable, the dialogue interesting, and the plot a real edge of your seat adventure. I would be most happy to recommend Ms. Toews book to anyone in search of an exciting book to cozy up in front of the fireplace with.
John Savoy
Savoy International
Motion Pictures Inc.
Rating:
Summary: "Excellent Read!"
Review: I enjoyed writer Toews, "Treason & Triumph," very much. I found her characters very believable, the dialogue interesting, and the plot a real edge of your seat adventure. I would be most happy to recommend Ms. Toews book to anyone in search of an exciting book to cozy up in front of the fireplace with. John Savoy
Savoy International
Motion Pictures Inc.
Rating: 
Summary: How much disbelief are YOU willing to suspend?
Review: I have very mixed feelings about Treason and Triumph. On the one hand, there are a number of things I liked about this book. On the other hand, the plot pushes credibility to its outer limits. On the plus side, Toews is at her best when she is describing background events. Her account of Kristallnacht is memorable, and I enjoyed the scene in which a Luftwaffe pilot, flying over England with faltering plane, gallantly struggles to keep it in the air long enough to avoid hitting some stately homes. On a smaller scale, her use of powerful metaphors paints many vivid images of people, places, and events. On the minus side, there are just too many convenient coincidences and Tartuffian devices driving the plot. A German SS Colonel is a British spy (you couldn't get into the SS without proving you were a fanatical Nazi). What's more, he has perfect pitch, and is able to pass coded messages by playing the piano. But his persona is dwarfed by Lady Catherine's, whose talents know no bounds. At times, this English rose is nurse, radio operator, secret agent, and nun. And also a famous concert pianist (specialty: Beethoven's Ninth Symphony on the piano; silly me - I thought Beethoven wrote it for full orchestra and chorus). Oh, and yes - she's King George VI's cousin as well. Her best friend is Marla, an American journalist of Jewish descent, who has or wants to have sex with a large proportion of the male characters, including a Gestapo agent charged with torturing her. Both women, while brave, are none too bright. But by a series of amazing coincidences, the characters always conveniently land right in the right place at the right time. It's as if the whole war had been carried out by just a handful of participants in six countries who keep bumping into each other. And as the novel reaches its protracted and belabored conclusion, it spirals in even larger circles of improbability. Many technical terms are sprinkled into the text for a suggestion of verisimilitude. But a three-sentence description of the make, model, serial number, and other attributes of an airplane engine does not historical accuracy make, so be advised that there are errors in the telling of the larger tale (for example, in the book Churchill is said to be still opposing a western front seven months after D-Day). Curiously, in the author's note at the end of the book, the only thing Toews claims to have invented is exploding horse manure; the SOE could have used her - according to "Secret War" by Juliette Pattinson, British secret agents did use exploding horse manure. There is no doubt that Toews has a vivid imagination and the ability to express it, and she is, as the cover of the book says, a master of surprise. So, if you enjoy dramatic scenes and shocking story developments and are not too fussy about whether the plot holds water (or even whether you can follow it), then this could be the book for you.
|
