Helpful Score: 3
Surprisingly touching. Those with a fondness for alternate stories of WWII, those that concern things other than Pearl Harbor or the Holocaust, will find this interesting, with mostly well-developed characters and a current of mystery running throughout.
Helpful Score: 3
I discovered what the buffalo soldiers were about in the war and this tender story touched my heart.
Helpful Score: 1
I though the book looked good, and told my highschool son(who I am having a hard time to get to read lately) to at least read the first chapter, and he was hooked, and didn't put it down until he read the whole book. There is some offensive language, but that is how they talked.
From the inside Jacket: Inspired by a historical incident that took place in the village of St. Anna di Stazzema in Tuscany and by the experiences of the famed Buffalo Soldiers of the 92cd Division in Italy during World War II, Miracle at St. Anna is a singular evocation of war, cruelty, passion, heroism, and love. It is the story of four American soldiers, the villagers among whom they take refuge, a band of partisans, and an Italian boy, all of whom encounter a miracle_though perhaps the true miracle lies in themselves.
Traversing class, race and geography, Miracle at St. Anna is above all a hymn to the brotherhood of man and the power to do good that lives in each of us. IT reveals a little-known but fascinating moment in history through the eyes and imagination of a gifted writer. Like The Color of Water, James McBride's stunning first novel will change the way we perceive ourselves and the world.
From the inside Jacket: Inspired by a historical incident that took place in the village of St. Anna di Stazzema in Tuscany and by the experiences of the famed Buffalo Soldiers of the 92cd Division in Italy during World War II, Miracle at St. Anna is a singular evocation of war, cruelty, passion, heroism, and love. It is the story of four American soldiers, the villagers among whom they take refuge, a band of partisans, and an Italian boy, all of whom encounter a miracle_though perhaps the true miracle lies in themselves.
Traversing class, race and geography, Miracle at St. Anna is above all a hymn to the brotherhood of man and the power to do good that lives in each of us. IT reveals a little-known but fascinating moment in history through the eyes and imagination of a gifted writer. Like The Color of Water, James McBride's stunning first novel will change the way we perceive ourselves and the world.
Helpful Score: 1
Moving and touching World War II novel.
Helpful Score: 1
Amazing read - would strongly encourage anyone with an interest in WWII to read.
Helpful Score: 1
This book will most definitely be on my 2009 Top Ten and more likely in the top 5. James McBride is a fantastic writer. I not only felt that I was at St. Anna's, I knew each of the characters on an intimate basis.
If you are looking for a sappy story that glorifies war and soldiers, this is not it. Neither is it blood and gore. It is the story of four Buffalo Soldiers from the army's Negro 92nd Division who spend eleven days during World War II behind enemy lines in the Tuscan village of St. Anna di Stazzema. It is here that they learn about themselves, the villagers, the meaning of war, and the meaning of life. And helping them along the way is a seven year old mute orphaned boy.
If I had a keeper shelf, this would be on it! Five stars!!
If you are looking for a sappy story that glorifies war and soldiers, this is not it. Neither is it blood and gore. It is the story of four Buffalo Soldiers from the army's Negro 92nd Division who spend eleven days during World War II behind enemy lines in the Tuscan village of St. Anna di Stazzema. It is here that they learn about themselves, the villagers, the meaning of war, and the meaning of life. And helping them along the way is a seven year old mute orphaned boy.
If I had a keeper shelf, this would be on it! Five stars!!
I enjoyed this story so much. I really did not know where it was going to lead, but it kept me reading. The end was bitter sweet but a miracle indeed. I normally do not read alot about wars and soldiers but I encourage others to enjoy it as I did.
Based on a true story I really enjoyed this war story set in Italy.
I actually could not get into it. I think I expected something different At any rate I couldn't get a handle on it I hate to write a review like this, someone else may really like it. So keep an open mind , make your own judgement.
I read the first 50 pages, did not like it, and tossed it into the recycle bin.
Enjoyed the movie, Loved the book!
