Helpful Score: 3
The Swiss Courier was only just released a few weeks ago, and there are already a ton of great reviews out all over the web. Based on all the reviews I've seen, I had really high expectations of it, and I was really anxious to read my first book by Tricia Goyer. Even though it was a really great story, there were just too many things that kept bugging me throughout the whole story, and I just can't help but give my honest opinion.
First of all, the title alone is somewhat misleading. I look at the cover and see a woman along with the book's title, The Swiss Courier. So, I expect that she will be the main character in the book. Well, she wasn't. During the first half to two-thirds of the book, she appears about every 3rd chapter at best. While the rest of the story was good, there's so much other activity going on, and her character almost gets lost in the shuffle. Because of this, I think that's why I didn't connect with her or any of the other characters throughout the story.
Another thing that disappointed me was a portion of Joseph Engel's story. I really enjoyed the beginning of it when I was learning about him, and what he's on the brink of discovering. But then, it just stops abruptly once he's in hiding. It was like I got to meet him for 10 minutes, and then he was gone.
Lastly, I think it would've been a huge help if there had been some sort of glossary enclosed in the book. I don't know the slightest bit of German, not to mention that my knowledge of WWII in general is limited, and can't tell you how many times I was confused along the way. In addition to this, I think it would've helped tremendously to have a "fact or fiction" segment at the end of the story just to establish what was real and what wasn't.
You'd think from all those criticisms that I didn't like the book one bit, but I really did. It is quite evident that there was tons of research that was poured into this book, even down to the plane ride at the end. There were even a few twists and turns that caught me by surprise...so much so that I was practically holding my breath hoping that things would end the right way! Overall, I would have to give it 3 stars--a middle-of-the-road rating because even though it was a good story, there were a lot of things that could've made it better.
First of all, the title alone is somewhat misleading. I look at the cover and see a woman along with the book's title, The Swiss Courier. So, I expect that she will be the main character in the book. Well, she wasn't. During the first half to two-thirds of the book, she appears about every 3rd chapter at best. While the rest of the story was good, there's so much other activity going on, and her character almost gets lost in the shuffle. Because of this, I think that's why I didn't connect with her or any of the other characters throughout the story.
Another thing that disappointed me was a portion of Joseph Engel's story. I really enjoyed the beginning of it when I was learning about him, and what he's on the brink of discovering. But then, it just stops abruptly once he's in hiding. It was like I got to meet him for 10 minutes, and then he was gone.
Lastly, I think it would've been a huge help if there had been some sort of glossary enclosed in the book. I don't know the slightest bit of German, not to mention that my knowledge of WWII in general is limited, and can't tell you how many times I was confused along the way. In addition to this, I think it would've helped tremendously to have a "fact or fiction" segment at the end of the story just to establish what was real and what wasn't.
You'd think from all those criticisms that I didn't like the book one bit, but I really did. It is quite evident that there was tons of research that was poured into this book, even down to the plane ride at the end. There were even a few twists and turns that caught me by surprise...so much so that I was practically holding my breath hoping that things would end the right way! Overall, I would have to give it 3 stars--a middle-of-the-road rating because even though it was a good story, there were a lot of things that could've made it better.
The Swiss Courier was a great change of pace from the Amish and mail-order bride books Ive been reading lately.
Coauthors Tricia Goyer and Mike Yorkey delivered just what I was expecting and also what I wasnt! I loved it!
The Swiss Courier was a true heart-pounding page-turner. Right up until the epilogue, I was surprised! HmmmI think hes on that side! and then, Oh, and hes on that side?! and, Hes who?!! :-)
The Swiss Courier tells the story of Gabi Mueller, a young Swiss American, who is working with the Americans on undercover war secrets. After a couple of frightening assignments, Gabi is asked to help courier an important scientist out of Germany.
The ingenuity and courage of those who placed their lives on the line to do what was right made for a very exciting story. Once I picked up The Swiss Courier, I had a hard time putting it down. I found my nose in the book late into the night because its hard to stop reading in the middle of an escape attempt! Its also hard to fall asleep after your blood pressure has been raised a few notches! Ha!
If, unlike me, you havent been watching Hogans Heroes reruns recently, you may get a little overwhelmed with all the jawohl, uberreichkommandantfuhrerstrasse! terms that are smattered throughout the book! But, for the most part, I was able to understand what was being saidand remember, theres always google to help you out! :-)
Two complaints: at the end of chapter 2, I felt that the Lords name was used in vain and that greatly disappointed me. And, in the epilogue, the main characters are getting ready to drink wine. Again, very disappointed that this would be in a Christian book? Both of those subjects could have been left outneither added anything (but compromise) to the story and would not have taken anything away if not mentioned.
If you like action and intrigue, you should find yourself a copy of The Swiss Courier.
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Check out more book reviews on my blog: thecreativesideofsteph DOT blogspot DOT com
Coauthors Tricia Goyer and Mike Yorkey delivered just what I was expecting and also what I wasnt! I loved it!
The Swiss Courier was a true heart-pounding page-turner. Right up until the epilogue, I was surprised! HmmmI think hes on that side! and then, Oh, and hes on that side?! and, Hes who?!! :-)
The Swiss Courier tells the story of Gabi Mueller, a young Swiss American, who is working with the Americans on undercover war secrets. After a couple of frightening assignments, Gabi is asked to help courier an important scientist out of Germany.
The ingenuity and courage of those who placed their lives on the line to do what was right made for a very exciting story. Once I picked up The Swiss Courier, I had a hard time putting it down. I found my nose in the book late into the night because its hard to stop reading in the middle of an escape attempt! Its also hard to fall asleep after your blood pressure has been raised a few notches! Ha!
If, unlike me, you havent been watching Hogans Heroes reruns recently, you may get a little overwhelmed with all the jawohl, uberreichkommandantfuhrerstrasse! terms that are smattered throughout the book! But, for the most part, I was able to understand what was being saidand remember, theres always google to help you out! :-)
Two complaints: at the end of chapter 2, I felt that the Lords name was used in vain and that greatly disappointed me. And, in the epilogue, the main characters are getting ready to drink wine. Again, very disappointed that this would be in a Christian book? Both of those subjects could have been left outneither added anything (but compromise) to the story and would not have taken anything away if not mentioned.
If you like action and intrigue, you should find yourself a copy of The Swiss Courier.
********************
Check out more book reviews on my blog: thecreativesideofsteph DOT blogspot DOT com
An intriguing stand alone novel by a great new Christian Fiction author. If intrigue and espionage are on your agenda, this is a terrific choice...along with love, of course. I would reread this just for the history, but love it for the story.
The story about a young lady who works for the OSS (the forerunner of the CIA) in Switzerland. She is called upon to help out with missions which turn out to be not what she quite expected. This is a pageturner book. It was very hard to put down. I would read more from these two authors.
