Books
LEAVING FATHERLAND
Oskar Bachmann always imagined that giving his first lecture would be the defining moment of his life.
It was, but not in the way he expected…
Growing up a misfit in Nazi Germany, a victim of his father’s beatings, Oskar’s love of books is a constant comfort in a world turned upside-down by violence.
As a student, as a pilot in the brutal Luftwaffe during the Second World War, in an unhappy marriage to an English bride, he finds himself returning over and over to the circumstances of his childhood. What was the source and cause of his father’s abuse? Could there have been more to it than he had once believed?
Little did Oskar know that his first lecture at the University of Tübingen would ultimately lead to the end of a lifetime of searching… and finally reveal the figure who had been controlling his life from a distance.
PRAISE FOR LEAVING FATHERLAND
“Graydon’s haunting, thought-provoking narrative makes for an immersive, memorable and cinematic read.”
“A heart-told story which kept me bound to it right to the last page and well beyond. Leaving Fatherland is beautiful, combining a grand scale story with an intimate portrayal of our human frailty.”
“Graydon portrays iconic historical events with a delicate touch to create a compelling depiction of a family divided by the tragedy of the 1930s.”
“A cleverly researched and poignantly told tale with a fascinating angle on WW2 that will provoke and intrigue readers right to the end.”
“A moving family story that draws you in leaving you wanting more. Well-crafted and intriguing.”
“Oskar Bachmann searches for answers about his violent father, his story taking us deep into the dark years of National Socialism and the Second World War. A life, accompanied by entanglements and guilt as well as a deep love for books, excitingly told right up to its surprising conclusion.”
“The historical context is excellent – well researched with impressive topographical, cultural and military details of the area and times in 1930s and wartime Germany.”
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MAP OF LEAVING FATHERLAND
Watch a video of Laura Hallet creating the map
PRAISE FOR MATT GRAYDON’S WRITING
These were all comments made on Matt’s Saigo No Tatakai short story
“Sometimes a piece of writing stands out from the rest. What a moving piece this was, easily deserving of first place. Nothing came close.”
“The descriptions of place actually took me there and the use of two POVs worked very well. Very thought-provoking.”
“I enjoyed the two points of view; the tension was palpable and pacing excellent.”
“Saigo No Tatakai strongly evokes the futility and horror of war.”