A Daunting, Yet Rewarding WWII Epic

I’ve had an advance reader copy of For Malice and Mercy for a couple of years but procrastinated because of its length (575 pages). I finally read it and am glad I did.

The novel tells the story of Karl and Marta Meyer, who immigrated to America from Germany for the freedom to practice their Mormon religion. But when America enters WWII, the FBI arrests the Meyers as spies. After stripping them of their citizenship, rights, and livelihood, the US government sends them to a German/Japanese internment camp, and then eventually deports them to war-torn Germany.

Their son Hank joins the US Army Air Corps, and after being shot down, faces brutal conditions in a POW camp. Their daughter becomes a Women Airforce Service Pilot (WASP) and ferries aircraft around the country.

Inspired by true events, this meticulously researched book sheds light on the lesser-known persecution of German Americans. The Meyer family’s strength and forgiveness are remarkable.

For Malice and Mercy offers unique perspectives on WWII. The chapter notes, while convenient, were sometimes lengthy and disruptive. Incidentally, the book minimizes the role of religion, despite the importance of faith in the Meyers family.

It is an amazing book, but the author may have tackled too much. He could have written it as a duology (2-book series) and been miles ahead. 4 stars.

** Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a review copy. The opinions are my own.

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