Alan Hlad’s A Light Beyond the Trenches offers a unique and deeply moving perspective on World War I, told from the German side—a refreshing change from the usual focus on the Allies. This novel gives a vivid portrayal of the horrors of war, but what struck me most was how the author focused on the resilience of people and their partnerships with dogs, and how these bonds changed lives in the most unexpected ways. The story centers around Anna Zeller, a German Red Cross nurse, and Max Benesch, a Jewish soldier blinded by the brutal effects of chlorine gas—a terrifying reminder of the chemical weapons that wreaked havoc during the war. […]