I’ll be the first to admit that most of what I know about WWII I’ve learned from movies and TV. Before you get the wrong idea, let me explain myself. I am an educated person. I always did well in school and paid attention to all my lessons, but that doesn’t mean it all stuck with me throughout the years. Aside from reading the Diary of Anne Frank in high school, I don’t really remember much of those history lessons. I know I was taught the basics of the war, from an obvious allied point of view, because I have a basic knowledge of the matter firmly planted in my brain, but what about all the details.
When it comes to details that’s where film and TV come into play. WWII seems to be a subject that just never grows old. There have been so many fictional and non-fictional accounts of this time in history that it is hard not to be influenced by it all. Not a huge fan of historical fiction, I’ve always relied on these audio-visual media to fulfill my informative and entertainment needs whenever I’ve wanted to delve into the past and tales of WWII, but then I was introduced to an author named M.C.V. Egan.
This author has written a compelling mystery novel that epitomizes the conspiracy and deviousness of the whole WWII issue. Her book, The Bridge of Deaths, actually tells a little known story of a real-life plane crash that occurred just days before the war broke out. Since this month marks the 75th anniversary of the beginning of that war and in keeping with this month-long celebration of awareness, I’m sharing my thoughts on this book and its author. I was asked to share little known facts about history, but that’s not really my area of expertise, but if you know some, I’d love to hear them.
Also, there are some fascinating things happening on this blog tour. Click here to see for yourself…and of course, there’s a giveaway! See below.
See the trailer here:
[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNe9psSjGio&w=320&h=240]
Meet the author:
M.C.V. Egan lives in South Florida. She is fluent in four languages; English, Spanish, French and Swedish. From a young age became determined to solve the ‘mystery’ of her grandfather’s death, she has researched this story for almost two decades. The story has taken her to Denmark, England and unconventional world of psychics. The Bridge of Deaths | 4covert2overt | Is history the agreed upon lie?
Greetings readers, bloggers, geeks, and authors and welcome to The ToiBox of Words. I’m your host Toi Thomas, author of Eternal Curse, and today I’m sharing a special interview with author, Melissa Bowersock, about her fiction book entitled, Fleischerhaus. Enjoy!
image provided by author
Where did the idea for Fleischerhaus come from?
Interestingly enough, I had a friend who once told me she had been touring a concentration camp in Germany and had had a vision (or whatever you want to call it) of people hanging. This idea rolled around in my head for the longest time, but I would add bits and pieces to it from time to time. Finally it got to the point where it was developed enough to begin writing.
How did the title of this book come about?
Fleischerhaus is the name of the small concentration camp where the murder takes place. Fleischer in German means butcher, so basically House of the Butcher.
What genre is this book and why did you choose to make it so?
This book is hard to pigeonhole. Because the main thread of the story is the issue of reincarnation and how the lead character is affected by that, I consider it a paranormal. It’s also suspenseful and has a strong romance, so I include those in its genres, as well.
What would you say is the overall message or the theme of this book?
I find the issue of reincarnation to be infinitely interesting, and since more people in the world believe in it than don’t, I think others will, too. I’m also a hypnotherapist and I specialize in past-life regressions, so I’ve witnessed about 20 of my own past lives and have helped numerous people view their own. It’s a fascinating experience, and viewing our past lives can give us uncommon insight into the challenges and strengths we have in our current life. While this particular book doesn’t focus on the psychological aspect as much as the theme of justice, it will give readers an idea of how lives can intertwine and how actions of the past can be rectified in the present or future.
Tell me about the experience of writing this book; how long did it take.
This book has a checkered past. I had it about half done when I came up against a brick wall. For a while I floundered, not sure where I wanted to go with it, where it needed to go. I finally surrendered to the fact that I needed to put it aside and I began working on another book I’d had an idea for. That book, Stone’s Ghost, quickly took over. I wrote that one, then immediately got an idea for another ghost story, and that book, Burning Through, poured out like a river. After that one was done, then I returned to Fleischerhaus and found that I suddenly knew what direction I needed to go with it, and the rest of it just followed. All of the action takes place in Germany (where I’ve never been), so I did a lot of online research of Bavaria, the towns and countryside, the folk festivals, all of which I intertwine throughout the story.
Tell me about the main storyline within this book.
The book is about a young woman vacationing in Germany following her divorce. Because she had been blindsided by her husband’s infidelity, she is already questioning her own grasp on reality when she tours a small concentration camp and experiences a past-life memory of being murdered in that very camp during the Holocaust.
Who is the protagonist of this story?
The main character is Julia Martin, a 30-year-old elementary school teacher from Southern California. She’s smart, pretty and very capable. When this horrific memory crops up, she is determined to investigate it, even though her friends encourage her to forget it.
Who is the antagonist of this story?
The antagonist is the murderer. While the murder took place in the past life, there’s still a sense of impending danger and a need for justice.
What is the major conflict in this story?
Although it seems crazy, Julia is convinced that her murder in the past life was/is real, and she can’t simply let it slide. She’s driven to ferret out the details of the past life, then to address the crime in a way that gives meaning to the person she used to be.
Where and when is this story taking place?
The story is contemporary, set in 2003, in Bavarian Germany. The area is mostly rural with only small towns, and is a pastoral contrast to the gritty, desolate world of the concentration camp seen in the past life.
Who is your favorite character in this book?
Julia is my favorite, particularly because she doesn’t shy away from this memory or the concept behind it. She doesn’t consider herself particularly strong or brave, but the memory provides a flashpoint where she needs to take a stand, and she steps up to the challenge. I also like her friend, Maggie, who is very grounded and down-to-earth and has a wicked sense of humor.
Are there elements of your personality or life experiences in this book?
As a hypnotherapist, I have conducted past-life regressions numerous times and my own experience goes into that aspect of the story. When Julia undergoes hypnosis to find out more about her past life, the process–although abbreviated in the book–is very real and true to life. For those who have never been hypnotized or might think past lives are a fantasy, I can assure you this is exactly how it happens in real life.
What is one thing from this book you wish was real or could happen to you?
I’ve never experienced a spontaneous past-life memory like Julia does, and I think that would be interesting. I wouldn’t necessarily want one as dramatic as hers, but I’d like to know what it would feel like to have evidence of a past life wash over me.
What is something you wish wasn’t real and hope doesn’t happen to you?
Well, I certainly hope I never get murdered. Although I have encountered murder in one of my past lives, it was by poisoning and was not as dramatic or traumatic as the one in my book. That’s one area I don’t really want to do any true-life research for!
Do you have any special plans for this book in the near or far future?
I’ve got a couple of events coming up where I’ll be featuring the book. In August (after this post is published), I’ll be at an author’s forum in Cottonwood, AZ, and in October I’ll be at the Sedona (AZ) Book Festival. September is my birth month and I always like to give birthday gifts to my readers, so I’ll be running specials throughout the month on various books, including this one. Check out my webpage (www.newmoonrising.net) for more info.
Okay readers, bloggers, geeks, and authors, that’s all for today. Be sure to follow this blog to see who will be visiting next time. To obtain your copy of Fleischerhaus, please visit the links provided.
Maggie and Bill meet by, what would normally seem like, chance. Little do they both know that they are tied to the past in a very unique way. Their connection to the past is not just the past of this book, but the past of WWII. This book tells their story and that of a, still unsolved, plane crash from the summer of 1939.
Let me start off by stating that historical fiction is not my favorite genre, but it’s growing on me. Next let me state that I don’t know if this book truly fits into the category of Historical fiction. This is one of those books that’s simply difficult to categorize. It’s also listed in some places as metaphysical or paranormal fiction, which is also misleading.
Yes there are historical elements to it and it is fiction, but I almost wish there had been more fiction than history to it… but now I’m probably confusing you.
Let’s back up a little and break this book down.
1. Metaphysical/paranormal categorization comes from the presence of and use of psychic readings, practices, and theories along with the presence and experiences of past life regressions. It is through the use of this literary tool that the modern story is tied to the past (the true historical past).
2. Historical fiction categorization for this book seems a little lacking. Aside from the fact that there is a fictional narrative to acompany the action, this is more of a case study or historical investigation. There is so much fact to this story (the footnotes alone are a work of art) that I had trouble reconciling the fiction and the non-fiction.
That’s why I stated earlier that I wish there had been more fiction. I prefer fiction over non-fiction, but in any case, this is a fascinating story about true events. I just wish there had been more narrative.
3. I’m not used to reading this kind of story. I suppose that for those who read crime thrillers or detective stories, this might be an easy read. I was shocked to find myself breaking down and analyzing evidence like a member of a CSI team. In some ways it was thrilling, in others not so much.
4. I wish there had been more time spent on the relationship of Bill and Maggie, and I don’t even care much for romances. I guess the reason I feel this way is because I became attached to them and their story. I guess I just felt like their life together was always going to be overshadowed by these strange events of the past.
I know it may sound like I don’t like this story, but let me assure you that I do. I guess because I like it so much I’m compelled to over analyze it. I’ve never read a story quite like this before and don’t know if I will again. It’s so unique that I’m still trying to process it all now, months after reading it. This book is definitely worth reading.
This book was given to me as a gift from the author.
This review has been posted to GoodReads. If you’d like to obtain a copy of this book, try this link.
Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We assume you agree with this.
If you do not agree, we ask that you read no further or consider deleting your cookies after your visit. Thank you. AcceptRejectRead More
Privacy & Cookies Policy
Privacy Overview
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
Book Title: The Bridge of Deaths
