I’m only 1/4 of the way through, had to pause to tell you how deeply I ADORE this, Allen!!!
As a grandchild who grew up listening to stories of WWll (my favorites being what war rations looked like for my grandmother at the time and the turning point of the 40s) you nailed what it looks and feels like in my mind.
Just read Part 1 so far and I'm completely hooked. Those sentences. "Politeness was often the first disguise of danger."
"Every old German in this part of Argentina had known who he was, even if they pretended not to." Absolutely gripping.
Diving back.
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"“I don’t know what I’m here to do anymore,” he admitted. “At first, I just wanted to know where I came from. But now…”
“Now it’s heavier,” she said." Oh wow. Powerful emotional impact there. I love the way this story unravels.
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Done reading; sorry I couldn't wait to comment. Truly, an outstanding story. Everything - the word choices, emotional impacts, character development, as well as the descriptions of the environment to show the historical components - everything worked for me. Made me think and feel.
This was absolutely riveting. Thank you for sharing it. I have a deep love for stories like this, where historical shadows slip into fiction and stir something visceral. I live in Chile and have visited Argentina a few times, and honestly, almost everyone I’ve spoken to there believes these stories are more than just whispered myths. Some even believe Hitler himself escaped to Argentina. That possibility, chilling as it is, lingers in the air like an unspoken truth.
For me, the untold or half-buried truths of the past make for the richest kind of storytelling. What we choose to forget, what we choose to believe, and the silence that festers in between—those are the spaces where the most meaningful narratives live. I also write in this space, and this story really struck a chord with the kinds of narratives I’m drawn to. They’re emotionally complex, morally fraught, and grounded in the cultural echoes of real history.
Again, thank you for breathing life into this. It’s one of those rare reads that lingers.
Wow, John—thank you so much for this incredibly thoughtful comment. It honestly made my day. I completely agree: there’s something haunting (and strangely magnetic) about those murky spaces where history, rumor, and myth all blur together. The idea that shadows of the past still ripple through the present is exactly what I wanted to capture, so it means a lot to hear it resonated with you.
I knew this would be fantastic and you excelled. You chose an interesting approach by telling the story of an adult trying to validate a childhood memory.
I’m only 1/4 of the way through, had to pause to tell you how deeply I ADORE this, Allen!!!
As a grandchild who grew up listening to stories of WWll (my favorites being what war rations looked like for my grandmother at the time and the turning point of the 40s) you nailed what it looks and feels like in my mind.
That’s so awesome! I’m glad I nailed the emotional tone. I hope you enjoy reading the rest of the story.
Just read Part 1 so far and I'm completely hooked. Those sentences. "Politeness was often the first disguise of danger."
"Every old German in this part of Argentina had known who he was, even if they pretended not to." Absolutely gripping.
Diving back.
---
"“I don’t know what I’m here to do anymore,” he admitted. “At first, I just wanted to know where I came from. But now…”
“Now it’s heavier,” she said." Oh wow. Powerful emotional impact there. I love the way this story unravels.
---
Done reading; sorry I couldn't wait to comment. Truly, an outstanding story. Everything - the word choices, emotional impacts, character development, as well as the descriptions of the environment to show the historical components - everything worked for me. Made me think and feel.
Ah, I can’t tell you how happy this makes me. Thanks for taking the time to write all this out — it means a ton. So glad it made you think and feel.
This was absolutely riveting. Thank you for sharing it. I have a deep love for stories like this, where historical shadows slip into fiction and stir something visceral. I live in Chile and have visited Argentina a few times, and honestly, almost everyone I’ve spoken to there believes these stories are more than just whispered myths. Some even believe Hitler himself escaped to Argentina. That possibility, chilling as it is, lingers in the air like an unspoken truth.
For me, the untold or half-buried truths of the past make for the richest kind of storytelling. What we choose to forget, what we choose to believe, and the silence that festers in between—those are the spaces where the most meaningful narratives live. I also write in this space, and this story really struck a chord with the kinds of narratives I’m drawn to. They’re emotionally complex, morally fraught, and grounded in the cultural echoes of real history.
Again, thank you for breathing life into this. It’s one of those rare reads that lingers.
Kind regards,
John
Wow, John—thank you so much for this incredibly thoughtful comment. It honestly made my day. I completely agree: there’s something haunting (and strangely magnetic) about those murky spaces where history, rumor, and myth all blur together. The idea that shadows of the past still ripple through the present is exactly what I wanted to capture, so it means a lot to hear it resonated with you.
What was that?? 😭😭😭😭
I’m not okay! this might be your best one yet
Wow! Thank you so much! I’m ecstatic that you loved it! 😃 😊🙏 🙏 🙏
I love your descriptions of the scenes. Sparse, yet vivid.
It’s a thought provoking story. While fictional, it reminds us that some pasts should not be buried.
Thank you Ed for reading and your compliment. I’m glad you enjoyed this one.
I just realized today is the anniversary of the Night of the Long Knives. It is chilling to re-read that history in 2025.
Very nice.👍
Thanks Tim. Glad you enjoyed it.
I knew this would be fantastic and you excelled. You chose an interesting approach by telling the story of an adult trying to validate a childhood memory.
Thank you! This was kinda my take on Christopher Nolan—messing with memories and time a bit. So glad it landed for you!
Interesting twist well written
Thank you William. I’m glad you enjoyed it.