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Liked It “The year is 1944 in Germany. The Gestapo has recovered from the attempt on Hitler. |
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“The Swiss Courier was only just released a few weeks ago, and there are already a ton of great reviews out all over the web. Based on all the reviews I've seen, I had really high expectations of it, and I was really anxious to read my first book by Tricia Goyer. Even though it was a really great story, there were just too many things that kept bugging me throughout the whole story, and I just can't help but give my honest opinion.
SouthernSassyGirl wrote this review Monday, November 16 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
First of all, the title alone is somewhat misleading. I look at the cover and see a woman along with the book's title, The Swiss Courier. So, I expect that she will be the main character in the book. Well, she wasn't. During the first half to two-thirds of the book, she appears about every 3rd chapter at best. While the rest of the story was good, there's so much other activity going on, and her character almost gets lost in the shuffle. Because of this, I think that's why I didn't connect with her or any of the other characters throughout the story.
Another thing that disappointed me was a portion of Joseph Engel's story. I really enjoyed the beginning of it when I was learning about him, and what he's on the brink of discovering. But then, it just stops abruptly once he's in hiding. It was like I got to meet him for 10 minutes, and then he was gone.
Lastly, I think it would've been a huge help if there had been some sort of glossary enclosed in the book. I don't know the slightest bit of German, not to mention that my knowledge of WWII in general is limited, and can't tell you how many times I was confused along the way. In addition to this, I think it would've helped tremendously to have a "fact or fiction" segment at the end of the story just to establish what was real and what wasn't.
You'd think from all those criticisms that I didn't like the book one bit, but I really did. It is quite evident that there was tons of research that was poured into this book, even down to the plane ride at the end. There were even a few twists and turns that caught me by surprise...so much so that I was practically holding my breath hoping that things would end the right way! Overall, I would have to give it 3 stars--a middle-of-the-road rating because even though it was a good story, there were a lot of things that could've made it better. ”“The year is 1944 in Germany. The Gestapo has recovered from the attempt on Hitler.
Cheryl wrote this review Monday, November 16 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
Joseph Engel is a German physicist. He has been tasked with the role of working on an atomic bomb. Joseph receives a shock. He learns that he was adopted and is really a Jew. Joseph decides to stop working on the bomb and flee Germany for safety to Switzerland.
Gabi Mueller is a Swiss-American. She works for the American Office of Strategic Services. If you asked Gabi what she thought of the war, she may not have much to say. She didn’t pay too much concern, till she was tasked with a important mission. She is asked to escort Mr. Engel out of Germany. This mission will not be a easy one. It will call on all of the strength Gabi can muster.
I have to admit that I was thoroughly amazed at how much I did enjoy this book. The characters were very well-developed. I wasn’t sure that Gabi could handle the task at hand as she was soft spoken. She surprised me in a good way. Kudos goes out to Joseph. Even after learning that he is Jewish, he could have stayed and helped the Germans but he decided to risk his life for freedom. The Swiss Courier is the first novel I have read by either of these authors. They did a good job together. I couldn’t tell when one person ended and the other continued. I plan to check out more books by both Tricia Goyer and Mike Yorkey.
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“Very well written book, fast paced. It kept me up late more than one night.”
Corrie Beth wrote this review Tuesday, November 3 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“I am with Michelle Sutton's Comment on this “I finished The Swiss Courier last night. It was a compelling read with a lot of twists and turns. In many ways the story resembled a pure Goyer novel but this book had a slightly different voice. I enjoyed it, though I think I prefer Goyer's voice when she writes solo. The writing in this novel flowed smoothly, though, so that was well done.
Terri wrote this review Saturday, October 24 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
My review is I really enjoyed this book it remind me of what I was born in Heidelberg Germany.. I never know how the history has been made of in durning world war 2 in Germany.. I think Trica had done wonderfully job on this book"
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“The Swiss Courier by Tricia Goyer & Mike Yorkey is a fast-paced suspense novel of World War II. Gabi Mueller, a Swiss-American living in Switzerland, has been working for the OSS in helping to translate messages from the Germans when she is recruited to use her special abilities at safecracking. She's quickly pulled into a dangerous world of secret identities and risky escapes when she's asked to help rescue Joseph Engel , a German physicist who holds the secret to the Nazi atomic bomb before the Gestapo finds and executes him. The authors make the taut atmosphere of spies come to life where every word may have a double meaning, and you can truly trust no one. I was thrilled with how they avoided all cliched pitfalls of suspense novels making it fresh and enjoyable. There is literally no time to breathe as the rescuers race from sabotage, gunfire, and betrayal; I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. I hope that these authors pair up again soon!”
clockstein wrote this review Saturday, October 24 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“I finished The Swiss Courier last night. It was a compelling read with a lot of twists and turns. In many ways the story resembled a pure Goyer novel but this book had a slightly different voice. I enjoyed it, though I think I prefer Goyer's voice when she writes solo. The writing in this novel flowed smoothly, though, so that was well done.
MichelleSutton wrote this review Wednesday, October 21 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
There were so many situations that seemed impossible to escape from, so the tension kept building. I also learned stuff about physics that I didn't know like the whole issue of nuclear fission and the experiments that went with trying to split the atom. I learned about how the Swiss Government felt about the war and how they managed to stay neutral for the most part. I also never realized that some Swiss citizens entered Germany to work every day. I was educated a bit about old WWII planes and other details--I found that all very fascinating. Those were tough times, no doubt. And the double cross situations were rampant. Who could you trust when everyone was trying to stay on the Nazi's good side so they would avoid being sent to the camps?
The romantic element was nice, though not as strong as I like, but it didn't detract from my enjoyment of the story. I didn't know who she would choose until late in the book, so that was pretty cool. I always enjoy the surprise element in a story and the discovery of new things as you read along. If there is a sequel to this book, I'm definitely getting it. I'd recommend this story to people who love WWII era fiction and who want to learn something not commonly covered in the WWII novels currently on the shelves.
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“This story takes place in Europe, 1944. The Gestapo is mercilessly rounding up suspected enemies of the Third Reich. Bruno Kassler, the fast-rising head of the Gestapo Regional Headquarters in Heidelberg, Germany, discovers a secret about one of the scientists working to create the atomic bomb. Physicist Joseph Engel was born a Jew and adopted by Christian parents at birth. Kassler is convinced that Engel is a spy and that his discovery will earn Kassler a great promotion.
Jill Williamson wrote this review Wednesday, October 14 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
Gabi Mueller is a young Swiss woman working for the forerunner to the CIA. She has a great talent for breaking into safes that impress her employers. She is asked to take on a special mission to escort Joseph Engel out of Germany before the Gestapo can catch him. The Americans believe that Engel is the key to Germany’s development of this super weapon. If they can get Engel out of Germany, his wisdom will be of great use to the United States and the Allied forces.
There is something fascinating and heroic about the stories from this historical period. Tricia Goyer and Mike Yorkey have added to that list. Each character hooked me into their world and agenda. I couldn’t wait to see how all the threads would weave together. The Swiss Courier is a unique look at the front lines of World War II and what everyday people sacrificed to stand up against the evil surrounding them. Everyday farmers, shopkeepers, and soldiers alike risked their lives to do what was right. This was an unexpected and thrilling adventure. I highly recommend this book for readers ages 16 and up.
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““The Swiss Courier” by Tricia Goyer and Mike Yorkey is serious dramatic suspense. This tale picks up during the World War II era right after the punishment of those involved in the attempt to assassinate Adolf Hitler in his bunker. For you movie fanatics, this is where the film “Valkyrie” ends. In fact, I became so wrapped up in the intrigue, that I had to keep flipping to the back cover to verify that the genre was, in fact, fiction!
Stacey D wrote this review Wednesday, October 14 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
I am always impressed when a pair of authors come together to write a novel. I have no idea how they do it! This book is clearly one voice with great depth, an intricate plot and well-developed characters. It is destined to become a greatly discussed thriller with a deep Christian message.”
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