Ashleigh Reads Books Reading is my first love, writing my second. Here I combine the two.

I have recently taken a break from reading Historical Fiction, but it is a genre I will always go back to time and time again. I love being transported to another time and learning about the way people lived and viewed the world.

“Clouds Across the Sun”, by Ellen Brazer, was the perfect novel to draw me out of my Historical Fiction retirement. Set in post-WWII, Brazer explores what became of reprieved Nazi extremists who were allowed to emigrate to America in exchange for information about the Russians.

Determined to hold true to Herr Hitler’s doctrines, Hans Wells, with the help of his brother-in-law, Otto, plan to take over the US government through puppeteering his daughter, Jotto.

Fast-paced and action-packed, “Clouds Across the Sun” is difficult to put down. I picked it up, intending to read the first chapter, and did not stop until I realised I was up to chapter 8. I had to stop - work beckoned - but it was difficult to walk away.

Crunch time at work and I could not continue with Brazer’s novel. I became frustrated, wondering what was to become of beautiful, indoctrinated Jotto. Would she be able to escape the sins of the father, or is she trapped forever in the soul-sapping universe that is her life?

At times this novel can be confronting, and the rapid jump in time frame can take a bit of getting used to. That being said, Brazer has created a character in Jotto that the reader can truly care about. Her story is heart-breaking and I kept my fingers crossed for a happy ending throughout the entire novel.

“Clouds Across the Sun” is a unique story and cleverly told. It is well worth the read, especially if you are craving something different.

Get Ellen Brazer’s novel “Clouds Across the Sun” from www.smashwords.com › Fiction › Drama › American or go to http://www.ellenbrazer.com/ for more information.

by Ash Oldfield