Dearest Gunter by Aubrey Reiss Taylor - Book Review
- lynneg1103
- Jun 11
- 2 min read
Aubrey Reiss Taylor delivers a poignant and beautifully crafted tale in Dearest Gunter: A German-Perspective Story of the First World War.
From the opening pages, the depth of character, rich dialogue, and vivid settings pull you into a world torn by war. It’s clear the author did meticulous research, not just on the historical events, but on the emotional and psychological toll of war as well. The result is a story that is both heartbreaking and hopeful.
“My innocence died in the mud back in Cambrai. It’s time for my insecurities to follow a similar fate.” — Gunter Schrader
The above quote captures the heart of this novel. Gunter, who lies about his age to serve his country, is forever changed by what he experiences and survives. His journey is a raw and honest portrayal of a young soldier grappling with trauma, identity, and the impossible task of returning to a normal life in a world that no longer feels familiar.
Taylor masterfully explores the struggles of post-war Germany—where food is scarce, jobs even scarcer, and emotional wounds run deep. The story asks the haunting question: How does one build a normal future after surviving such horror?
While the novel includes battle scenes and tender moments of love, nothing is gratuitous. The focus remains on the inner lives of the characters—their pain, their resilience, and their hope.
This is the kind of book that makes you say “just one more chapter” until it’s suddenly 2 a.m. I couldn’t put it down, and I’m eagerly awaiting the sequel.
Dearest Gunter is available on Amazon.
Angela L. Gold is an encourager who shares the love of Christ through her writing. She is the author of The Lion Within and Kill Shot—recipient of the 2025 Christian Indie Award for Speculative Fiction. If you'd like to read more of her book reviews, sign up for her monthly email list by clicking the "Join Now" button and providing your name and email address.
May the love of Christ embrace you, and may His light shine through you.
