The Last Green Valley
By: Mark Sullivan
My Rating: FIVE out of FIVE Stars
Best for: 16 and up

A story of hope, love and resilience of the face of War

It’s another One Man Book Club Book Review! This time, Dan from One Man Book Club reviews The Last Green Valley by Mark Sullivan! Best for ages 16 and up. Get your copy here: The Last Green Valley

Mark Sullivan strikes again. If you haven’t read Beneath a Scarlet Sky or All the Glimmering Stars you are doing yourself a disservice. Oh, and The Last Green Valley. Read that one, too.

Here’s why:

The Last Green Valley is a historical fiction novel based on a true story. It follows the Martel family as they flee Ukraine during World War II. With Stalin’s forces advancing from the east and the Nazis pushing from the west, the Martels are caught in the crossfire. They are an ethnic German family who has lived in Ukraine for generations, but now they must make an impossible choice: stay and risk being sent to Siberia by the Soviets, or flee with the Nazis, who have promised to protect “pure-blood” Germans.

The Martels choose to flee with the Nazis, and their journey is…perilous? Horrible? Tragic? Heartbreaking? Yep. They face starvation, disease, and the constant threat of violence. But through it all, they are sustained by their love for each other and their faith.

Mark Sullivan does a masterful job of bringing this story to life. He paints a vivid picture of the horrors of war, but he also shows the resilience of the human spirit. The Last Green Valley is a powerful and moving story that I’m still thinking about weeks later.

What did I like about the book?

Based on a true story: I always find it fascinating to read books that are based on true stories. It makes the story feel more real and meaningful, and Mark Sullivan is an expert at this. Make sure you read preface and postscripts. The fact that these events (while dramatized) actually happened is incredible.
Compelling characters: The Martels are a relatable and sympathetic family. I found myself rooting for them to survive.
Vivid descriptions: Sullivan does a great job of describing the setting and the events of the story. I felt like I was right there with the Martels on their journey.
Exploration of faith: The book explores the role of faith in the face of adversity. This is a theme that I found to be very thought-provoking.

What didn’t I like about the book?

Slow pacing: The book is a bit slow-paced at times.
Some graphic violence: The book contains some graphic violence, which may be disturbing to some readers.

The Last Green Valley is for readers who are interested in historical fiction, World War II, or stories of survival. It is a powerful and moving story that’s going to stick with you. Because of the strong violence and harrowing situations, this Dad says this book is best for 16 and up.

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