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Close to the Sun
Close to the Sun follows the lives of fighter pilots during the Second World War. As a boy, Hank Milroy from Wyoming idealized the gallant exploits of WWI fighter aces. Karl, Fürst von Pfalz-Teuffelreich, aspires to surpass his father’s 49 Luftsiegen. Seth Braham falls in love with flying during an air show at San Francisco’s Chrissy Field.
The young men encounter friends, rivals, and exceptional women. Braxton Mobley, the hotshot, wants to outscore every man in the air force. Texas tomboy Catherine “Winty” McCabe is as good a flyer as any man. Princess Maria-Xenia, a stateless White Russian, works for the Abwehr, German Intelligence. Elfriede Wohlman is a frontline nurse with a dangerous secret. Miriam Keramopoulos is the girl from Brooklyn with a voice that will take her places.
Once the United States enter the war, Hank, Brax, and Seth experience the exhilaration of aerial combat and acedom during the unromantic reality of combat losses, tedious bomber escort, strafing runs, and the firebombing of entire cities. As one of the hated aristocrats, Karl is in as much danger from Nazis as he is from enemy fighter pilots, as he and his colleagues desperately try to stem the overwhelming tide as the war turns against Germany. Callous political decisions, disastrous mistakes, and horrific atrocities they witness at the end of WWII put a dark spin on all their dreams of glory.
The young men encounter friends, rivals, and exceptional women. Braxton Mobley, the hotshot, wants to outscore every man in the air force. Texas tomboy Catherine “Winty” McCabe is as good a flyer as any man. Princess Maria-Xenia, a stateless White Russian, works for the Abwehr, German Intelligence. Elfriede Wohlman is a frontline nurse with a dangerous secret. Miriam Keramopoulos is the girl from Brooklyn with a voice that will take her places.
Once the United States enter the war, Hank, Brax, and Seth experience the exhilaration of aerial combat and acedom during the unromantic reality of combat losses, tedious bomber escort, strafing runs, and the firebombing of entire cities. As one of the hated aristocrats, Karl is in as much danger from Nazis as he is from enemy fighter pilots, as he and his colleagues desperately try to stem the overwhelming tide as the war turns against Germany. Callous political decisions, disastrous mistakes, and horrific atrocities they witness at the end of WWII put a dark spin on all their dreams of glory.
- GenresHistorical
404 pages, ebook
First published June 14, 2014
22 people want to read
About the author
Donald Michael Platt
7 books55 followersBorn and raised inside San Francisco, I graduated from Lowell High School and received my B.A. in History from the University of California at Berkeley. After two years in the Army, I went to graduate school at San Jose State where one of my short stories was published in the college’s literary magazine, THE REED, and I won a bathch of awards in the annual SENATOR PHELAN LITERARY CONTEST.
After teaching English and Creative writing at Los Gatos Union High School, I moved to southern California and began my professional writing career. I sold to the TV series, MR. NOVAK, ghosted YOUR HAIR AND YOUR DIET for health food guru, Dan Dale Alexander, and wrote for and with diverse producers, among them as Harry Joe Brown, Sig Schlager, Albert J. Cohen, and Al Ruddy as well as Paul Stader Sr., dean of Hollywood stuntman and stunt/2nd unit director. Also, options were taken on my unpublished WWII fighter ace novel and several treatments.
While living in Hollywood, I taught creative writing and Advanced placement European History at Fairfax High School where I also was Social Studies Department Chairman. After living in Florianópolis, Brazil, setting of A GATHERING OF VULTURES,* DarkHart Press, 2007,we moved to Florida where I wrote as a with: VITAMIN ENRICHED, pub.1999, for Carl DeSantis, founder of Rexall Sundown Vitamins; and THE COUPLE’S DISEASE, Finding a Cure for Your "Lost" Love Life, pub. 2002, for Lawrence S. Hakim, MD, FACS, Head of Sexual Dysfunction Unit at the Cleveland Clinic.
My other four novels are ROCAMORA,* set in 17th century Spain and Amsterdam during their Golden Ages, it's sequel
HOUSE OF ROCAMORA, CLOSE TO THE SUN,* a WWII fighter ace novel, and BODO THE APOSTATE, an Editor's Choice for the Historical Review. Those with a * have been FINALISTS in Book Awards Contests.
After teaching English and Creative writing at Los Gatos Union High School, I moved to southern California and began my professional writing career. I sold to the TV series, MR. NOVAK, ghosted YOUR HAIR AND YOUR DIET for health food guru, Dan Dale Alexander, and wrote for and with diverse producers, among them as Harry Joe Brown, Sig Schlager, Albert J. Cohen, and Al Ruddy as well as Paul Stader Sr., dean of Hollywood stuntman and stunt/2nd unit director. Also, options were taken on my unpublished WWII fighter ace novel and several treatments.
While living in Hollywood, I taught creative writing and Advanced placement European History at Fairfax High School where I also was Social Studies Department Chairman. After living in Florianópolis, Brazil, setting of A GATHERING OF VULTURES,* DarkHart Press, 2007,we moved to Florida where I wrote as a with: VITAMIN ENRICHED, pub.1999, for Carl DeSantis, founder of Rexall Sundown Vitamins; and THE COUPLE’S DISEASE, Finding a Cure for Your "Lost" Love Life, pub. 2002, for Lawrence S. Hakim, MD, FACS, Head of Sexual Dysfunction Unit at the Cleveland Clinic.
My other four novels are ROCAMORA,* set in 17th century Spain and Amsterdam during their Golden Ages, it's sequel
HOUSE OF ROCAMORA, CLOSE TO THE SUN,* a WWII fighter ace novel, and BODO THE APOSTATE, an Editor's Choice for the Historical Review. Those with a * have been FINALISTS in Book Awards Contests.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
July 23, 2014
I was offered to be able to pre-review Donald Michael Platt’s Close to the Sun and I jumped at the chance, with my love of the history of anything to do with flight or fighter planes I had high hopes. This book certainly soared for me! It's an amazing story told from the perspective of average male fighter pilots in the onset and during WWII, juxtaposing between various men from many sides of the war. He makes one remember that the lives, desires, and pursuits of these enlisted men had almost nothing to do with the plan of their governments and as well that they really weren’t all that different from each other in many regards.
The details in this novel were spectacular, creating imagery and depth in the scenes and characters, as well as the dialogue being so nostalgic and well-written it felt right out of a 1950’s film. The romantic nuances of his storytelling felt incredibly authentic with the tug and pull of the men being called to serve and the women whom they loved who had their own high hopes, dreams, or work. I loved how he portrayed these women the most—strongly and fiercely independent.
Throughout his book, Platt also shows the differences in the lives of people during the war based on what country they were living in, for instance, in moving between them with new chapters, he highlighted what they were, or weren’t due to rations, eating, smoking, drinking, etc.
I’ve read several other books by Platt, and this is the best one I’ve read yet! I couldn’t stop reading. Though there are lots of technical details sprinkled into the book, it never weighed down the story.
As the battles of war raged on, he did a marvelous job showcasing his male characters love of flight above all things, as when they soared in the clouds like eagles, all other cares ceased to exist. He’s written a lasting legacy to many pilots on all fronts that served during this time.
As an Air Force brat myself, with fond memories of the flight line as a child, and an affinity for flight, I truly feel he captured the essence of the obsession of flying and made you feel the euphoria and drive of those pursuing this dream. I felt a bit like I was watching another version of "Top Gun" at first and then I enjoyed how he utilized the backdrop of WWII, in which he shows that for some men it was mostly all about the pursuit of flying and making flying records, though they are always patriotic as well and learn the dark side of flying in war.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who has a penchant for WWII historical and/or aviation novels, yet would like to read a fresh and original story.
* I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The details in this novel were spectacular, creating imagery and depth in the scenes and characters, as well as the dialogue being so nostalgic and well-written it felt right out of a 1950’s film. The romantic nuances of his storytelling felt incredibly authentic with the tug and pull of the men being called to serve and the women whom they loved who had their own high hopes, dreams, or work. I loved how he portrayed these women the most—strongly and fiercely independent.
Throughout his book, Platt also shows the differences in the lives of people during the war based on what country they were living in, for instance, in moving between them with new chapters, he highlighted what they were, or weren’t due to rations, eating, smoking, drinking, etc.
I’ve read several other books by Platt, and this is the best one I’ve read yet! I couldn’t stop reading. Though there are lots of technical details sprinkled into the book, it never weighed down the story.
As the battles of war raged on, he did a marvelous job showcasing his male characters love of flight above all things, as when they soared in the clouds like eagles, all other cares ceased to exist. He’s written a lasting legacy to many pilots on all fronts that served during this time.
As an Air Force brat myself, with fond memories of the flight line as a child, and an affinity for flight, I truly feel he captured the essence of the obsession of flying and made you feel the euphoria and drive of those pursuing this dream. I felt a bit like I was watching another version of "Top Gun" at first and then I enjoyed how he utilized the backdrop of WWII, in which he shows that for some men it was mostly all about the pursuit of flying and making flying records, though they are always patriotic as well and learn the dark side of flying in war.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who has a penchant for WWII historical and/or aviation novels, yet would like to read a fresh and original story.
* I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 22, 2014
Donald Platt's Close To The Sun, is nothing short of Historical Fiction gold. Set against the bleak and bloody backdrop of WWII. This novel introduces readers to three young men sharing one dream. To be the best, to rule the skies as only pilots can...as an Ace!
The Prince - Karl is a man haunted by many ghosts. Chasing the military legacy left to him by his royal ancestry, living the lie of a loveless marriage, and forced to fight under the tyrannical leadership of Hitler and the Third Reich; Karl is only able to find solace and sanity among the clouds.
The Cowboy - Hank wants nothing more than to soar through the wide expanse above, like the majestic falcons that inspired him as a boy. Though Hank has the talent and ambition necessary to make his lofty dreams a reality; he soon finds himself stalled by military pecking orders and bureaucracy.
The College Boy - Seth is an idealist. With stars in his eyes and the songs of his "Lady Gershwin" in his heart, Seth is sure that he will attain the glory of his dreams, and return home the "conquering hero". When boyhood dreams of glory meet the difficult realities of pain, death and loss...Can Seth accept the fact that the road to victory is often a bloody one?
While this book is militaristic in nature; its author has gone to great pains to make said militarism accessible to civilian audiences. Rather than a collection of battle names, dates, and statistics; readers are given battle stories. Thereby providing the names, faces, and feelings needed to bring these battles to life.
In addition to the battles of war, Close To The Sun is also able to supply readers with a great deal emotional and psychological drama.
Platt writes characters who, while striving for perfection in their careers, are unafraid to be flawed in their personal lives.
It is these "peeks beneath the armor" of these great men that often steal the spotlight of the read, becoming focal points in the plot.
Platt's flair for emotionally provocative storytelling makes this book attractive to both male and female readers. Seamlessly weaving the threads of action and feeling into a brilliant tableau of humanity.
This is a masterfully penned tale of war, ambition, love, loss, and ACES!
July 1, 2014
ARC received from Historical Fiction Virtual Tour for an honest review.
Close to the Sun by Donald Platt
Anytime I read about service man and woman I feel humbled. Their commitment, courage and strength never fail to astound me. Donald Platt’s “Close to the Sun” was no exception. There were many details about the life of WWI fighter pilots. I loved learning about Hank Milroy, Karl, Fürst von Pfalz-Teuffelreich and Seth Braham. I thought that the author was really able to capture their uniqueness and their combined passion for flying as pilots during such an intense time in U.S. history. I have to confess that my favorite was Catherine “Winty” McCabe. I loved that the author included her in this story. Women were definitely not considered when it came to become pilots but Winty really pushed the limits and played by her own rules. Princess Maria-Xenia, Elfriede “Elfie” Wohlmann and Mimi Kay all added a female voice and experience during this time period. The author really developed each of these characters and their individual stories became part of one big story. Platt’s writing was engaging and very technical. Although I knew next to nothing about fighter pilots after reading Close to the Sun, I felt more knowledgeable. I highly recommend this book for anyone that enjoys learning about WWI, fighter pilots, or is just looking for a cast of great characters. The harshness of war is never pleasant and I commend Platt for giving a voice to such a trying time in U.S. history.
Close to the Sun by Donald Platt
Anytime I read about service man and woman I feel humbled. Their commitment, courage and strength never fail to astound me. Donald Platt’s “Close to the Sun” was no exception. There were many details about the life of WWI fighter pilots. I loved learning about Hank Milroy, Karl, Fürst von Pfalz-Teuffelreich and Seth Braham. I thought that the author was really able to capture their uniqueness and their combined passion for flying as pilots during such an intense time in U.S. history. I have to confess that my favorite was Catherine “Winty” McCabe. I loved that the author included her in this story. Women were definitely not considered when it came to become pilots but Winty really pushed the limits and played by her own rules. Princess Maria-Xenia, Elfriede “Elfie” Wohlmann and Mimi Kay all added a female voice and experience during this time period. The author really developed each of these characters and their individual stories became part of one big story. Platt’s writing was engaging and very technical. Although I knew next to nothing about fighter pilots after reading Close to the Sun, I felt more knowledgeable. I highly recommend this book for anyone that enjoys learning about WWI, fighter pilots, or is just looking for a cast of great characters. The harshness of war is never pleasant and I commend Platt for giving a voice to such a trying time in U.S. history.
July 19, 2014
When I was asked to read this book I jumped at the chance. It's about pilots! What's the big deal about pilots you ask? My husband has his private pilots license and son #3 is working on his. The early part of our marriage involved me learning about Messerschmitt's, Mosquito's, Mustang's and other fighters. So reading this book was a wonderful relearning experience.
Lately I've been reading so many books about WW II, this book was a nice change given that it was from on high, the pilots point of view. Having never gotten a glimpse from that angle it was very interesting to watch Karl, Hank and Seth train and work towards their goals with such passion and commitment. Taking place during the course of the war there is much going on, not just the air to air combat, but political situations and more. Of course this book wouldn't be complete without women and a little romance. Winty (tomboy, pilot also), Miriam (singer), Elfi (nurse) and Mariya-Xenia round this book pleasingly with their authentic story lines.
There is no doubt that the author has done a remarkable job with research, it shows. The story line was real and matched the time period perfectly. Definitely an author I will read more of.
This book will appeal to those that enjoy WW II from a unique POV.
Lately I've been reading so many books about WW II, this book was a nice change given that it was from on high, the pilots point of view. Having never gotten a glimpse from that angle it was very interesting to watch Karl, Hank and Seth train and work towards their goals with such passion and commitment. Taking place during the course of the war there is much going on, not just the air to air combat, but political situations and more. Of course this book wouldn't be complete without women and a little romance. Winty (tomboy, pilot also), Miriam (singer), Elfi (nurse) and Mariya-Xenia round this book pleasingly with their authentic story lines.
There is no doubt that the author has done a remarkable job with research, it shows. The story line was real and matched the time period perfectly. Definitely an author I will read more of.
This book will appeal to those that enjoy WW II from a unique POV.
August 19, 2014
One of the things that impressed me most about this excellent novel was the way the author achieved a balance among the three converging story lines. It would have been easy to let one take over and eclipse the others, but each of the three held its own from beginning to end, which naturally made the ending even more powerful as the three stories wove together, resulting in a whole that was more than the sum of its parts. Close to the Sun has interesting and highly individual characters, both male and female. It is a real page-turner, paced to make it hard to put down. Loved the 1940's flavor of the dialogue, too. As other reviewers have said, this book would make a wonderful movie.
May 8, 2015
Mr. Donald Michael Platt has created one of those rare books that when you finish it, you immediately wish there was a sequel. His writing style takes you deep into the lives of those who fought in the air and those they left behind. What I loved most about this book is that it showed the battle from both perspectives. The ebb and flow of war, the blurring of right and wrong. Simply said... this is a great book!
December 10, 2019
SUper interesting read on how open heart surgery and heart transplants became successful - The author himself is a surgeon, so you know, all of that hubris.
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September 3, 2014I don't normally read "man" books, but I was drawn to this because of the aviation theme. It follows three different men as they pursue their dreams of flying pursuit planes and enter WWII. One man is a German. I had a hard time enjoying his stories. His personality was that of a jerk. One is a Jewish American. Something didn't grab me about his bits. Even his romance was uninteresting to me.
But then we have Hank and I really, really like Hank. All his parts were interesting to me: the girl Winty, his experience in cadet school, the men he knows (like the Texan), motorcycle races... I learned a lot about how early Army Air Force training was like--from the hazing to the lack of flight time to the pursuit vs bombers issue. I had no idea that bombers were "uncool". Don't seem one bit uncool to me!
The book can drag if you're not interested in one or two of the main characters, but if you like the characters and have an interest in aviation history, this is for you. Matter of fact, I got my husband a copy of this one.
http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2014/...
But then we have Hank and I really, really like Hank. All his parts were interesting to me: the girl Winty, his experience in cadet school, the men he knows (like the Texan), motorcycle races... I learned a lot about how early Army Air Force training was like--from the hazing to the lack of flight time to the pursuit vs bombers issue. I had no idea that bombers were "uncool". Don't seem one bit uncool to me!
The book can drag if you're not interested in one or two of the main characters, but if you like the characters and have an interest in aviation history, this is for you. Matter of fact, I got my husband a copy of this one.
http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2014/...
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews