What do you think?
Rate this book
Case White
No work of fiction or nonfiction has done what CASE WHITE does in this monumental new novel by USA Today Best-selling author Thomas Sullivan. Set in the era of two world wars, this comprehensive work weaves together the bizarre mythology and eccentric beliefs that explain how a nation went insane for 12 years. Told through the compelling lives and loves of a pair of very unique characters, this tour de force will take you into a radical blend of religion and myth frighteningly similar to what is going on in parts of the world today. Certain to be a benchmark work of elegantly written fiction and historical perspective, CASE WHITE delivers a poignant people story played out on a grand stage.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
ebook
First published October 5, 2014
About the author
Thomas Sullivan
22 books7 followersHello, fans and friends. If you're new to this page, I am a writer with some 90 published novels and short stories. My work is broadly ranged from a USA Today Bestseller to a Pulitzer Prize nommed literary satire (THE PHASES OF HARRY MOON, hardcover, Dutton) to thrillers in print, audio and e-books, including my new blockbuster original CASE WHITE in e-book. Links for all my novels are on my web site below. I’ve spoken on writing in broadly ranged venues from American schools to the House of Literature in Oslo, Norway.
Recreation is a big part of my life. I spend a couple of hours a day in the woods, cc skiing, blading, hiking or in the pool working out. I also write a free monthly column over on Storytellersunplugged.com and send out a free newsletter (Sullygrams...) once a month as well. Both can be accessed at my author's web site, along with photos and more bio. If you'd like to visit my web page, here’s the link: http://www.thomassullivanauthor.com/ You can also friend me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thomas.sulli... .
Thanks for your interest...
Best, Thomas "Sully" Sullivan
Recreation is a big part of my life. I spend a couple of hours a day in the woods, cc skiing, blading, hiking or in the pool working out. I also write a free monthly column over on Storytellersunplugged.com and send out a free newsletter (Sullygrams...) once a month as well. Both can be accessed at my author's web site, along with photos and more bio. If you'd like to visit my web page, here’s the link: http://www.thomassullivanauthor.com/ You can also friend me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thomas.sulli... .
Thanks for your interest...
Best, Thomas "Sully" Sullivan
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
October 15, 2020
CASE WHITE is a sad and disturbing look at the rise of Hitler and the Nazis, told mostly from the viewpoints of two main characters, Joseph and Micah.
Starting several decades before WWII, we follow each man through these years, learning slowly what Hitler and the Nazis are about. Of course, at that time no one yet knew who Hitler even was. Then, little by little over the years, more and more racism becomes apparent. At first, it's accepted...these seemed like minor things, as compared to the difficulties of daily life. But as the words and actions of this man as he rises to power, make it nearly impossible for some to remain silent; and those who went along to get along, then found themselves in the position of having to stay silent to survive.
What's that old quote?
"Bad men need nothing more to compass their ends, than that good men should look on and do nothing.”
Each man here makes his own choices. For myself, I was rooting for Micah and almost started crying over something that he discovered when he came home one day. I also found myself beginning to hate Joseph. Then, thoroughly hating Joseph. Even from a hateful standpoint, though, I can see how he ended up where he was. Thing is, with racists, if you do nothing, you have actually made a choice. One of those choices that is in reality, a slippery, slippery slope-the top of which will never be reached again, because the downfall is permanent.
I'm nearly ignoring a major plot point here-that of finding and owning historical and religious relics; the holy grail and the lance of Longinus. This lance is said to have pierced the body of Jesus Christ while he hung upon the cross. Hitler's, and others' beliefs in these relics overall led to only more madness and death. To me, it's so twisted to believe in and be willing to move heaven and earth to find these "holy" relics, while simultaneously enacting the most horrific, murderous acts known to humanity. To me those two things cannot be reconciled.
A recent poll of millennials shows that a shocking number of them think the Holocaust was over exaggerated, didn't happen, or that the Jews caused it. (An easy Google search will bring up the articles.) This book is a shocking and sad reminder of all the things that happened and the millions upon millions of people killed. The cruelties they suffered, death being a only a minor one, cannot be allowed to be forgotten.
Looking around at the world today, I think humanity is once again forgetting the lessons of history. I see, even around me, in my little state, the rise of hatred and racism- again. Maybe it never really left? Fear of the "other," blaming of the "other," and a loathsome lack of taking responsibility for anything, seems to be the rule of the day.
Let me leave these generalities behind and come back to the book. Thomas Sullivan is an outstanding writer. At points I wished I was reading this rather than listening because I could then have highlighted some of the most beautiful prose I've ever read, (or listened to.) For those words to shine as brightly as they did, even amidst the most heinous violence described, is amazing to me. The narrator, Joshua Saxon, is truly one of the best out there and is a rising star in the performance of audiobooks. There are lots of German phrases and words in this book and to the best of my knowledge he nailed all of them. I'm not sure how both Thomas Sullivan AND Joshua Saxon aren't more well known. (Sullivan was once nominated for a Pulitzer!)
Perhaps this would be a good time for you to become acquainted with them both? CASE WHITE gets my highest recommendation!
Get your audiobook here: https://amzn.to/3dsDmMd
*Please note, I may not have gotten the spelling of the characters quite right, because I listened to this book instead of reading it.*
**I received a download of this audio from the narrator in exchange for my honest feedback. This is it.**
Starting several decades before WWII, we follow each man through these years, learning slowly what Hitler and the Nazis are about. Of course, at that time no one yet knew who Hitler even was. Then, little by little over the years, more and more racism becomes apparent. At first, it's accepted...these seemed like minor things, as compared to the difficulties of daily life. But as the words and actions of this man as he rises to power, make it nearly impossible for some to remain silent; and those who went along to get along, then found themselves in the position of having to stay silent to survive.
What's that old quote?
"Bad men need nothing more to compass their ends, than that good men should look on and do nothing.”
Each man here makes his own choices. For myself, I was rooting for Micah and almost started crying over something that he discovered when he came home one day. I also found myself beginning to hate Joseph. Then, thoroughly hating Joseph. Even from a hateful standpoint, though, I can see how he ended up where he was. Thing is, with racists, if you do nothing, you have actually made a choice. One of those choices that is in reality, a slippery, slippery slope-the top of which will never be reached again, because the downfall is permanent.
I'm nearly ignoring a major plot point here-that of finding and owning historical and religious relics; the holy grail and the lance of Longinus. This lance is said to have pierced the body of Jesus Christ while he hung upon the cross. Hitler's, and others' beliefs in these relics overall led to only more madness and death. To me, it's so twisted to believe in and be willing to move heaven and earth to find these "holy" relics, while simultaneously enacting the most horrific, murderous acts known to humanity. To me those two things cannot be reconciled.
A recent poll of millennials shows that a shocking number of them think the Holocaust was over exaggerated, didn't happen, or that the Jews caused it. (An easy Google search will bring up the articles.) This book is a shocking and sad reminder of all the things that happened and the millions upon millions of people killed. The cruelties they suffered, death being a only a minor one, cannot be allowed to be forgotten.
Looking around at the world today, I think humanity is once again forgetting the lessons of history. I see, even around me, in my little state, the rise of hatred and racism- again. Maybe it never really left? Fear of the "other," blaming of the "other," and a loathsome lack of taking responsibility for anything, seems to be the rule of the day.
Let me leave these generalities behind and come back to the book. Thomas Sullivan is an outstanding writer. At points I wished I was reading this rather than listening because I could then have highlighted some of the most beautiful prose I've ever read, (or listened to.) For those words to shine as brightly as they did, even amidst the most heinous violence described, is amazing to me. The narrator, Joshua Saxon, is truly one of the best out there and is a rising star in the performance of audiobooks. There are lots of German phrases and words in this book and to the best of my knowledge he nailed all of them. I'm not sure how both Thomas Sullivan AND Joshua Saxon aren't more well known. (Sullivan was once nominated for a Pulitzer!)
Perhaps this would be a good time for you to become acquainted with them both? CASE WHITE gets my highest recommendation!
Get your audiobook here: https://amzn.to/3dsDmMd
*Please note, I may not have gotten the spelling of the characters quite right, because I listened to this book instead of reading it.*
**I received a download of this audio from the narrator in exchange for my honest feedback. This is it.**
July 26, 2021
This book surprised me! I was sent the audio book by the ever impressive, Joshua Saxon, narrator. I did not think I would like this book because it's just not my thing. But!!! I did like it. I kept telling myself I'd turn it off if it got too bad- it is about the rise of Hitler- but thankfully the author does not drag out the horrible details any longer than necessary. The characters are complex and engaging. The story is good and although we know what happens- you are so hopeful. Joshua Saxon is a delight to listen to. I love listening to him! Thank you so much for the audio book and the chance to experience this story.
October 13, 2014
Case White packs a powerful punch that will leave you wobbling around with a smile on your face and goose bumps running up and down your arms for days. Thought provoking and wholly captivating, it’s the most gripping book I’ve read this year. Sullivan is a master at taking numerous genres and pouring them on the canvas Jackson Pollock style, the results of which have earned him a Pulitzer nom, the Hemingway Days Literary Award, and USA Today bestselling status. I started with the beautiful and poignant THE PHASES OF HARRY MOON and then began haunting the library, tracking down all of his titles. Yep, he’s one of those authors – the kind that gets you up on your feet and dancing when you realize he’s got some fourteen or so books you can throw yourself into. Case White might just be the best of the bunch, and for a fan like me, that’s saying worlds!
May 19, 2015
Great story by a great author. Very entertaining! Sully does it again!
August 3, 2020
( Format : Audiobook )
"Circles of destiny like gears in a watch case."
Case White by Thomas Sullivan is a stunning book, so beautifully written it is a joy just to bathe in the prose despite the often unpleasantness of what is being so meticulously described, be it individuals, places or ideas. After meticulous research, this amazing book explores the bizarre mythology and eccentric beliefs founded in the concepts of power, reincarnation and the coming of the anti Christ which, at least in part, drove Hitler and those in his close circle to seek to build a new world of supermen. Told through the lives and loves of two very disparate characters, the book travels in time from before Hitler's rise to power, through the second world war to his death.
This is a book unlike the usual 30's and 40's novel set in Germany. It is not about the political scene and the horrors of death camps, although these do occur - how could they not? But instead is based around the supernatural, the strange beliefs which so built the feelings of confidence, inevitability and superiority of those leaders who plunged Germany into a a World War. Simply fascinating and a thrilling read. And narrated with perfection by Joshua Saxon, whose delivery was well paced, clear and perfectly intoned. An excellent performance.
I was very fortunate in being freely gifted with a complimentary copy of Case White, at my request, by the rights holder via Audiobook Boom. Thank you so much. This is a strange look at the reasons behind one of the most devastating eras of the twentieth century and will definitely make me look differently at current happenings. A thriller, an history and a look back in time and mythology all rolled into a book of personal obsessions. Everyone should read this, though, be warned, at 14 hours, it is quite long. But never a dull minute.
"Circles of destiny like gears in a watch case."
Case White by Thomas Sullivan is a stunning book, so beautifully written it is a joy just to bathe in the prose despite the often unpleasantness of what is being so meticulously described, be it individuals, places or ideas. After meticulous research, this amazing book explores the bizarre mythology and eccentric beliefs founded in the concepts of power, reincarnation and the coming of the anti Christ which, at least in part, drove Hitler and those in his close circle to seek to build a new world of supermen. Told through the lives and loves of two very disparate characters, the book travels in time from before Hitler's rise to power, through the second world war to his death.
This is a book unlike the usual 30's and 40's novel set in Germany. It is not about the political scene and the horrors of death camps, although these do occur - how could they not? But instead is based around the supernatural, the strange beliefs which so built the feelings of confidence, inevitability and superiority of those leaders who plunged Germany into a a World War. Simply fascinating and a thrilling read. And narrated with perfection by Joshua Saxon, whose delivery was well paced, clear and perfectly intoned. An excellent performance.
I was very fortunate in being freely gifted with a complimentary copy of Case White, at my request, by the rights holder via Audiobook Boom. Thank you so much. This is a strange look at the reasons behind one of the most devastating eras of the twentieth century and will definitely make me look differently at current happenings. A thriller, an history and a look back in time and mythology all rolled into a book of personal obsessions. Everyone should read this, though, be warned, at 14 hours, it is quite long. But never a dull minute.
August 13, 2020
This was such a beautifully written story about a horrible time. There were so many sad moments throughout, yet the author used such imagery that it wasn't possible to stop listening because, with all the craziness surrounding Hitler, I couldn't wait for him to be killed, and preferably in a horrible way. It left me thinking about how people could have gone along with him when he was obviously crazy. Some of the things he did, to children, it blows my mind that others would have been fine with it. I've only ever read one other story relating to Hitler and the atrocities he performed on Jewish people (this was about what specifically he did) and I guess that kind of left me not wanting to hear more about his "experiments." Needless to say, the narrator, Joshua Saxton, suggested I give this a listen (I haven't had any complaints about the stories he's narrated), so I was up for it. I'm always a fan of multiple POV's so it was... I don't want to say entertaining, that seems the wrong word, but I was curious as to how Joseph and Micah would come together. I loved the mythology aspects and the crazy ideals the Nazis went along with; given the number of people Hitler killed, it's easy to imagine him as being the antichrist.
August 16, 2016
This story weaves fictional characters and events into the rise and fall of the Nazi quest for an Aryan super race. For myself, it was an introduction into the possible mystical/occult depths that were at the core of the Nazi movement (obviously I don't watch the History Channel very much).
The main characters are concerned with how and why the Nazi's attempt to collect ancient relics. Both start out in disbelief but gradually come to see the Nazis as much more than just a militaristic empire bent on simple conquest. They see that the Nazis are actually trying to unleash ancient forces that most people don't/refuse to believe in. They also have personal lives that are repeatedly devastated by the events leading to and including WWII.
Overall thoughts: It is a fairly fast read which is both good and bad. The good is because the timeline for the book is decades. The bad is because I only felt a weak connection to the characters most of the time. There are some superbly written moments though that made me reflect on the world at large and my own self, obviously a good thing. It is a solid read but didn't quite hit the five star mark for me.
The main characters are concerned with how and why the Nazi's attempt to collect ancient relics. Both start out in disbelief but gradually come to see the Nazis as much more than just a militaristic empire bent on simple conquest. They see that the Nazis are actually trying to unleash ancient forces that most people don't/refuse to believe in. They also have personal lives that are repeatedly devastated by the events leading to and including WWII.
Overall thoughts: It is a fairly fast read which is both good and bad. The good is because the timeline for the book is decades. The bad is because I only felt a weak connection to the characters most of the time. There are some superbly written moments though that made me reflect on the world at large and my own self, obviously a good thing. It is a solid read but didn't quite hit the five star mark for me.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews