Private Lucky: One Man’s Unconventional Journey from the Horrors of Nazi Occupation to the Fulfillment of a High-Flying American Dream

by Melissa Guzzetta, Hendrik Gillebaard

This true story of survival, determination, and incredible luck will lift your spirits and inspire you to never give up on your dreams!Some people are born lucky. Others make their own luck. As a boy, Hank wanted nothing more than to fly like the fighter pilots he admires in the skies over Amsterdam. When the lives of Dutch citizens are turned upside down with the Nazi occupation of Holland, his dreams will have to wait as he witnesses the tragic unfolding of events affecting those around him before finding himself in a fight for his own life. He must go into hiding before his sixteenth birthday despite the fact that he is not Jewish.After the war, his life takes another unexpected turn when he is enlisted by his father in the American Army in Germany where his inability to speak English results in hilarious missteps at every turn. He can roll with the punches if the Army will teach him to fly, but when he learns that pilot training stopped with the end of the war, it seems he’ll never reach his goal. Undaunted, Private Hank evolves into a suave and popular soldier. He learns what it means to be American, arriving in America broke but determined to pursue his lofty goals in a manner only this quirky and very lucky Dutch-American would even think of trying, flying by the seat of his pants to some of the highest levels of aviation.

219 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 23, 2015

Reviews

[Allies Opinions · Rating 5 out of 5]

To see my full review of this title and many more, check out my blog AlliesOpinions on Wordpress!

Private Lucky comes out of the gate establishing a fascinating, hilarious and determined tone that catches the readers eye and doesn’t let go. Immediately we find that Hank is a man whose life is filled with adventure. His story is certainly worth telling and I warn you now, you will have trouble putting this book down.

Knowing what is to come, I found reading the pre-war Holland section difficult. Since this is the true story of a very real man’s life, the usual detachment I have as a reader was stripped and I cringed at the tales of Hank’s boyhood adventures. If only his life could have continued to be full of pranks and mooning over airplanes.

I can not imagine the surreal experience of witnessing your country being attacked and invaded must of felt like.

A sentence from this section of the book moved me to tears.

“I shut my mouth and tried to understand why the music was not beautiful”. This hit me hard. Thinking of Hank as a child at the cusp of all the horror that is to hit his and so many lives, I empathized how it would feel for him. He was just a child watching a parade who couldn’t help but get caught up in the excitement. I think this section of the book fully embodies the sheer naivety of a child.

The book outlines pieces of the war and Hank’s experiences without focusing mainly on that time. The transitions throughout the book are well placed. I felt like Hank reminds the reader and maybe himself that some of those who suffered came out ahead and had more stories to tell. That one period of their lives doesn’t completely define them as a person.

As Hank ages we get to meet Hank of many hats. We have Hank the womanizer. Hank the soldier. Hank the pilot. With his transitional diploma his adventures take him far and wide.

Hank has lived and I believe most likely continues to lead a life to the fullest. Reading history through his eyes was a delightful, humorous and sometimes somber experience. I thank him for his honesty and I applaud Guzzetta for telling it.

[Flora Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the spirit and can-do attitude of Private Lucky. Even though some of it is set in one of the darkest periods of modern history, Private Lucky's journey is bright, fun and inspiring.

You will find yourself laughing out loud in several spots and by the end, wishing you could meet Hank in person. Wow!

Thanks, Melissa, for a well-told story.

[Phyllis Truesdell · Rating 4 out of 5]

He witnessed so much as a child

I chose 4 stars because I felt he was awfully full of himself. A little to arrogant for me. I love the story as a whole. I can't even imagine some of the things that Hank had to endure. In the end the love of a good woman and family is always a winner!
Great read Melissa, well done!
NHHS 74'

[debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun and fulfilling read with a new perspective on a horrific time in history.

I have read many historical novels in the past few years and have always been grateful when a story fills in gaps in my understanding of the past from a new perspective - in that respect "Private Lucky" is certainly a winner.

The subtitle "One Man’s Unconventional Journey from the Horrors of Nazi Occupation to the Fulfillment of a High-Flying American Dream" is the best synopsis - but I would BOLD "Unconventional " as it is an understatement of epic proportions! One of my early favorite books on WW2 is “The Good War” by Studs Terkel, for it's raw insight and personal stories. Private Lucky is told in a much more intimate fashion.

[Carole Hardinge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Private Lucky tells the true life story and incredibly lucky adventures of Hank Gillebaard from his early days in occupied Holland, to his later life in America. As I read his journey, I couldn't help but think about how life's choices, experiences and divine intervention direct the path we take. I was very impressed with the fact that Melissa Guzzetta took the time and patience to record, not only for Hank's family, but for everyone, his amazing journey though such a difficult period of history. She did a great job using Hank's personal perspective to make history come alive for her readers.

[Sarah · Rating 1 out of 5]

Awful writing style, it so choppy and all over the place. Half the book just seemed to be him half assing jobs to be a pilot and the other half was tricking war-starved desperate girls into sex just for a cigarette. Could have been a great story but it needed an actual plot other than "guy wants to be pilot. Guy gets around. Guy lies and gets weird jobs to be pilot."

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book I would not normally have picked, as I rarely venture outside the Christian genres.
I chose this book because I was interested in the "journey from the horrors of Nazi occupation", but as the narrative moved on from there, I expected to lose interest. Surprisingly, the rest of the story was almost as compelling, and I kept me engaged until the end.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

He survived horrendous conditions hiding from Nazis in his native Holland and thru charm and sheer grit made a life for himself in the US. He dreamed of being a pilot, but didn’t let little things like flying lessons, licenses and the occasional crash landing deter him. An amazing true story of an amazing life.

[Howard Katzoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic!

This was a totally delightful story. His life was unbelievably blessed. It was a real pleasurable read. Very hard to put down. Had to read it completely. Highly recommend.

[Sarah Brewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting life!

I am so glad Hank's life was captured in this book. What an amazing story he has! I was brought to tears by some stories and laughed heartily at others. Such a good read!

[Isabel Archuleta · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ok. Interesting life

[E.A. Padilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Guzzetta's writing style flows. The story and life events of Hank Gillebaard are astounding and inspiring. I couldn't put it down. What a wonderful life. Guzzetta is an excellent author. I find it hard to believe this is her first novel. She has a true gift and talent. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Job well done!

[Melissa Guzzetta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bias: I wrote it :) An amazing true story!