What do you think?
Rate this book
Public Information
Freshly minted infantryman, twenty-year-old Wylie Cypher, arrives in war torn Korea in 1952. Every indication is that he has limited chances for survival. As an enemy bomber looms overhead, he prays that he can survive a sixteen-month tour of duty without, as his sergeant says, getting his ass shot off.
Wylie is recruited to join the staff of a Division Public Information Office (PIO) where he reports on many aspects of the conflict. He uses his infantry training in bloody combat, makes many colorful new friends, learns how to maneuver through the military system, finds love and loss, and grows up in the turmoil of combat and the war’s aftermath.
Veterans have hailed the story as accurate, believable, touching, funny, and “the way it really was.” The story is based on the author’s experiences, careful historical research, and the 300 letters he sent his future wife from Korea. He touches on prisoner of war experiences on both sides of the DMZ, the armistice, realistic scenes of combat, the many United Nations forces engaged in the war, and poignant and funny aspects of military service.
The second edition of the book includes recently disclosed information, and scenes and observations drawn from the comments of many veteran readers. The book is dedicated to the dwindling number of men and women who risked their lives to preserve democracy in South Korea.
Wylie is recruited to join the staff of a Division Public Information Office (PIO) where he reports on many aspects of the conflict. He uses his infantry training in bloody combat, makes many colorful new friends, learns how to maneuver through the military system, finds love and loss, and grows up in the turmoil of combat and the war’s aftermath.
Veterans have hailed the story as accurate, believable, touching, funny, and “the way it really was.” The story is based on the author’s experiences, careful historical research, and the 300 letters he sent his future wife from Korea. He touches on prisoner of war experiences on both sides of the DMZ, the armistice, realistic scenes of combat, the many United Nations forces engaged in the war, and poignant and funny aspects of military service.
The second edition of the book includes recently disclosed information, and scenes and observations drawn from the comments of many veteran readers. The book is dedicated to the dwindling number of men and women who risked their lives to preserve democracy in South Korea.
407 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 24, 2011
About the author
Rolf Margenau
9 books100 followersRolf Margenau has written six novels and published two photography books.
The novels feature a main character named Wylie Cypher, first seen as a twenty-year-old college dropout who comes of age during the Korean War. At forty, Wylie is a successful but burned out lawyer with a failing marriage. He tries to find lost youth on a trek with his daughter through the high Andes. Instead, he finds mayhem, murder, a devastating civil war in Peru, and loses a toe.
Retired, in his mid-sixties, Wylie does battle with BIG AG as a Master Gardener. He befriends a group of eco-terrorists who help save the Monarch butterfly. Then, in a novel called National Parks, an aged Wylie lives in a dystopian future where Congress attempts to sell off our national parks to bail out a bankrupt country.
Longevity, a fable about the results of a medical team’s effort to prolong human life by 30 years, will be published early in 2019. In it Lucy Mendoza leads a team of scientists at the Prendergast Foundation who are testing an enzyme that might extend our lives by thirty years. The federal government, a major pharmaceutical company, and a billionaire investor have no qualms about eliminating Lucy to ensure that project will fail. Her former lover Grant Duran, an ex-Marine special ops officer who’s lost a hand and is now a molecular biologist, thwarts the first attempt on her life.
The novels featuring a younger Wylie are realistic, with a dose of humor. The books about older Wylie are solidly satirical. Critics find them very funny, but meaningful and thought provoking.
The author retired Wylie Cypher in 2019 to research and write about how young people with a German background respond to the demands of World War II, on the home front, at war and in an American POW camp. War Story was published in September 2021.
Rolf Margenau lives amid farmland in northern New Jersey with his first wife of over sixty years.
The novels feature a main character named Wylie Cypher, first seen as a twenty-year-old college dropout who comes of age during the Korean War. At forty, Wylie is a successful but burned out lawyer with a failing marriage. He tries to find lost youth on a trek with his daughter through the high Andes. Instead, he finds mayhem, murder, a devastating civil war in Peru, and loses a toe.
Retired, in his mid-sixties, Wylie does battle with BIG AG as a Master Gardener. He befriends a group of eco-terrorists who help save the Monarch butterfly. Then, in a novel called National Parks, an aged Wylie lives in a dystopian future where Congress attempts to sell off our national parks to bail out a bankrupt country.
Longevity, a fable about the results of a medical team’s effort to prolong human life by 30 years, will be published early in 2019. In it Lucy Mendoza leads a team of scientists at the Prendergast Foundation who are testing an enzyme that might extend our lives by thirty years. The federal government, a major pharmaceutical company, and a billionaire investor have no qualms about eliminating Lucy to ensure that project will fail. Her former lover Grant Duran, an ex-Marine special ops officer who’s lost a hand and is now a molecular biologist, thwarts the first attempt on her life.
The novels featuring a younger Wylie are realistic, with a dose of humor. The books about older Wylie are solidly satirical. Critics find them very funny, but meaningful and thought provoking.
The author retired Wylie Cypher in 2019 to research and write about how young people with a German background respond to the demands of World War II, on the home front, at war and in an American POW camp. War Story was published in September 2021.
Rolf Margenau lives amid farmland in northern New Jersey with his first wife of over sixty years.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
April 10, 2017
*Thank you to the author for providing me a free copy in exchange for an honest review.*
Actual Rating: 3.75
Public Information by Rolf Margenau follows 22-year-old Wylie Cipher as he finds himself in the midst of the Korean war in 1953. However, instead of having to fight in the front lines, he joins the Public Information Office and begins reporting on actual events. Though he meets so many people throughout his experience - such as Shit Dad and Amelia - at the same time, he remembers that he's leaving so many others behind.
Before I get started, I just want to say that I am someone who usually doesn't read historical fiction, so I went into this with a grain of salt. The book turned out to be just as hard to review as I thought it would be. On one hand, I really liked the beginning and the end but on the other, I thought that the kind of lost momentum in the middle. Between the 30% and 60%, I thought the story was a bit slow.
Other than that, I thought the plot was written well. The story was realistic and eye-opening, and I found myself wanting to know even more about what life was like for people involved in war efforts. There was a great blend of humorous and serious moments which I thought added to the realism of the story.
Right off the bat, I thought that Wylie was a really likable character. I liked his charisma and his personality, and I felt like he was easy to connect and relate to. Though the story was carried by the plot, there was a lot of character development for Wylie that really contributed to the coming-of-age theme. How he dealt with grief and love and every other human emotion really brought the story to life. For me, I have to say that my other favorite character was Amelia; though she was introduced a little later in the story, I took a liking to her bright personality straightaway and I thought the author did a fantastic job with the relationship dynamic between her and Wylie.
The writing style was engaging and descriptive throughout. There were a few typos and errors, such as "He strode resolutely to his side and emptying the pot on his left boot" and calling Mai Lee "Mail Lee", but other than that, I thought the book was fluent and professional.
I really don't want to give too much away - there's a lot of depth to this story and it would definitely be the kind that you could reread over and over and find something new every time. Overall, I thought the story was beautiful and allowed me to educate myself on what the "forgotten war" was like. Above all, it was a reminder:
Wise words from Shit Dad.
Actual Rating: 3.75
Public Information by Rolf Margenau follows 22-year-old Wylie Cipher as he finds himself in the midst of the Korean war in 1953. However, instead of having to fight in the front lines, he joins the Public Information Office and begins reporting on actual events. Though he meets so many people throughout his experience - such as Shit Dad and Amelia - at the same time, he remembers that he's leaving so many others behind.
Before I get started, I just want to say that I am someone who usually doesn't read historical fiction, so I went into this with a grain of salt. The book turned out to be just as hard to review as I thought it would be. On one hand, I really liked the beginning and the end but on the other, I thought that the kind of lost momentum in the middle. Between the 30% and 60%, I thought the story was a bit slow.
Other than that, I thought the plot was written well. The story was realistic and eye-opening, and I found myself wanting to know even more about what life was like for people involved in war efforts. There was a great blend of humorous and serious moments which I thought added to the realism of the story.
Right off the bat, I thought that Wylie was a really likable character. I liked his charisma and his personality, and I felt like he was easy to connect and relate to. Though the story was carried by the plot, there was a lot of character development for Wylie that really contributed to the coming-of-age theme. How he dealt with grief and love and every other human emotion really brought the story to life. For me, I have to say that my other favorite character was Amelia; though she was introduced a little later in the story, I took a liking to her bright personality straightaway and I thought the author did a fantastic job with the relationship dynamic between her and Wylie.
The writing style was engaging and descriptive throughout. There were a few typos and errors, such as "He strode resolutely to his side and emptying the pot on his left boot" and calling Mai Lee "Mail Lee", but other than that, I thought the book was fluent and professional.
I really don't want to give too much away - there's a lot of depth to this story and it would definitely be the kind that you could reread over and over and find something new every time. Overall, I thought the story was beautiful and allowed me to educate myself on what the "forgotten war" was like. Above all, it was a reminder:
There's gonna be more for you to do. There's gonna be better days. Life goes on.
Wise words from Shit Dad.
October 18, 2014
I'm dying to know if Wylie would have chosen Amelia over Judy if she had not passed away in the fire. Judy seemed distant to me but Amelia was so alive! Good book and my first about the Korean war. Initially I thought Wylie was going to be a "goody two-shoes" kind of guy but he grew on me and I enjoyed his "stay" in Korea. Very impressed with the writing!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 1, 2017
I received a copy of this great coming of age story from the author. "Public Information" follows a green enlisted young man through the war and his path to adulthood. Wylie is a likable young man who is very real with the learning experiences we see throughout the book . Some challenges he surpassed and others gave him wisdom and strength to grow in both love and war. The difficulties in the bureaucracies of military life and the reality of war inspired creativity in not only surviving, but also trying to better the soldiers' camp and surrounding areas. We get to know Wylie's friends through entertaining stories that highlight their quirks, antics and humanity. Kim's history, beautifully interwoven along side Wylie's story, gives a different perspective and enriches the picture of the era.
February 4, 2015
this is a really good book about the Korean war.i learned some stuff that i never knew about, the author of this book was in the Korean war, really greatly written. was not bored once with this book. a good read .
October 26, 2017
With Public Information, Rolf Margenau has written a coming of age story with a difference. Finding yourself after failing out of college is bad enough, but having to do so in the midst of conflict thousands of miles from home, must feel impossible. This is the situation Wylie Cypher finds himself in. To get his life back on track, he enlists, and finds himself unexpectedly on a tour of Korea during the war. As an adept marksman he expects to find himself in the thick of the action as part of an infantry unit, but instead he finds himself essentially as a reporter. Although he isn't on the front line of the war effort, he encounters many lively characters, experiences heartache, and has many stories to tell, which he writes in letters to his girlfriend.
Telling the story of the Korean war through Wylie's eyes as a reporter for the army, was really unique and made for a interesting narrative. I enjoyed the plot and took to Wylie as a protagonist, feeling empathetic with his highs and lows. Public Information, is certainly a book I would recommend.
Telling the story of the Korean war through Wylie's eyes as a reporter for the army, was really unique and made for a interesting narrative. I enjoyed the plot and took to Wylie as a protagonist, feeling empathetic with his highs and lows. Public Information, is certainly a book I would recommend.
June 3, 2017
I received this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The book up until a little after armistice was fine, then it just seemed to drag. Unfortunately that's not even the halfway point. I was just not invested in their hijinks in Korea afterwards. Wylie wasn't a compelling character and the Judith vs Amelia situation was grating.
There were some parts that seemed like it wanted to be commentary and satire on the beauracracy of the military, but it kept getting itself dragged into the plodding plot.
While I haven't read many Korean War books and found parts to be fascinating, there were too many issues. 3/5.
The book up until a little after armistice was fine, then it just seemed to drag. Unfortunately that's not even the halfway point. I was just not invested in their hijinks in Korea afterwards. Wylie wasn't a compelling character and the Judith vs Amelia situation was grating.
There were some parts that seemed like it wanted to be commentary and satire on the beauracracy of the military, but it kept getting itself dragged into the plodding plot.
While I haven't read many Korean War books and found parts to be fascinating, there were too many issues. 3/5.
October 15, 2017
Private First Class Wylie Cypher is a composite of several men. An injury at the end of basic training sidelined Cypher making him missed language training. Upon recovery, the army sent him to Korea. What follows is a look at the life of combat personnel from initial arrival to combat to post combat fatigue. The author examined a whole gamut of relationships between soldiers, natives and the people back in the United States from a personal, moral, and society perspective.
LibraryThing Member Giveaway randomly chose me to receive this book. Although encouraged, I was under no obligation to write a review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
LibraryThing Member Giveaway randomly chose me to receive this book. Although encouraged, I was under no obligation to write a review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
April 12, 2017
Title – Public Information
Author – Rolf Margenau
Genre – War, Coming of Age
407 Amazon Pages
Rating 4 stars out of 5 Posted 4/12/17
18 - 2017
The primary character in Public Information is Wylie Cypher.
There are many supporting characters who drift in and out of the story but have little lasting impact on his future. They are just friends and acquaintances of Wylie to carry the story. He is who and what the plot is about.
This is truly a coming of age story. When Wylie nearly flunks out of college, he and his father devise a plan for him to take time off from studies and earn money for future enrollment. His aim is to join the Army with the condition he will be sent to classes to learn the Russian language. They figure he will be sent to California or Europe and miss the ‘Police Action’ being conducted in Korea.
While in boot camp, Wylie discovers he has a rare talent for marksmanship with any of the weapon available to the Infantry. He is soon recognized as an expert marksman and sharpshooter. This is a cherished ability to the boot camp instructors and officers who want Wylie in the infantry ranks where his shooting proficiency can be put to good use. So Wylie eventually ends up on a troop ship headed for Korea.
Before he gets to his assigned infantry unit he is plucked from that assignment and sent to the 53rd Division Headquarters to be a reporter. There the story of Wylie’s coming of age really begins.
In his new role, Wylie has ample time to write to his girlfriend back home and confirm his undying love for her. There is no way for him to know how much his situation will change from week to week or how events will affect him and cause him to grow, develop and mature.
The cast of characters he encounters in the Army are a bizarre bunch who fall into trouble as routinely as waking up. Anyone who has been in any branch of the military will relate to the characters and situations depicted in Public Information.
I enjoyed it and recommend Public Information.
The editing is very good but not perfect. Sentence structure is good. Character development is good for the important supporting characters.
The plot is fresh and extensive research is evident.
This review was provided in exchange for a free book.
Vigilant Reader Book Reviews.
Author – Rolf Margenau
Genre – War, Coming of Age
407 Amazon Pages
Rating 4 stars out of 5 Posted 4/12/17
18 - 2017
The primary character in Public Information is Wylie Cypher.
There are many supporting characters who drift in and out of the story but have little lasting impact on his future. They are just friends and acquaintances of Wylie to carry the story. He is who and what the plot is about.
This is truly a coming of age story. When Wylie nearly flunks out of college, he and his father devise a plan for him to take time off from studies and earn money for future enrollment. His aim is to join the Army with the condition he will be sent to classes to learn the Russian language. They figure he will be sent to California or Europe and miss the ‘Police Action’ being conducted in Korea.
While in boot camp, Wylie discovers he has a rare talent for marksmanship with any of the weapon available to the Infantry. He is soon recognized as an expert marksman and sharpshooter. This is a cherished ability to the boot camp instructors and officers who want Wylie in the infantry ranks where his shooting proficiency can be put to good use. So Wylie eventually ends up on a troop ship headed for Korea.
Before he gets to his assigned infantry unit he is plucked from that assignment and sent to the 53rd Division Headquarters to be a reporter. There the story of Wylie’s coming of age really begins.
In his new role, Wylie has ample time to write to his girlfriend back home and confirm his undying love for her. There is no way for him to know how much his situation will change from week to week or how events will affect him and cause him to grow, develop and mature.
The cast of characters he encounters in the Army are a bizarre bunch who fall into trouble as routinely as waking up. Anyone who has been in any branch of the military will relate to the characters and situations depicted in Public Information.
I enjoyed it and recommend Public Information.
The editing is very good but not perfect. Sentence structure is good. Character development is good for the important supporting characters.
The plot is fresh and extensive research is evident.
This review was provided in exchange for a free book.
Vigilant Reader Book Reviews.
Want to Read
April 16, 2018Placeholder
I won this book via Goodreads Giveaways.
I won this book via Goodreads Giveaways.
Currently Reading
April 18, 2018Currently reading, placeholder comment.
Want to Read
May 17, 2018I received this book for free from the author/publisher in response for an honest review of the book. I have not had the opportunity to read this book at this time. I will add my
review of this book once I have read the book. Thank k you for allowing me the optometrist review your work. I look forward to reading this book.
review of this book once I have read the book. Thank k you for allowing me the optometrist review your work. I look forward to reading this book.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews