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The Home Front
Set in rural Wisconsin during 1944-1945, this story centers around Maggie Wentworth, a wife, mother and farmer who struggles to keep her life in balance after her physically abusive husband enlists in the Army and is shipped to Europe during WWII. On one hand, she’s happy he left. On the other, she has to deal with the challenges of an aging father, a young son, and the temptation of an attractive German POW who is harvesting apples on her farm.
393 pages, Paperback
First published January 26, 2021
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March 8, 2022Adding this to my “no-thanks” shelf because I refuse to read Nazi romances.
February 15, 2021
Review in English | Reseña en Español
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for giving this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Unfortunately this book did not work for me. The premise was very interesting –WWII historical fiction, set in the United States and exploring the lives of those left behind, that is, people who lost family and had to deal with the war from home. The story also promised to bring a new perspective: the prisoners of war kept in the US and how communities dealt with them. Every aspect seemed to be very promising but I think the execution was very unfortunate and bad.
The Home Front is set in Wisconsin during 1944 and follows the life of Maggie, a young woman born to German parents and married to Erik, an abusive husband. When Erik leaves to fight in Europe, Maggie feels relieved. She must manage her farm, take care of her son and her father, while dealing with newly arrived German prisoners, who are to serve as aid in her fields. It is then that she meets Adam, a German prisoner, and is immediately attracted to him, thus having to deal with her duty as a married woman and her feelings.
I am not sure if I missed at some point the genre, but this book reads as middle grade: characters are too naïve at times and there is no real character development. Everything seems to be black or white, which was very disappointing, considering the book could have explored very complex characters in difficult situations. For example, all German prisoners seem to be quite merry and accepting of their situation, except for one who is the stereotypical Nazi, but I found this hard to believe –these men were part of Hitler´s army and were caught in key military operations –and they accept their fate in the U.S. just like that. There is no exploration of how they felt while serving the Nazi regime, if they had conflicted feelings about it, etc., and this is a huge missed opportunity of the book as it could have offered an interesting psychological perspective.
Another issue that I believe was too conveniently presented was the relations between Germans, Americans and people of color. Maggie’s family was German and her father, Big Jack, easily made friends with prisoners of war but at the same time, he was friends with Jamaican workers. While we cannot assume there were always issues of racism, we are talking about the U.S. in the early 1940s, in a rural state, full of German people… so to me it is just not believable everyone was just open and accepting diversity so easily. I also found unconvincing that Big Jack, though living in the U.S. for more than 20 years, was extremely happy at having Germans around, even they were prisoners of war, and embraced them without stopping to think or question a bit about their actions back in Germany under the Nazi regime. Again, not everything has to be a tragedy, but there were many aspects that could have been explored and enrich the text.
Another aspect I disliked was the pacing: while it is not a very long book, I felt it dragged forever. There were so many scenes that added nothing to the plot and could have been eliminated: for example, the chapters that read like movie scripts; anecdotes from other prisoners of war who were not even Adam’s friends, the marriage of Maggie’s best friend Audrey and her husband’s secret. To be honest, I skipped a lot of this information because it was not relevant to the plot. It also bothered me the book had basic errors like the fact that most of the German characters had English names (Adam, Henry, etc.); there were German dialogues and some of them are translated while others are not, etc.
Perhaps this book might serve as an introduction to younger audiences just getting into historical fiction, but otherwise, I believe it is a story that fails to deliver.
__
Cuando una novela histórica deja pasar la oportunidad de explorar un tema poco tratado en la literatura –la experiencia de prisioneros de guerra detenidos en campos en Estados Unidos; convierte a alemanes que fueron parte del régimen Nazi en hombres que rápidamente fraternizan con estadounidenses sin un destello de rencor o frustración; y cuyos personajes alemanes tienen nombres como “Henry”, “Adam” o “Michael”, sabes que estás ante un libro terriblemente mal ejecutado. Un libro poco recomendable.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for giving this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Unfortunately this book did not work for me. The premise was very interesting –WWII historical fiction, set in the United States and exploring the lives of those left behind, that is, people who lost family and had to deal with the war from home. The story also promised to bring a new perspective: the prisoners of war kept in the US and how communities dealt with them. Every aspect seemed to be very promising but I think the execution was very unfortunate and bad.
The Home Front is set in Wisconsin during 1944 and follows the life of Maggie, a young woman born to German parents and married to Erik, an abusive husband. When Erik leaves to fight in Europe, Maggie feels relieved. She must manage her farm, take care of her son and her father, while dealing with newly arrived German prisoners, who are to serve as aid in her fields. It is then that she meets Adam, a German prisoner, and is immediately attracted to him, thus having to deal with her duty as a married woman and her feelings.
I am not sure if I missed at some point the genre, but this book reads as middle grade: characters are too naïve at times and there is no real character development. Everything seems to be black or white, which was very disappointing, considering the book could have explored very complex characters in difficult situations. For example, all German prisoners seem to be quite merry and accepting of their situation, except for one who is the stereotypical Nazi, but I found this hard to believe –these men were part of Hitler´s army and were caught in key military operations –and they accept their fate in the U.S. just like that. There is no exploration of how they felt while serving the Nazi regime, if they had conflicted feelings about it, etc., and this is a huge missed opportunity of the book as it could have offered an interesting psychological perspective.
Another issue that I believe was too conveniently presented was the relations between Germans, Americans and people of color. Maggie’s family was German and her father, Big Jack, easily made friends with prisoners of war but at the same time, he was friends with Jamaican workers. While we cannot assume there were always issues of racism, we are talking about the U.S. in the early 1940s, in a rural state, full of German people… so to me it is just not believable everyone was just open and accepting diversity so easily. I also found unconvincing that Big Jack, though living in the U.S. for more than 20 years, was extremely happy at having Germans around, even they were prisoners of war, and embraced them without stopping to think or question a bit about their actions back in Germany under the Nazi regime. Again, not everything has to be a tragedy, but there were many aspects that could have been explored and enrich the text.
Another aspect I disliked was the pacing: while it is not a very long book, I felt it dragged forever. There were so many scenes that added nothing to the plot and could have been eliminated: for example, the chapters that read like movie scripts; anecdotes from other prisoners of war who were not even Adam’s friends, the marriage of Maggie’s best friend Audrey and her husband’s secret. To be honest, I skipped a lot of this information because it was not relevant to the plot. It also bothered me the book had basic errors like the fact that most of the German characters had English names (Adam, Henry, etc.); there were German dialogues and some of them are translated while others are not, etc.
Perhaps this book might serve as an introduction to younger audiences just getting into historical fiction, but otherwise, I believe it is a story that fails to deliver.
__
Cuando una novela histórica deja pasar la oportunidad de explorar un tema poco tratado en la literatura –la experiencia de prisioneros de guerra detenidos en campos en Estados Unidos; convierte a alemanes que fueron parte del régimen Nazi en hombres que rápidamente fraternizan con estadounidenses sin un destello de rencor o frustración; y cuyos personajes alemanes tienen nombres como “Henry”, “Adam” o “Michael”, sabes que estás ante un libro terriblemente mal ejecutado. Un libro poco recomendable.
January 23, 2021
A delightful story set in 1940s Wisconsin.
Maggie, daughter of German immigrants is relieved to see the back of her abusive husband as she heads off to war.
With the harvest ready, Maggies receives unexpected help from Jamaican labourers and German POW's.
Follow the unfolding relationships as they intertwine, with a mutual live blossoming.
Maggie, daughter of German immigrants is relieved to see the back of her abusive husband as she heads off to war.
With the harvest ready, Maggies receives unexpected help from Jamaican labourers and German POW's.
Follow the unfolding relationships as they intertwine, with a mutual live blossoming.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 25, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for giving this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
I have not read any books based during the war, but I know this is a really popular setting for stories at this moment. So maybe because I am not familiar with how these stories typically run is why I struggled so hard with this book.
The characters were unbelievable to start. How the Jamaicans accents were written in but the Germans weren't. The book seemed to celebrate Nazi's and went, what I felt, way overboard with its use of racist language towards the Jamaicans.
The dialogue and chapter flow could benefit from a lot more editing. There was so much unnecessary everything.
In the end I made it 40% into the story before I had to stop, it was just too uncomfortable of a read.
I have not read any books based during the war, but I know this is a really popular setting for stories at this moment. So maybe because I am not familiar with how these stories typically run is why I struggled so hard with this book.
The characters were unbelievable to start. How the Jamaicans accents were written in but the Germans weren't. The book seemed to celebrate Nazi's and went, what I felt, way overboard with its use of racist language towards the Jamaicans.
The dialogue and chapter flow could benefit from a lot more editing. There was so much unnecessary everything.
In the end I made it 40% into the story before I had to stop, it was just too uncomfortable of a read.
January 27, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for giving this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review
The Home Front is a fast-paced historical fiction novel that takes place in 1940s Wisconsin. Maggie Wentworth’s abusive husband goes off to fight in Germany, while a POW camp opens up down the road. These POW’s then come to work on Maggie’s farm to help her and her father. Maggie finds a love interest in one of the POWs, and runs into some difficulty with that love along the way. The book describes the challenges of running a farm in the middle of the war, and details a lot about Maggie's life in relation to her position on the farm, and her role as a mother and daughter.
This book is extremely readable, very fast-paced (I read it in a day, ~6 hours), and very plot driven. There were several subplots in addition to the main plot that kept your interest and added dimension to the text. The characters were a bit flatter than I would have liked, and sometimes when we were shown their backstories it felt a little forced.
I’m giving this a 3.5 star review (rounded up to 4) because while there were some plot points that could have been fleshed out a bit more, there could have been some smoother transitions between scenes, and character development could have been better, this was a really unique take on WWII fiction. I love historical fiction, but I’m normally reading about the European perspective of the war, not what occurred on the American home front. Having a WWII story taking place in America is something that I have not really encountered so far, and I appreciate the niche it fills in the genre.
Content warnings of book: domestic abuse, use of racial slurs, homophobia, suicide
🌹🌹🌹.5/5
The Home Front is a fast-paced historical fiction novel that takes place in 1940s Wisconsin. Maggie Wentworth’s abusive husband goes off to fight in Germany, while a POW camp opens up down the road. These POW’s then come to work on Maggie’s farm to help her and her father. Maggie finds a love interest in one of the POWs, and runs into some difficulty with that love along the way. The book describes the challenges of running a farm in the middle of the war, and details a lot about Maggie's life in relation to her position on the farm, and her role as a mother and daughter.
This book is extremely readable, very fast-paced (I read it in a day, ~6 hours), and very plot driven. There were several subplots in addition to the main plot that kept your interest and added dimension to the text. The characters were a bit flatter than I would have liked, and sometimes when we were shown their backstories it felt a little forced.
I’m giving this a 3.5 star review (rounded up to 4) because while there were some plot points that could have been fleshed out a bit more, there could have been some smoother transitions between scenes, and character development could have been better, this was a really unique take on WWII fiction. I love historical fiction, but I’m normally reading about the European perspective of the war, not what occurred on the American home front. Having a WWII story taking place in America is something that I have not really encountered so far, and I appreciate the niche it fills in the genre.
Content warnings of book: domestic abuse, use of racial slurs, homophobia, suicide
🌹🌹🌹.5/5
May 18, 2023
I try not to give below two stars since I know to write a book is a huge endeavor, and there were times this novel was better than expected. "The Home Front" was chosen for our book group probably for its Wisconsin connections, and some of the group might enjoy historical fiction. The story takes place on a farm in WI with the central character Maggie dealing with the pain and indignities of spousal abuse from her husband Erik after a drinking bout. Fortunately, for Maggie, her young son and father, Erik is conveniently shipped out to Europe during WWII to find the Germans. In the meantime, German POWs are in the area being used as farm help for families whose husbands are fighting overseas. Not only does Maggie receive farm help from the Germans and also from some Jamaicans (?), but she falls in love with one of the POWs in particular. Without giving too many spoilers of what happens, I can just say that the writing was not as polished or literary as I would have liked. Too many references to farts for this reader and the romantic scenes also relied heavily on familiar phrasing ("thickening below"). There were some surprise moments with side characters like Maggie's best friend, Audrey, but maybe not enough to make me a huge fan of the book or writer. As my mom would say, "maybe it was just not my cup of tea."
March 11, 2021
Huge thanks to Ten 16 Press and Netgalley for this authorized reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.
I feel like we need to start off with trigger warnings for this one. They include; domestic abuse, racism, slavery, imprisonment, death of a loved one, suicide, sexual assault, homophobia, fascism and murder.
As you can already guess, this was an extremely emotional read. Set in WW2, we follow a domestically abused woman, Maggie Wentworth, as her husband is shipped off to fight. While he's gone, there is group of German POWs that come to work on the family farm. Chemistry ensues between Maggie and a German POW, Adam, and they strike up forbidden romance. This is just a lacking summary of the overall arching themes in this book. I feel like this story was written not to give a romance story, but to bring hard topics to light in a way people can handle.
Overall, I gave this book 3.75 stars. I wish this book wasn't pitched as a romance story because it isn't. It's a book about hard truths and injustices. I would make sure you are emotionally ready for this read before you pick it up. If you are struggling mentally or emotionally in any capacity, I would wait until you are in a better place to read this. I won't be reading it again, but I will say it was worth the one read I gave it.
I feel like we need to start off with trigger warnings for this one. They include; domestic abuse, racism, slavery, imprisonment, death of a loved one, suicide, sexual assault, homophobia, fascism and murder.
As you can already guess, this was an extremely emotional read. Set in WW2, we follow a domestically abused woman, Maggie Wentworth, as her husband is shipped off to fight. While he's gone, there is group of German POWs that come to work on the family farm. Chemistry ensues between Maggie and a German POW, Adam, and they strike up forbidden romance. This is just a lacking summary of the overall arching themes in this book. I feel like this story was written not to give a romance story, but to bring hard topics to light in a way people can handle.
Overall, I gave this book 3.75 stars. I wish this book wasn't pitched as a romance story because it isn't. It's a book about hard truths and injustices. I would make sure you are emotionally ready for this read before you pick it up. If you are struggling mentally or emotionally in any capacity, I would wait until you are in a better place to read this. I won't be reading it again, but I will say it was worth the one read I gave it.
May 3, 2022
In The Home Front, DW Hanneken gives us a glimpse of Wisconsin rural life during World War II through the lens of Maggie Wentworth. Maggie is dealing with an abusive husband while caring for her aging father and her 4-year-old son. Feeling abandoned and angry when her husband enlists, Maggie must discover her own inner strength to find the resources to keep the farm afloat—even if it means going against her husband’s instructions and using itinerant farm workers and German POWs. When Maggie develops strong feelings for a warm and caring German POW, a person who is supposed to be the enemy, she must sort through the conflicting feelings of the love and support she feels from the POW, her responsibility and reputation in the community reinforced by her father, and her own realization that she doesn’t want her husband back.
I loved how Hanneken wove in the historical background and made it part of the story. Every tidbit is shared for a reason—even the MovieTone Newsreel Narration.
Whether you enjoy historical fiction, historical romance, or stories with a female lead, you will love this page-turner!
I loved how Hanneken wove in the historical background and made it part of the story. Every tidbit is shared for a reason—even the MovieTone Newsreel Narration.
Whether you enjoy historical fiction, historical romance, or stories with a female lead, you will love this page-turner!
February 14, 2021
This is the first book that I have read about the home front that has been set in the USA. It centres around Maggie, a wife, mother and farmer who is juggling so many aspects of her life after her abusive husband enlists in the Army and is sent to Europe to help with the war effort. She is happy that he has left but she soon realises the struggles that she has now to face on her own, a young son, an aging father and the temptation of a young POW who is helping her on the farm.
This is no ordinary tale of young love between two central characters; this also addresses concerns like alcoholism, domestic abuse, racism, homophobia and fascism.
This is a well written book and contains a great amount of detail, which makes it true to life. I enjoyed this book and I would recommend it to others. 5 stars from me.
I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for an advance review copy of The Home Front in return for an honest review.
This is no ordinary tale of young love between two central characters; this also addresses concerns like alcoholism, domestic abuse, racism, homophobia and fascism.
This is a well written book and contains a great amount of detail, which makes it true to life. I enjoyed this book and I would recommend it to others. 5 stars from me.
I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for an advance review copy of The Home Front in return for an honest review.
August 20, 2024
Poorly written disappointment.
I read this book after reading an article that said a bookclub rated it the best book they had ever read. Well, it wouldn't pass muster in any of my bookclubs. The basic concept had promise, an abused wife in 1944 Wisconsin sees her husband off to war with relief, then falls in love with a German POW who is assigned to work on the farm. But the writing is poor, wooden, the dialog stilted, and the situations as developed just are hard to accept. Pow falls for her the first moment he sees her, despite still mourning for his dead German wife and sin. Stereotypical characters, unnecessary side story of homosexual husband of our heroine's best friend, he commits suicide... I could go on, but one thing to add, where was a good editor? So many incorrect uses of big words, made me feel the author wanted to show off her vocabulary as she threw in words that often meant something other that what she clearly thought they did.
I read this book after reading an article that said a bookclub rated it the best book they had ever read. Well, it wouldn't pass muster in any of my bookclubs. The basic concept had promise, an abused wife in 1944 Wisconsin sees her husband off to war with relief, then falls in love with a German POW who is assigned to work on the farm. But the writing is poor, wooden, the dialog stilted, and the situations as developed just are hard to accept. Pow falls for her the first moment he sees her, despite still mourning for his dead German wife and sin. Stereotypical characters, unnecessary side story of homosexual husband of our heroine's best friend, he commits suicide... I could go on, but one thing to add, where was a good editor? So many incorrect uses of big words, made me feel the author wanted to show off her vocabulary as she threw in words that often meant something other that what she clearly thought they did.
January 29, 2021
This is a lovely historical fiction that absolutely checks a lot of my boxes - American historical fiction, ranch/farm/homestead setting, war fiction that doesn’t focus on the soldiers or victims but on the normal people left behind, etc. This novel included some heavy themes of domestic violence but the tone managed to stay light and hopeful throughout, never venturing into over-emotional or melancholic. The writing itself was good, but some phrasing and word choices could feel a little clunky at times. Overall I really enjoyed my time with this story and the characters were a joy to get to know. Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 19, 2021
Synopsis: When her abusive husband enlists and gets sent away to war. The wife is left to handle the farm at home as well as take care of her son and father. Getting help from the German POW and other assistance shows her that a family can be much larger than those that share the same blood. This also helps her learn that she can do tough things even though she is a woman.
Thought: If you enjoyed Nightingale you will love this book. Recently I have read a few historical fiction and I have loved both learning a little bit more about that time in history and just getting a feel for what it would have been to have lived through war times. This book kept me turning the pages until the very end. It is very well written and I look forward to reading more from this author. Definitely add this one to your TBR list. It is a recently release and its publish date was Jan. 26, 2021.
Thought: If you enjoyed Nightingale you will love this book. Recently I have read a few historical fiction and I have loved both learning a little bit more about that time in history and just getting a feel for what it would have been to have lived through war times. This book kept me turning the pages until the very end. It is very well written and I look forward to reading more from this author. Definitely add this one to your TBR list. It is a recently release and its publish date was Jan. 26, 2021.
January 28, 2021
Just finished this book by a wonderful new author. I totally enjoyed it. The characters are very well developed and the story is compelling, showing me a part of WWII history in the States that I was unaware of. Just when I thought I knew where the story was going, I turned the page and found a surprise. From the minute I picked up the book I fell in love with the characters and became so engrossed in the story I couldn’t put it down.
March 9, 2022
Hanneken draws his characters so deeply you become part of the family. As you read, you'll become fiercely protective of Maggie and Bennie, and appreciate the reassuring presence of Big Jack. This is a story of German prisoners being held in a mostly German farming community in rural Wisconsin during WW II. But it's even more about life...the evil and beauty, and the heartache and profound joy to be had in living it. A magnificent debut!
February 8, 2021
The Home Front immersed me into the minds of the characters, the essence of the time period and the details of the rural setting. Hanneken did a wonderful job of painting a complete picture of Maggie, Big Jack, Oku, Big Jack, Adam and Audrey. In several intense moments throughout the story, I felt like I could visualize exactly what was taking place. I loved this book and think it would appeal to fans of historical fiction, love stories, social conflict. Wonderful narrative and an excellent reading experience, especially coming from a first-time novelist.
January 28, 2021
I have never read a WW2 historical fictio that is set in America and deals with the descendents of German immigrants and the German P.O.Ws that are billeted near them.
This was an amazing read that I will definitely be buying.
This was an amazing read that I will definitely be buying.
February 6, 2021
I appreciated reading an historical fiction during WWII that wasn't terribly depressing. Learned a little about the war on the home front in Wisconsin, too. Loved the story, characters, and all the local references. DW, take it to a screen play!!
April 28, 2021
Historical Fiction story detailing life on a Wisconsin farm during WWII. Loved the characters and storyline for Maggie, her son, her father Big Jack, migrant workers, German POW’s, American soldiers, townsfolk and references to local landmarks and history of life here in the 1940’s.
July 10, 2021
Set on a Wisconsin farm during the war, a family is helped by men from a nearby POW camp. Many twists and good plot and characters.
odio-jarocho-aka-nope
July 5, 2022make it stoooop
there is noooooo need for any more nazi redemption arcs, noooooooooooooo need!!!
there is noooooo need for any more nazi redemption arcs, noooooooooooooo need!!!
October 13, 2022
I want to thank Netgalley and the author for gifting me the ebook. I enjoyed the novel. Good read for the weekend.
November 4, 2022
Amazing book with warm and inspiring characters. Takes you back to another time in Wisconsin's history. DW Hanneken will keep you laughing, crying, and unable to put the book down. A must read!
April 27, 2023
Great story about a time in history I didn't know much about-- German POW camps in the midwest during WW2. Highly recommend this book!
October 4, 2021
This opened a new chapter in WWII activities on the "Home Front". I had never heard that German POWs were brought from Europe back to the US to help on farms, canning factories and other places that needed people to get work done here while so many American men were overseas in the war effort. It happened in my home state of Wis and in Ill. Even more surprising when I learned that my aunt/godmother worked with these prisoners. And they weren't treated as slave labor but were paid a small wage to do this work. No wonder some of these Germans returned or stayed in the US after war's end! The US treated them humanely and well.
I so enjoyed the characters brought to life in these pages. And the emotions elicited through the tale's events brought laughter as well as tears. The conclusion was a delightful surprise that I reread to ensure its credibility. David Hanneken is quite the raconteur who brought to life for me the stressful times of the homefront during the 1940's.
I so enjoyed the characters brought to life in these pages. And the emotions elicited through the tale's events brought laughter as well as tears. The conclusion was a delightful surprise that I reread to ensure its credibility. David Hanneken is quite the raconteur who brought to life for me the stressful times of the homefront during the 1940's.
September 23, 2022
I loved this book! I had done research into POWs in Wisconsin prior to reading the book and the author told a unique story while still staying true to the historical period. The book is a compelling read with a very likable character who is dealing with issues that can be related to today. I would definitely recommend to anyone who enjoys historical fiction.
April 6, 2021
I like the historical facts way more than any of the archetypal characters - very well researched, just sort of wish it was a non-fiction account of the POWs in Dodge County and elsewhere in WI.
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