Here by the Owl

by Evan Peter Smith

In the final year of World War II, the United States plucked nine farm boys from across the country and sent them off on a strange mission, one that would echo across the world. Today the impact of that mission is all over. From grocery stores to restaurants. American suburbs to frozen Arctic outposts. Even within the International Space Station. Yet the story of the farm boys who made it possible has been all but forgotten.

Here by the Owl is the untold true story of one of those farm boys, a native of the Blue Ridge Mountains named Robert Gray Shipley. In 1945, just as his pregnant wife Agnes is stricken with a deadly illness back home, he is flown to an island in the middle of the ocean. The Air Force calls it a "special mission." The purpose of that mission makes little sense. But even as he struggles to learn the fate of Agnes and their baby, he still has no idea of the horrifying reason why the leaders of the military have made his mission so vital.

Genres: Fiction

310 pages, Paperback

Published November 21, 2021

Reviews

[Maris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was excellent. The history was fascinating, but the personal story of Agnes and RG’s love story and family life was deeply moving. So impressed by Evan’s research here.
There is an audiobook version widely available as a podcast that was really well done; however, I recommend purchasing or checking out the physical copy also for the great photographs.
Would recommend to any history lover or if you enjoy personal, cinematic-feeling nonfic.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

My review may be somewhat biased as this book was the first (of many, I'll bet) to be published by my nephew (in-law). A well written, biographical, non-fiction love story based in SW, rural Virginia and North Carolina during WWII. A story of love, perserverence, family and survival during war-time economic depression and harsh physical and natural challenges. I highly recommend it! I rate it as 5 stars, but that be somewhat biased...it may actually only be a 4.98! ;) Please read this book!

[Kenya Meza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really interesting story on two people who have been flying under the radar. I picked up this book, because I for the life of me could not even make a guess as to how it would end. This was such a cool story and now a fun fact that I will share forever (I love love fun facts). So glad I bought this book in South Carolina. Men who love their wives above all else will always be my favorite men. I could not put it down.

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed and have already recommended to others. As a farm girl myself, I identified with lots in this story, but I also learned about agriculture in the Carolinas and hydroponics. I love RG and Agnes.

[Janice · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had a very interesting beginning, and the story could have been very interesting also, but it seems the author "lost track" of telling the story and got bogged down in the details of what was happening on the island. The first half of the book was very interesting, telling about the background of both main characters, history and factors of their relationship. The second half of the book was tedious and lacked depth or "story". It left us wondering what was going on at home, while the work being done, although important to our future and the future of the troops, was not presented in a very interesting manner. There was a shroud of mystery planted at the beginning of the main character's departure, which I did not feel was fulfilled in the slow, torturous reveal. The information regarding the origin of the title of the book I felt was "tacked on" at the end of the book and did not feel relevant to the story. I'm glad I know the history presented now, but wish it had been more enjoyable to get there.

[Joel Gentry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating true life story about a secret mission in WWII on the Ascension Islands. Woven throughout is a sweet love story of a soldier far from home while his young bride carries and delivers without him in the mountains of NC.

Highly, highly recommend. *****

[Santiago Espinosa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. As a resident of Watauga Co. it is fun to read the history of a family farm just down the road. The section about Ascension Island was very interesting as it related to the times our country found itself in. Short very digestible chapters made this a very easy read.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A testament of resilient fortitude of an endearing couple; true story.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story was pretty epic, but the writing was absolutely lackluster.

[L.A. Nicholson (Middlesteadt) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had to give this book 4 stars even though I don't think the writing is great, because so much of it happened almost literally in my back yard. RG and Agnes are buried literally across the fence from my little farm! I pass the sign for Shipley Farms every day. I have friends who were taught by RG in high school. And mostly because what it details is fascinating, and because RG was such a dynamo. Who knew what all the US government was up to during the Cold War? Who knew one human being was capable of accomplishing all that RG Shipley did, in spite of a rough and humble start in life. I'm going to arrange a tour of Shipley Farms for myself and friends who read this book soon!