The Good American: A Novel Based On True Events

by Ursula Maria Mandel

The last thing Major Ted Whitman expected in the summer of 1948 was to fall in love with Ruth Karstens, a destitute but spirited young widow with two small children. Recently divorced and newly stationed in Germany, his mind is set on a career as a fighter pilot. But when Ruth stands before him in her mended dress and her proud demeanor, begging him get her passage to war-torn Berlin, he falls hard and is ready to do anything to help her. The Russians are about to blockade the city, and Ruth is determined to get her sister's child out before that happens. Fate, however, has other plans. Just as her train pulls out of the city, the Russians start the blockade, stop all transportation, and leave her stranded. Confident that ingenuity and pluck will help her to survive the journey home through enemy territory with a five-year-old, Ruth sets out on foot.

Forty years later, fate brings Ted's son Alex and Ruth's daughter Penelope together. The memories they share of their parents weave a tapestry of courage, sacrifice, and of a love strong enough to survive insurmountable odds.

249 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2000

Reviews

[Val Wilkerson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Based on a true story...wonderful as I know there are many good American stories out there, and we seem to hear the bad ones more often then the good. It also makes you wonder why we continue to be at war, war after war, will it never end??? It also shows that those of us lucky enough to still have a parent, or parents alive, should spend more time to listen to the stories about their lives, while we have the chance to do so.

[Michelle Madden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ursula Maria Mandel's "The Good American" is a stunning novel of complex emotions. Her writing style is so powerful and image-laden, that I truly felt as if I was among the characters, experiencing the sights, smells and emotions that are so vividly captured among the pages of this novel. While this is a story of love, familial devotion, humility, perseverence and survival, it also beautifully chronicles one man's attempt at coming to terms with a flood of pent-up emotions in his personal journey towards forgiveness. I could not put this book down. If ever there was a story worthy of being told, this is the story.

On a personal note, I happen to know the author, an amazing woman of rich life experiences, and she would be a wonderful addition to a discussion of this novel, for those who may be interested in it as a book club read or as a class assignment. Do yourself a favor and read this beautifully-told story...

[Laura Atwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable book. It takes place primarily around the time of the Berlin Airlift which is uncommon. I recommend it.

[Vicki Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was enjoyable but it just lacked something, I love historical novels - this one was just ok.