The Soldier Who Came Back is an incredible story of two unlikely friends who defy the odds, to a point, and express a level of mateship we don't seem to see all that often anymore. It was such an amazing book, the research was wonderful and the writers clearly understood what they were writing about.

A brilliant story showing the hardship of war at home and as a prisoner abroad.
My only complaint it didn't last long enough.

Many thanks to #NetGalley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

I grew up reading books about P.O.W.'s and their escape attempts. My Dad served in WW2 and his brother was captured in Italy and spent a year in a camp. I had the privilege of interviewing him about his experiences, so stories like this one have an immediate appeal to me. I found my Dad's war letters and photographs in a box hidden under his workbench in the basement after he died so I could really identify with the author who through studying his family history discovered the incredible story of his father and the friend that he made as a POW shortly after his capture.

Fred Foster and Anthony Coulthard came from very different backgrounds but both were intelligent men. Neither of them were officers but both were eager to learn. Captured at different times and places they quickly formed a bond and planned an incredible escape that would take them the long way home via Germany. They almost made it.

Not long after they were separated and their lives went along different paths. Only one survived the war.

The author meticulously researched the details of their story and lays it out for the reader in a way that captures the attention and keeps one reading. Telling the story and seeing that those lost in foreign countries are recognized has become a mission for Steve Foster. I wish him well as he continues on with the work and goes forward.

The only thing that would have improved this book for me would be the use of pictures (beyond just the cover photo) and a map of their escape route. As I read, I thought of my uncle and the details that he didn't tell me. I think I understand even more now.

I highly recommend this book.

Wow! This book had me reading into the small hours as I was desperate to know what happened. It is incredible that these two men had the courage and bravery to escape a POW camp and travel across Nazi Germany at the height of WW2. This must have been absolutely terrifying but both men appear to have taken it in their stride, one in order to see his beloved wife again and the other for the thrill of it all! I really enjoyed the camaraderie amongst the soldiers as although many of them did not want to risk escape and possible execution they were very supportive of people who did. The last quarter of the book had me in tears, I really hope the author is successful in his quest to find the lost soldiers. I highly recommend this book and think it would make a really great film.