"This novel is destined to be a best-seller and the new "American Classic Wartime" novel of our time"...
“They were the fathers we never knew, the uncles we never met, the friends who never returned, the heroes we can never repay. They gave us our world. And those simple sounds of freedom we hear today are their voices speaking to us across the years.” -Former President Bill Clinton
Such a man was 1st Lt. Dean Harold Sherman, B-29 Airplane Commander. “They Called Him Marvin” is a history. A history of war and family. A history of the collision of the raging politics of a global war, young love, patriotism, sacred family commitments, duty, and the horrors and tragedies, the catastrophe that war is.
A book reviewer explains:
“I am a fan of historical fiction, and this story did not disappoint. It was sweet, tragic, personal, and moving. Gradually and almost imperceptibly, the story of two wartime sweethearts begins circling the drain of a tragedy you know is coming. The book begins with the ending, but you have convinced yourself that it can’t possibly be the case by the time you get there. I enjoyed every moment, even the ones that left me in tears.
The letters between Connie and Dean provided a fascinating glimpse into wartime life. Reading the experiences of people both at home and abroad was very engaging. I found myself eagerly awaiting the next letter, right along with the young couple! Lastly, the book left me with an overwhelming acknowledgment of the universal trauma and tragedy of war.
The Shermans are not the only family we meet in the book, and the weaving together of several different narratives added a depth to the story that’s hard to put into words. I definitely encourage anyone to read this book, especially if historical novels are not something you typically read. This story is about real people, and you won’t want it to end.”
"This just may be the next romantic wartime 'American Classic' novel written of our time!"
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
"They Called Him Marvin is a work of non-fiction in the historical, biography, and family history sub-genres, and was penned by author Roger Stark. The work is intended for the general adult reading audience and contains some very mild references to adult themes and wartime life.
Told in prose with diary-style sections of narration as well as central figure 1st Lt Dean Harold Sherman’s own personal correspondence, this is a beautiful tale of enduring romance and the heroism of those who fought and flew during the latter part of World War Two during the United States’ conflict with Japan. What results is a touching family saga that also foreshadows the great horrors and sacrifices of life within a war.
Author Roger Stark has crafted an emotive work of non-fiction with plenty of historical richness, pathos, and heart to offer readers. One of the features which I found particularly impressive about this piece was the heartfelt presentation of the unshakeable bond between Dean and Connie, both through the curation of their own words to one another and the contextual gap-filling which Stark achieves with facts, but also emotionally sensitive additions and details.
When you juxtapose this against the bare brutality of war, the incredible innovations of flight, and the dangerous politics at play, what forms is a special capturing of this moment in time, and what it meant for real people trying to raise families and falling in love...
Overall, I would highly recommend "They Called Him Marvin" to fans of accurate wartime non-fiction accounts and for enthusiasts of World War Two first-hand reports everywhere."
Early release in e-book format has now released on Amazon Kindle of "They Called Him Marvin: A History of Love, War, and Family" beautifully written by author Roger Stark. A Readers Favorite 5-Star Awarded Book Review can now be purchased on Amazon online in the Kindle store. A must-read and a story based on much research, archives, & letters of romantic correspondence. It is a story worth reading and was worth writing ... Author Roger Stark.
"They Called Him Marvin will be destined to best-seller once released and will be a true American Wartime Classic.
A beautifully written non-fiction packed with historical archives, 60+ love letters, true accounts, and a tribute and honor to those who fought our wars and battles for our freedoms and never made it back home"...
Currently, the paperback is available for pre-order now on Amazon online. E-book pre-order coming soon!
