'Rare Find'

This book is one of those rare finds readers hope to come across, but seldom do. It's the story of World War II from the unique perspective of a German soldier, his ideology, and his indomitable determination to survive -- and survive he did. His accounts of living through the horrors of Stalingrad and the killing march away from the Eastern Front are imbued with a near-ethereal quality giving glimpses inside the man's soul and gentle spirit...

It has the power to heal, misconceived notions about the Germans as a people and, certainly, as soldiers enmeshed in the horrors of this war. Reads with the ease and intrigue of a novel through the very capable pen of writer Michael S. Eldredge. Highly recommended.

                                     St. George Magazine - August Issue, 2005

 

'Sensitive and Enlightening'

I discovered this book while judging a writers contest. I couldn't put it down because it is, quite simply, one of the absolute best books I've ever read. I am not a Mormon, but I am a World War II buff. Over the past 60 years, I've wondered what it was like being a German during Hitler's reign of death and terror. This book is one German soldier's memoirs of his experiences on the Eastern Front. At the end, I was saddened to learn that he has passed on; I so wanted to write him and let him know what his book has meant to me. As a young woman in college, I read Hitler's book about his plans, and it changed me........I thought forever. Now that I've read Shades of Gray, I have been changed again and turned around in my thinking about the German people and my own German roots.

Read this book. Please. It is without peer.

                                          Betty J. Vickers, author

 

'Wonderful Read in All Ways!'

This book is such a wonderful story from such a unique perspective of a Prussian soldier fighting for a country he is stripped of. This book is filled with an emotional and gripping story of a mans service and survival while riding through a history lesson of the realities of war on the Eastern Front in the 1940's. I highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone. It truly makes you appreciate your freedom, those who fight for it, and those who are on God's side. I hope to see more from this wonderful and extraordinary author.

                                       Shanna Van Dyke, Critic

 

'A Stirring, Personal Account of WW II Like We've Never Heard!'

'SHADES OF GRAY' is a remarkable story of a young man, a Mormon Prussian, Art Naujoks, and his battle to survive World War II as a soldier on the German side. It is vivid with detail of what it was like to be a German soldier on the Eastern Front where Art endured miles of walking on frozen legs, months of long marches, several severe injuries, incredible loneliness as he longed for home and peace, being brave while in great fear in the heat of famous fierce battles on the Ukrainian Front, as well as surviving the war against incredible odds for 4 years. He sadly watched all his friends and a love interest perish in the struggle. All through the war, he turned to his steadfast Mormon faith to see him through impossible odds where he "did his duty" as he was called to do and survived. Michael Eldredge is a sensitive, versatile, and most talented author with a gift for his craft in many literary arenas, as well as an Historian. He's taken Art's memoirs and brought the reader along in step with historical accuracy of the battles and locations with maps and treasured pictures of Art and his friends and family at that time period. You can be assured of true facts and historical insights as you live through this up close and personal WWII struggle of Art's. This well written book is up there with the best of Steinbeck's nonfiction works. It will teach you, renew your compassion and appreciation for all good people, and keep you on the edge of your nerves. I highly recommend 'SHADES OF GRAY!'

                                       Sherry Craig, Editor and Critic

 

'Captivating!'

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It is presented in a fashion which is very different from the typical books dealing with World War II. It was especially interesting to see it through the eyes of a German soldier who happens to be a devout Latter Day Saint. Having a father who served under Patton with many of the same artillery responsibilities that Art had, made it that much more enjoyable. I recommend this book to anyone that wants to gain a greater understanding of how war is viewed through the eyes of the "enemy."

                                        Anthony Fenton, Executive