The Hills of Home By: Alfred Coppel (1921-2004)
The Hills of Home by Alfred Coppel takes readers on a thrilling journey through the heart of war. Set during World War II, this engrossing novel captures the essence of courage, sacrifice, and the unyielding human spirit. The story revolves around Captain Joe Morgan, a skilled and experienced B-17 Flying Fortress pilot. As the war rages on, Morgan finds himself leading a crew of diverse and determined men, all united by a common mission: to take down the enemy and return safely home. Coppel's writing style is both captivating and evocative, encompassing the intricacies of aerial combat as well as the emotional toll it takes on those involved. Through vivid descriptions, readers are transported into the cockpit alongside Morgan, feeling the adrenaline rush of each dangerous mission, and experiencing the fear and camaraderie that comes with fighting for a greater cause. What sets The Hills of Home apart from other war novels is Coppel's ability to humanize the characters. By delving into their personal stories and motivations, he paints a multi-dimensional picture of the individuals involved, making their triumphs and tragedies all the more poignant. From the rookie bombardier to the battle-hardened crew chief, each character is crafted with care and realism, making it easy to become emotionally invested in their fates. Moreover, Coppel's attention to historical detail is commendable. He effortlessly weaves in accurate facts and events, grounding the narrative in the reality of the time period. From the tense atmosphere of the European theater to the gut-wrenching aftermath of strategic bombings, the author effectively captures the complex reality of war, never shying away from its brutal consequences. The Hills of Home is a book that resonates long after the final page. It captures the strength and resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity, reminding readers of the sacrifices made by so many. Alfred Coppel's talent for storytelling shines through, ensuring this novel has a lasting impact on its readers. In conclusion, The Hills of Home is a must-read for fans of historical fiction and war literature. With its gripping narrative, compelling characters, and authentic portrayal of World War II, this novel is a powerful tribute to the heroism and sacrifice of those who fought in the skies. First Page: THE HILLS OF HOME by Alfred Coppel [Illustration] "Normality" is a myth; we're all a little neurotic, and the study of neurosis has been able to classify the general types of disturbance which are most common. And some types (providing the subject is not suffering so extreme a case as to have crossed the border into psychosis) can be not only useful, but perhaps necessary for certain kinds of work.... The river ran still and deep, green and gray in the eddies with the warm smell of late summer rising out of the slow water. Madrone and birch and willow, limp in the evening quiet, and the taste of smouldering leaves.... It wasn't the Russian River. It was the Sacred Iss. The sun had touched the gem encrusted cliffs by the shores of the Lost Sea of Korus and had vanished, leaving only the stillness of the dusk and the lonely cry of shore birds. From downstream came the faint sounds of music. It might have been a phonograph playing in one of the summer cabins with names like Polly Ann Roost and Patches and Seventh Heaven, but to Kimmy it was the hated cry of the Father of Therns calling the dreadful Plant Men to their feast of victims borne into this Valley Dor by the mysterious Iss... Continue reading book >>

The Hills of Home By: Alfred Coppel (1921-2004)

The Hills of Home by Alfred Coppel takes readers on a thrilling journey through the heart of war. Set during World War II, this engrossing novel captures the essence of courage, sacrifice, and the unyielding human spirit.

The story revolves around Captain Joe Morgan, a skilled and experienced B-17 Flying Fortress pilot. As the war rages on, Morgan finds himself leading a crew of diverse and determined men, all united by a common mission: to take down the enemy and return safely home.

Coppel's writing style is both captivating and evocative, encompassing the intricacies of aerial combat as well as the emotional toll it takes on those involved. Through vivid descriptions, readers are transported into the cockpit alongside Morgan, feeling the adrenaline rush of each dangerous mission, and experiencing the fear and camaraderie that comes with fighting for a greater cause.

What sets The Hills of Home apart from other war novels is Coppel's ability to humanize the characters. By delving into their personal stories and motivations, he paints a multi-dimensional picture of the individuals involved, making their triumphs and tragedies all the more poignant. From the rookie bombardier to the battle-hardened crew chief, each character is crafted with care and realism, making it easy to become emotionally invested in their fates.

Moreover, Coppel's attention to historical detail is commendable. He effortlessly weaves in accurate facts and events, grounding the narrative in the reality of the time period. From the tense atmosphere of the European theater to the gut-wrenching aftermath of strategic bombings, the author effectively captures the complex reality of war, never shying away from its brutal consequences.

The Hills of Home is a book that resonates long after the final page. It captures the strength and resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity, reminding readers of the sacrifices made by so many. Alfred Coppel's talent for storytelling shines through, ensuring this novel has a lasting impact on its readers.

In conclusion, The Hills of Home is a must-read for fans of historical fiction and war literature. With its gripping narrative, compelling characters, and authentic portrayal of World War II, this novel is a powerful tribute to the heroism and sacrifice of those who fought in the skies.

First Page:

THE HILLS OF HOME

by Alfred Coppel

[Illustration]

"Normality" is a myth; we're all a little neurotic, and the study of neurosis has been able to classify the general types of disturbance which are most common. And some types (providing the subject is not suffering so extreme a case as to have crossed the border into psychosis) can be not only useful, but perhaps necessary for certain kinds of work....

The river ran still and deep, green and gray in the eddies with the warm smell of late summer rising out of the slow water. Madrone and birch and willow, limp in the evening quiet, and the taste of smouldering leaves....

It wasn't the Russian River. It was the Sacred Iss. The sun had touched the gem encrusted cliffs by the shores of the Lost Sea of Korus and had vanished, leaving only the stillness of the dusk and the lonely cry of shore birds.

From downstream came the faint sounds of music. It might have been a phonograph playing in one of the summer cabins with names like Polly Ann Roost and Patches and Seventh Heaven, but to Kimmy it was the hated cry of the Father of Therns calling the dreadful Plant Men to their feast of victims borne into this Valley Dor by the mysterious Iss... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Literature
Science
Short stories

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Wikipedia – The Hills of Home

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