The Faces of War

“...a great addition to the universe of World War II literature,” Jeff Ayers, Bestselling author 

Jane McCarthy’s second novel brings the horrors of World War II from a rare perspective: seen through the eyes of an American GI and a German civilian-enemies.

Drafted at nineteen, American John Conway learns there’s little glory in battle. Horrified, he debarks a landing craft in gulf of Salerno into waters churned red by floating bodies. Amidst a rain of German shells, he watches his friend die. Deep in the Vosges forests of southeast Germany, he is wounded and left to die until found by a young German civilian, Karl Baum.

Both men must make difficult decisions. By law, Karl should alert the German authorities he’s sheltering an American soldier. Failure to do so is treason. Nursed by Karl’s Germany family until he’s well enough to travel, American John Conway wants to reunite with his troops in Italy. Conway turns on Baum, forcing him at gunpoint to lead him through dangerous winter mountains back to his platoon in Italy. Worse, instead of being thanked by the Americans for returning their soldier to his unit, an act of betrayal by Conway changes the course of both men’s lives. 

The Faces of War also gives readers a rare glimpse of life behind the gates of an American camp for German prisoners of war. How were German prisoners treated, and how did Germans regard their American captors?

In a story with war, drug addiction, and finally love, the courage and sacrifices of McCarthy’s characters brings alive an extraordinary time in history.  

“...a daring, heart wrenching, pulse pounding story of hope,”  Jon Land, USA today bestselling author.