December In Le Havre: A Story Based On True Events From The Life of Gaetano Benza

I don't normally write reviews but after reading this book I felt compelled to put some thoughts down in support of this novel.This story stayed with me for days and days after I finished reading it. I now find myself at odd moments contemplating the different directions that the characters took, and the directions I wished they took.This book was entirely satisfying by the way it stayed true to the nature of the events, instead of trying to wrap things up in a neat and tidy package. Real lives are never "neat and tidy," and war is most certainly not.It was by coincidence I found myself reading this book near the upcoming anniversary of the invasion of Normandy: undoubtedly, one of the most significant moments of WWII and one of the most discussed. December In Le Havre: A Story Based On True Events From The Life of Gaetano Benza is not another rehash of stories that have been told over and over, but instead, the author has captured the texture of the events of WWII from a unique point of view not previously explored. This made the story compelling and fresh and helped to pull me further into the journey.The problem I have with most historical novels is the amount of reverence they are handled with. Not so with this book. The story is told in an unapologetic tone that makes the people in the story real and easy in which to relate. I think everybody has crossed paths with a personification of Gaetano Benza. He was that guy in school who could seemingly do anything, was instantly liked, and you wanted to be his best friend. After reading December In Le Havre: A Story Based On True Events From The Life of Gaetano Benz, I realize that, even for guys like Gaetano, life isn't always easy and the stories they tell don't always end the way you expect.

This book isn’t your ordinary ‘war’ story.Yes, you do learn what Mr Benza went through on D-Day landing on the beach between Utah and Omaha Beaches, but you find out this is a story from the heart. About how this 19 year old soldier dealt with such an ordeal that he willingly went through to serve his country. How he and his friends looked out for each other those several months on the beach as they resupplied the combat troops.It’s a story of love - not a love story. You find out that Gaetano is a caring person and ever willing to help out his friends - or anyone else. Ever offered a German POW a piece of gum?This is a young Italian man from Brooklyn, NY who was brought up with strong family ties. He tells us about the fear of not seeing his mother again. About his joy when he returned home.Now, at 91 years old while in the December of his life, Guy tells us his story about that December after being sent to Le Havre, France where he was assigned the task of supervising German prisoners. How did he feel about this new job while hearing stories from the front about the Ardennes? How did the German prisoners feel about working for a GI. You will meet one who tells his story.And, yes, there is a romantic interest, too. How could there not be one with a young soldier in France who just went through hell?I found the book interesting and at the end I could feel the compassion this young soldier felt for his fellow man. Yes, this is a story from the heart. Thank you, Mr Benza, for your service.

Right off the start, one can tell this is a passion project. Not a book from an author to just "pay the bills". One can determine that this was a project that comes from the author's heart, one of love and respect. I have always been an avid fan of History, War, and True Crime, and this story has it all. From his humble beginnings in his father's barber shop and surviving the mean streets of Brooklyn trying to not be noticed by the local mafioso, to a young man serving his country with much patriotic pride. This book encapsulates a true American feeling, one this is seemingly lost in the youth of today. This is a story to remind each of one of us what patriotism used to mean and resemble in this country. Gaetano Benza, you are a true American hero! I highly recommend this book to anyone, young or old, to remind or teach, what this country once was!

This was our next door neighbor. He just passed away and I was so anxious when I heard there was a book about him!!!! He was such a gentleman, sweetheart, And hero! I am so glad someone got down his story in writing!! Thank you for making a friend'S story known to so many!!!

Capturing the experiences and adventures of those who fought WW2 can be elusive. Vinuela does a solid job of crafting the tales one of Brooklyn's own into an accessible read with honesty and perspective.

Great historical read! Well written. I'm looking forward to the future works of the Author.

Great book should be available in book stores

Has the potential to make a good movie!