Oren, Michael B. Reunion, a novel.OREN OREN Otway Ranges Environment Network (Australia) , Michael B. Reunion, a novel. Penguin, Plume. 353p. c2003. 0-452-28514-3. $15.00. SA "On this ridge, in December 1944, we, the men of B Company of the 138th Infantry Battalion of the United States Army United States Army Major branch of the U.S. military forces, charged with preserving peace and security and defending the nation. The first regular U.S. fighting force, the Continental Army, was organized by the Continental Congress on June 14, 1775, to supplement local , fought for six days and nights against superior enemy forces. We did our duty. We gave it our best. Remember us." So it was carved in granite and ceremoniously cer·e·mo·ni·ous adj. 1. Strictly observant of or devoted to ceremony, ritual, or etiquette; punctilious: "borne on silvery trays by ceremonious world-weary waiters" Financial Times. unveiled the last day of the last reunion of the 138th. Oren uses his father's war stories to construct his first work of fiction, relaying the poignancy and humanity of a group of men in all their eccentricities and disparities, forever linked in subtle and obvious ways because of their participation in the Battle of the Bulge Battle of the Bulge, popular name in World War II for the German counterattack in the Ardennes, Dec., 1944–Jan., 1945. It is also known as the Battle of the Ardennes. On Dec. . The characters include a nurse, a son, a sister, various wives, and 18 surviving members of the battle. We get to know them as they gather in the rebuilt hotel in Saint-Vith, Belgium, and through interviews with a young reporter from Paris looking for Looking for In the context of general equities, this describing a buy interest in which a dealer is asked to offer stock, often involving a capital commitment. Antithesis of in touch with. a big story. Reminiscences allow us glimpses of deceased members. The plot develops mysteriously on several levels. The company clerk, a professional historian and organizer of all their reunions. is unable to attend; and his son, carrying out his final wishes, is wondering what is eluding e·lude tr.v. e·lud·ed, e·lud·ing, e·ludes 1. To evade or escape from, as by daring, cleverness, or skill: The suspect continues to elude the police. 2. him in the carefully kept files. One member of B Company, believed to have been killed in action, has never been found. Oren's frank portrayal of the vagaries of aging, its effects on the spirit and mobility of the characters, and his knowledge of his subject make interesting fiction. The juxtaposition juxtaposition /jux·ta·po·si·tion/ (-pah-zish´un) apposition. jux·ta·po·si·tion n. The state of being placed or situated side by side. of the vitality of youth and the imminent end of these characters' lives is reinforced by the death of several of them during the course of the story. Their courage is revealed by their willingness to face who they are and what the future brings. A timely work, considering recent observances and anniversaries. S--Recommended for senior high school students. A--Recommended for advanced students and adults. This code will help librarians and teachers working in high schools where there are honors and advanced placement students. This also will help extend KLIATT's usefulness in public libraries. Ann Hart, Trustee, Juniata County Lib., Mifflintown, PA |
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