Mark Sullivan – The Last Green Valley

‘The Last Green Valley’ by Mark Sullivan is a book inspired by true events that touched the lives of many. I have read books of stories from the Second World War that touched me emotionally. This book is unique in that it shows the suffering and evil that dominated the East during the last part of the war and just afterwards.

The story follows a family of German heritage, the Martels. They and their ancestors have lived and farmed in Ukraine for over a century. The emotional story alternates between the points of view of husband and wife, Emil and Adeline Martel and their pursuit for freedom with their young boys. They have to go West to fulfil their hope of immigration and to escape the harrowing atrocities being committed by two cruel enemies – the Nazis in Germany and The Soviets of Russia.

I have read a lot about other European countries really harrowing stories of how they suffered during this time and it was just as bad to read this account of a German family. What a heartbreaking read this was. This family had more strength than they thought with the amount of issues they faced on the journey. The storytime slips back to 1932 – 1933 for the adults of the family and we are told of the famine in Ukraine that Stalin caused. This cruel act killed so many people due to starvation. I did know this but still reading it made my stomach turn just thinking how cruel Stalin was.

The final part of the story takes us to 2006 and we discover how the Martel families have fared. The Afterword gives us a peek into Mark Sullivan’s research and we discover that he included the Martels two sons, who are in their eighties, in his experience.
A real heartbreaking but hopeful book. It highlights the resilience of people. The power of love, hope and even faith are shining through this book as well as never allowing your dreams to slip away when all else fails.

A historical story I won’t forget easily, I recommend this to anyone who enjoys historical fiction. Such a touching and excellently written story!

Thanks to Anne Cater and Lake Union Publishing for a copy of this memorable book.