rEview/ Those Who Dare to Dream

-
Local author Leif Gregersen brings us back to the brutalities of WWII in his coming of age novel Those Who Dare to Dream

 by paula e. kirman
Those Who Dare to Dream
WRITER Leif Gregersen is as versatile as he is prolific. His self-published volumes include memoirs, short stories, and poetry. Those Who Dare to Dream is his first novel for mature young adult readers. 

Those Who Dare to Dream tells the story of Matthew, a young soldier in World War II. He is from a small mining town in Alberta and he and his brother decide to volunteer for the war. Matthew's journey includes survival, love, loss, and the coming of age that results. 

The story is very fast-paced, almost seeming rushed at times, and at other times is rather brutal. Matthew ends up in a prisoner of war camp and has to exhibit maturity beyond his years in order to save his life (and others') and get home.


Although the main character is at the latter end of his teen years, I would hesitate to classify this novel as specifically for young adults. Some of the subject matter is rather disturbing (it is set during a war, after all), and I found Gregersen's writing style to be similar as in some of his adult fiction. This is not a criticism; merely an observation.

Those Who Dare to Dream should appeal to people who enjoy historical fiction and want a fast read that is full of intensity.

You can also follow Gregersen on Twitter and YouTube, or find out more about his other books HERE! 
 
Author Leif Gregersen at a local book sale
Location: Edmonton, AB, Canada

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Ultimate Edmonton Donair Guide

-
Image
The Tips, the Timeline, and the Top 15 Best Donair Shops in Edmonton By Emil Tiedemann Where is the best donair in the Edmonton region?! It's been the subject of serious (but not really) debate for many years now and there are literally hundreds of options for us spoiled Edmontonians to choose from. In fact, there are more restaurants that offer donairs in Edmonton than any other city in the country, with 212 different locations according to the Yellow Pages  (as of February 2021).  The "Edmonton-style" donair (photo by Athena Gourmet Foods) That's 83 more than Vancouver, which has the second-most amount of eateries that offer donairs (129 according to the Yellow Pages), and well-over double what Halifax, known as "the birthplace of the donair," has to offer (79). By the way, in case you were unaware, "Edmonton-style" donairs are different from those native to Halifax for various reasons, which you can find out more about here .  Donairs, which for
READ MORE »

Reason #52 of '101 Reasons Why I Heart Edmonton'

-
Image
Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village By Emil Tiedemann From 1892  to 1930, many Ukrainian Canadians settled in central Alberta, and generations of those early settlers’ families have remained here more than a century later.  Some of the costumed historical interpreters at the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village, just outside of Edmonton. It’s those early years that are brought back to life at the award-winning Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village , a giant living museum that uses costumed historical interpreters to recreate early pioneer settlements on a site not far out of city limits (near Elk Island Park on the Yellowhead Highway).  This open-air attraction opened in 1974, technically as part of nearby Lamont County , on the shores of Goose Lake. It remains a popular destination for families and young students.  The Village's Luzan Grocery. There are dozens of restored historical structures at the Village, including Kiew Hall, Kolody Sawmill, Luzan Groce
READ MORE »

Did You Know? (Boston Pizza)

-
Image
e A LTHOUGH the name may lead you to believe otherwise, the Canadian staple of Boston Pizza was conceived right here in the city of Edmonton. Greek immigrant Gus Agioritis opened the doors to Boston Pizza & Spaghetti House back in 1964, with almost no experience in the restaurant business, but by 1970 there were 17 BP locations (15 franchised) in Western Canada. In 1968 RCMP officer Jim Treliving (of Dragon's Den ) established the first Boston Pizza franchise, in Penticton, B.C. Along with partner George Melville , Treliving was instrumental in the rise of the pizza (etc.) chain, which now has over 370 restaurants throughout North America (known as Boston's The Gourmet Pizza in the U.S.), including two in Mexico. There are currently 22 BP locations in Edmonton alone. e
READ MORE »