Tom Blubaugh's Night of the Cossack ~ Reviewed

Night of the Cossack
Tom Blubaugh
Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher: Bound by Faith Publishers (2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0982902921


Description:

Night of the Cossack is a compelling adventure about a teenager who is forced to grow up quickly. The main character, Nathan Hertzfield faces many life or death situations during his saga. Join Nathan on his suspenseful journey through parts of Russia and Europe during the early 1900's. Don't miss this entertaining and intriguing story, Night of the Cossack.

Review:

Set in Europe during the skirmishes between Turks and Cossacks, Night of the Cossack follows several years in the life of Nathan, the hero of the story.

Based loosely on the author’s own grandfather's possible story, it is a tale of what might have happened if a young Jewish boy was kidnapped and forced into becoming a soldier. Nathan gets knocked down again and again and seems to have to say good-bye to everyone he has ever loved.

The writing is simple even though the time period and setting is unique so it would be a good read for upper elementary. However, there are some elements that might concern cautious parents. (Discussion of women being kidnapped to become wives and veiled reference to rape and a character who preaches Christianity telling Nathan to not wait up, with a wink, as he goes to visit his girlfriend.)

The historical content of the book made me want to look into that time period.

Reviewed by: Kelly Klepfer