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Merissa (14116 KP) rated Fables & Lies: A WWII Novel Based on a True Story in Books

Jul 3, 2026  
Fables & Lies: A WWII Novel Based on a True Story
Fables & Lies: A WWII Novel Based on a True Story
Elisabeth Storrs | 2026 | Fiction & Poetry
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
FABLES & LIES tells a story of World War II from the perspective of Freyja, a Berliner who learns that not everything is as true as she is being told. It's a hard realisation for her when the newspapers, radio, etc., all tell the same story - that Germany is the one trying to hold peace together, and it is the rest of the world that is the aggressor. People she meets along the way, whether in the apartment block she lives in, at work, or even the underground Church movement to help Jews leave Berlin/Germany, help to open her eyes as to what's really going on. By that time, it is too late in one respect, but Freyja doesn't give up.

This was a gripping story that completely held my attention. It is sensitively written, while still showing the difficulties and horrors faced by the German people who didn't necessarily agree 100% with what they were being told.

I have lived in Germany for sixteen years, and I respect their attitude to the First and Second World Wars. They teach it in the schools as lessons to be learnt, to ensure it doesn't happen again. So reading a story from their perspective was really eye-opening.

If reading about the Second World War is something that fascinates you, then I can HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book.

** The same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
 
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
 
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jul 3, 2026
  
40x40

BankofMarquis (1832 KP) rated Godzilla Minus One (2023) in Movies

Dec 14, 2023  
Godzilla Minus One (2023)
Godzilla Minus One (2023)
2023 | Action, Sci-Fi
8
9.0 (4 Ratings)
Movie Rating
Surprisingly Human...for a Monster Movie
The BankofMarquis just viewed one of the most entertaining films of 2023 - and it’s a GODZILLA film.

Yes, a GODZILLA film.

From famed Japanese Studio Toho, makers of the original Godzilla film from the 1950’s plus other “man in a rubber suit” monster movies like MOTHRA and WAR OF THE GARGANTUANS, Godzilla Minus One subverts the genre for a moment for instead of presenting a “Monster stomping on buildings” movie with some people in the background, this film is about the Japanese people and how they deal with the aftermath of World War II while (also) running from a giant monster stomping on buildings - but the monster story is the “B” story and the people story is the “A” story…and this subversion of the genre works very very well.

The title of the film, Godzilla Minus One, refers to the fact that…after World War II….Japan was “starting from zero”. When Godzilla starts attacking, it knocks Japan back another peg, hence…Godzilla Minus One.

Director and Screenwriter Takashi Yamazaki tells the tale of Koichi (Ryunosuke Kamiki) who encounters Godzilla towards the end of WWII and freezes, causing the death of his fellow soldiers (so his PTSD continues to tell him throughout the film). Once back in Japan, he encounters a young woman, Noriko (Minami Hamabe) who has been left orphaned, homeless and alone and is sheparding an abandoned baby. This unlikely trio form a bond…and a home…while trying to rebuild their lives and (in Koichi’s case) tries to make sense of the devastation he encountered in the war.

Into to this rebuilding stomps Godzilla.

This story is effectively told by Yamazaki, who knows when to focus on the people aspect of the film and when to focus on the building stomping of Godzilla. It’s a delicate balance that is helped by the performances of Kamiki and Hamabe…and the special effects that brings the spirit of the 1950’s and 1960’s Toho monster films to light.

A surpwisingly rich entertainment, Godzilla Minus One will entertain you with monster stomping…and deep human emotion.

Letter Grade: A- (I’m as surprised as you are)

8 stars (out of 10) and you can take that to the Bank(ofMarquis)