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POW/MIA Truth #1
The Thin Wall
Midnight, August 20, 1968: the sirens of Prague are sounding. Without warning, Russian tanks have crossed the frontier and are pouring into the city. The Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia has begun. Arriving with the troops is Colonel Grigori Dal, a seasoned KGB officer and coldblooded killer. While the country slips into chaos, Dal uses the fighting as cover to apprehend an American prisoner of war from a military prison in Prague. Within days, only a cursed woman and a troubled war hero will stand between him and protecting the Cold War’s darkest secret: proof U.S. servicemen were secretly transferred to the Soviet Union.
R. Cyril West’s award winning novel of tragic love, suspense, intrigue, and the dangerous machinations of the human heart—The Thin Wall.
*BRAG Medallion Award
R. Cyril West’s award winning novel of tragic love, suspense, intrigue, and the dangerous machinations of the human heart—The Thin Wall.
*BRAG Medallion Award
Kindle Edition
First published January 16, 2014
68 people are currently reading
2460 people want to read
About the author
R. Cyril West
3 books93 followersR Cyril West is the award winning author of THE THIN WALL and SOME NEVER FORGET.
His stories focus on people who are driven to the brink, pushed to their darkest and most uncomfortable moment, from which they must make a life-changing decision. Themes are heavily influenced by military and veteran's issues.
His first two novels expose the lies that all American prisoners of war came home from Vietnam. They didn't. THE THIN WALL and SOME NEVER FORGET are based upon truth. The forewords to these novels are penned by Chip Beck, an ex POW/MIA investigator and CIA operative, and Bob Smith, a former United States Senator and presidential candidate. Senator Smith also served as vice-chair of the United States Senate Select Committee on POW/MIA Affairs (1990s).
Mr. West’s new novel INFAMOUS 1 portrays a young man’s fall from grace after his life is shattered following the death of his father in Afghanistan. INFAMOUS 1 sends a positive message to young people about walking the line between right and wrong. It evokes tragedy, suffering, and human darkness.
www.rcyrilwest.com
His stories focus on people who are driven to the brink, pushed to their darkest and most uncomfortable moment, from which they must make a life-changing decision. Themes are heavily influenced by military and veteran's issues.
His first two novels expose the lies that all American prisoners of war came home from Vietnam. They didn't. THE THIN WALL and SOME NEVER FORGET are based upon truth. The forewords to these novels are penned by Chip Beck, an ex POW/MIA investigator and CIA operative, and Bob Smith, a former United States Senator and presidential candidate. Senator Smith also served as vice-chair of the United States Senate Select Committee on POW/MIA Affairs (1990s).
Mr. West’s new novel INFAMOUS 1 portrays a young man’s fall from grace after his life is shattered following the death of his father in Afghanistan. INFAMOUS 1 sends a positive message to young people about walking the line between right and wrong. It evokes tragedy, suffering, and human darkness.
www.rcyrilwest.com
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February 5, 2020To those who are reading or thinking about reading my novel The Thin Wall, here is a helpful overview:
ABOUT BLURB:
A dark portrayal of the 1968 Soviet occupation of Czechoslovakia, brought to life through the conflict between an intriguingly cultured, yet conniving KGB colonel and the people of a small village who courageously (and sometimes timidly) try to resist his iron-handed ways.
At the heart of this spellbinding thriller: proof U.S. servicemen were secretly transferred to the Soviet Union.
CENTRAL CHARACTERS:
VILLAIN: The villain is Soviet KGB Colonel Grigori Dal, who has in his possession an American POW (U.S. Marine) and documents that prove 9 U.S. servicemen were transferred to the Soviet Union from Vietnam. His mission is to protect the secrets -- in particular hide the POW from the people in the village. But will his ego get in the way?
HEROINE: The heroine is Ayna Sahhat, a beautiful outcast in the community, said to be cursed because former boyfriends have died tragically. As the story moves along, Col. Dal becomes infatuated with her beauty. Will she stand up to him?
HERO: The hero is Dr. Milan Husak, a troubled war hero with a tragic (and secret) past. He arrives to the village one day to set up a clinic. Then he meets the "cursed" Ayna Sahhat. Is their relationship doomed?
The village idiot plays a key, somewhat unsuspecting role. You will be cheering for him by the end of the story...
The POW/MIA aspect of the story is a subplot. This IS NOT a story about a POW. That said, the story does address servicemen who were secretly taken from Vietnam and transferred to the Soviet Union, via Czechoslovakia. The POW/MIA character, GySgt Russell Johnston, is more “behind the scenes” however he is the central thrust that keeps the story and action moving along.
If you have questions, please feel free to contact me: author@rcyrilwest.com
ABOUT BLURB:
A dark portrayal of the 1968 Soviet occupation of Czechoslovakia, brought to life through the conflict between an intriguingly cultured, yet conniving KGB colonel and the people of a small village who courageously (and sometimes timidly) try to resist his iron-handed ways.
At the heart of this spellbinding thriller: proof U.S. servicemen were secretly transferred to the Soviet Union.
CENTRAL CHARACTERS:
VILLAIN: The villain is Soviet KGB Colonel Grigori Dal, who has in his possession an American POW (U.S. Marine) and documents that prove 9 U.S. servicemen were transferred to the Soviet Union from Vietnam. His mission is to protect the secrets -- in particular hide the POW from the people in the village. But will his ego get in the way?
HEROINE: The heroine is Ayna Sahhat, a beautiful outcast in the community, said to be cursed because former boyfriends have died tragically. As the story moves along, Col. Dal becomes infatuated with her beauty. Will she stand up to him?
HERO: The hero is Dr. Milan Husak, a troubled war hero with a tragic (and secret) past. He arrives to the village one day to set up a clinic. Then he meets the "cursed" Ayna Sahhat. Is their relationship doomed?
The village idiot plays a key, somewhat unsuspecting role. You will be cheering for him by the end of the story...
The POW/MIA aspect of the story is a subplot. This IS NOT a story about a POW. That said, the story does address servicemen who were secretly taken from Vietnam and transferred to the Soviet Union, via Czechoslovakia. The POW/MIA character, GySgt Russell Johnston, is more “behind the scenes” however he is the central thrust that keeps the story and action moving along.
If you have questions, please feel free to contact me: author@rcyrilwest.com
June 16, 2016
Disappointing
I truly believe that there were Americans in German POW camps that never were returned. The U.S. and other allies capitulated to Soviet demands, that created East German/cold war and not true account of prisoners. The writing in this story was weak and other than a short mention early, the soldier it was about, did not get coverage until over 1/2 the story, then weakened.
I truly believe that there were Americans in German POW camps that never were returned. The U.S. and other allies capitulated to Soviet demands, that created East German/cold war and not true account of prisoners. The writing in this story was weak and other than a short mention early, the soldier it was about, did not get coverage until over 1/2 the story, then weakened.
September 28, 2014
"The Thin Wall" by R. Cyril West which I won through Goodreads Giveways is a powerful and emotionally-charged blend of tragic love, deception and fierce determination that begins with the Russian invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1968. In the village of Mersk Colonel Grigori Dal a KGB officer, and his troop have seized the mayor's villa, his intent is not only to control the town and its populace, but to secure an American prisoner of war that he's ransoming to Cuba for a sizeable reward. What he doesn't expect is to have his authority thwarted by a beautiful woman who's shunned by the villagers and by a doctor looking for salvation from a mistake of the past.
In a story that is intensely riveting the threads of the plot not only bring to light Dal's destructive path in trying to subvert the citizens of Mersk , but the tragic incarceration and suffering of American POW's held in captivity after the Vietnam war. Although fiction the plot is build on historical fact - the Soviet occupation of Czechoslovakia and the fate of "American service personnel listed as missing in action during the Vietnam war." With stark intensity and mounting suspense R. Cyril West builds a plot that centers around a woman ostracized because of her mixed bloodline, and a hero haunted by his past; both stand like a" thin wall " between the weak and the strong. Feeling cursed because of premonitions that predicted the death of her lovers Anya Sahhat refuses to be thwarted by the vicious tongues of the villagers or the lascivious overtures of a demented KGB officer. Similarly Dr. Milan Husak, a man whose American connection could mean death if discovered, refuses to be coerced into a deadly rescue until circumstances propel him into setting aside love for deliverance. Woven into a plot filled with violence and cruelty there are strong elements of courage, love, forgiveness and self-sacrifice.
The core characters, like the plot are well-developed and complex, each one driven by either fanatical principals or dark secrets. Ayna Sahhat a child of Czech and Azeri blood stoically suffers the villagers harassment as well as the pain of rape as a teen. Feeling cursed because of the sudden tragic deaths of her lovers, she buries her emotions in the music of her beloved cello. Yet for all her troubles she's feisty, stubborn, headstrong and courageous. Anya is intensely protective of Jiri her difficult and impulsive son who shuns school to play football in the streets. Dr. Milan (Mickey) Husak during WWII gave up his American roots to remain in Czechoslovakia as a doctor and has climbed the rungs of success in the Ministry of Health. A war hero troubled by a dark secret is humble, unselfish and empathetic. Gunnery Sergeant Russell Edward Johnston is the brave POW, a hero who has been abused and tortured yet remains silent in adversity answering every question with his name, rank and serial number.
Yet it is the realism of the antagonists in this story that sends chills down your back and keeps you wrapped up in the story from the first page to the last. Colonel Grigori Dal is a merciless Russian killer who's an arrogant, smug and intimidating hardliner. Under the pretext of peaceful co-existence he bullies the villagers with threats, a heartless murder and a tank aimed at the steeple of the church. Yet for all his Communist principals he will lie and cheat to selfishly get what he wants. His henchman Sergeant Gurko is just as cruel, vicious and merciless. Like all the personalities they add power, drama and passion to this intoxicating tale that brings to light the tragic imprisonment of POW's still considered missing in action.
I thoroughly enjoyed this captivating story and highly recommend it with its sheer intensity, stark honesty and high-powered suspense. My only small criticism is that I would have liked to have known what happened to Anya and the Mersk villagers after all the death and destruction.
In a story that is intensely riveting the threads of the plot not only bring to light Dal's destructive path in trying to subvert the citizens of Mersk , but the tragic incarceration and suffering of American POW's held in captivity after the Vietnam war. Although fiction the plot is build on historical fact - the Soviet occupation of Czechoslovakia and the fate of "American service personnel listed as missing in action during the Vietnam war." With stark intensity and mounting suspense R. Cyril West builds a plot that centers around a woman ostracized because of her mixed bloodline, and a hero haunted by his past; both stand like a" thin wall " between the weak and the strong. Feeling cursed because of premonitions that predicted the death of her lovers Anya Sahhat refuses to be thwarted by the vicious tongues of the villagers or the lascivious overtures of a demented KGB officer. Similarly Dr. Milan Husak, a man whose American connection could mean death if discovered, refuses to be coerced into a deadly rescue until circumstances propel him into setting aside love for deliverance. Woven into a plot filled with violence and cruelty there are strong elements of courage, love, forgiveness and self-sacrifice.
The core characters, like the plot are well-developed and complex, each one driven by either fanatical principals or dark secrets. Ayna Sahhat a child of Czech and Azeri blood stoically suffers the villagers harassment as well as the pain of rape as a teen. Feeling cursed because of the sudden tragic deaths of her lovers, she buries her emotions in the music of her beloved cello. Yet for all her troubles she's feisty, stubborn, headstrong and courageous. Anya is intensely protective of Jiri her difficult and impulsive son who shuns school to play football in the streets. Dr. Milan (Mickey) Husak during WWII gave up his American roots to remain in Czechoslovakia as a doctor and has climbed the rungs of success in the Ministry of Health. A war hero troubled by a dark secret is humble, unselfish and empathetic. Gunnery Sergeant Russell Edward Johnston is the brave POW, a hero who has been abused and tortured yet remains silent in adversity answering every question with his name, rank and serial number.
Yet it is the realism of the antagonists in this story that sends chills down your back and keeps you wrapped up in the story from the first page to the last. Colonel Grigori Dal is a merciless Russian killer who's an arrogant, smug and intimidating hardliner. Under the pretext of peaceful co-existence he bullies the villagers with threats, a heartless murder and a tank aimed at the steeple of the church. Yet for all his Communist principals he will lie and cheat to selfishly get what he wants. His henchman Sergeant Gurko is just as cruel, vicious and merciless. Like all the personalities they add power, drama and passion to this intoxicating tale that brings to light the tragic imprisonment of POW's still considered missing in action.
I thoroughly enjoyed this captivating story and highly recommend it with its sheer intensity, stark honesty and high-powered suspense. My only small criticism is that I would have liked to have known what happened to Anya and the Mersk villagers after all the death and destruction.
August 8, 2014
Ok. Not what I was expecting from the summary. Not enough character development to make you really care about the characters. I expected more of a storyline for the POW. He is barely mentioned until the conclusion. The "love" storyline is nonexistant. A few brief conversations and having sex once do not make a relationship. Overall it's an ok read that needed more character development.
October 18, 2020
Interesting story. The scene is set well. The main characters are well developed and you are pulled into the story to care about them. Too many tertiary characters and I had a hard time keeping track of who was who.
August 31, 2014
I don't typical read historical fiction I usually historical non-fiction but I thought I would check this book out. I found this novel interesting based upon my interest of POW and MIA cases across the world particularly in WWII and Vietnam. My fist exposure to such a subject was when I read the non-fiction book Kiss the Boys Goodbye by Monika Jensen-Stevenson and William Stevenson about Vietnam POW/MIAS were abandoned by the American government.
I was shocked and angry at the fact that this disrespectful act could be tolerated in the American government and basically disregard the life of a soldier who gave his service to a country they put their life on the line for the sake of freedom. And then they are transported to Russia.
I want to fair and honest in this review because the author deserves that for future endeavors. Overall I found the novel enjoyable and the storyline was great of how the characters were developed along with the characters relationships were affected by the invasion and there was even a love story to some degree.
I must admit the ending and when one of the characters revealed his true identity real was a great surprise and made it an exciting novel like a mystery. Toward the end of the book, it kept me on the edge of my seat. I really enjoyed the development of the love story in the novel which showed a gentlemanly way of treating a woman. Anya Sahhat represented the persistence of the driving force to get the town of Mersk to not buckle under Colonel Dal's invasion of their small town. The townspeople just wanted to have their freedom like anyone else. It reminded me how Hitler took power.
I had no idea that Vietnam POWs were taken to Russia and Central Europe. I really appreciated the fact that the author provided some historical facts about the occupation of Russia and the communist movement in Czechoslovakia and a list of the characters and what their roles were in the story line otherwise I would of found it confusing to keep up with the story line and text.
A couple of things I noticed with this novel is it took awhile to find out about the POW's and their demise. Especially the one remaining living POW that was alive. I assume the author wanted to reveal all that toward the end to give the book an explosive and epic ending.
My curiosity was piqued with question through the whole book but that is because I am so used to reading historical non-fiction. Question like Why were the Vietnam POWS or American POWS taken to Russia what was their motive for such a bold and risky move? Was it a propaganda issue? Did have to do with Capitalism or Democracy that the US was trying to impose upon Russia? I also asked myself did they go to camps? or anything like the Hotel Hilton in Ho Chi Minh City?
There were a lot of abbreviations I was not familiar with GRU, NKVD, and other Soviet terms I would liked a more detailed explanation. If someone is not familiar with Marxism, Socialism, Communism and Lenin and his belief system it could get confusing for the reader so maybe a brief explanation in the front or back of the book along with the historical facts would assist the reader in understanding the philosophy of Russia at that time.
Overall, I found the book well written and quite entertaining and I would definitely suggest reading this novel and give it a thumbs up and look forward to the next novel from this incredible author who is quite passionate about informing the public about POW's and MIA's and how important it is to continue to find them because they deserve it. I liked it so much I would read it again and plan to keep it in my special collection of books. There is a special reason for that!
I was shocked and angry at the fact that this disrespectful act could be tolerated in the American government and basically disregard the life of a soldier who gave his service to a country they put their life on the line for the sake of freedom. And then they are transported to Russia.
I want to fair and honest in this review because the author deserves that for future endeavors. Overall I found the novel enjoyable and the storyline was great of how the characters were developed along with the characters relationships were affected by the invasion and there was even a love story to some degree.
I must admit the ending and when one of the characters revealed his true identity real was a great surprise and made it an exciting novel like a mystery. Toward the end of the book, it kept me on the edge of my seat. I really enjoyed the development of the love story in the novel which showed a gentlemanly way of treating a woman. Anya Sahhat represented the persistence of the driving force to get the town of Mersk to not buckle under Colonel Dal's invasion of their small town. The townspeople just wanted to have their freedom like anyone else. It reminded me how Hitler took power.
I had no idea that Vietnam POWs were taken to Russia and Central Europe. I really appreciated the fact that the author provided some historical facts about the occupation of Russia and the communist movement in Czechoslovakia and a list of the characters and what their roles were in the story line otherwise I would of found it confusing to keep up with the story line and text.
A couple of things I noticed with this novel is it took awhile to find out about the POW's and their demise. Especially the one remaining living POW that was alive. I assume the author wanted to reveal all that toward the end to give the book an explosive and epic ending.
My curiosity was piqued with question through the whole book but that is because I am so used to reading historical non-fiction. Question like Why were the Vietnam POWS or American POWS taken to Russia what was their motive for such a bold and risky move? Was it a propaganda issue? Did have to do with Capitalism or Democracy that the US was trying to impose upon Russia? I also asked myself did they go to camps? or anything like the Hotel Hilton in Ho Chi Minh City?
There were a lot of abbreviations I was not familiar with GRU, NKVD, and other Soviet terms I would liked a more detailed explanation. If someone is not familiar with Marxism, Socialism, Communism and Lenin and his belief system it could get confusing for the reader so maybe a brief explanation in the front or back of the book along with the historical facts would assist the reader in understanding the philosophy of Russia at that time.
Overall, I found the book well written and quite entertaining and I would definitely suggest reading this novel and give it a thumbs up and look forward to the next novel from this incredible author who is quite passionate about informing the public about POW's and MIA's and how important it is to continue to find them because they deserve it. I liked it so much I would read it again and plan to keep it in my special collection of books. There is a special reason for that!
January 5, 2015
This is not an easy read, but it is worth the time to keep with it. I would have liked it better if Ayna, Father Sudek or Johnston would have been the main character instead of Dal and it had been told from one of their perspectives. Dal was a very one dimensional evil character and I found it easy to put down the book because he was just plain awful. This story addresses a time and place in our history that is not easy to read about, but it is important to read and remember unpleasant points in our history as well as the pleasant ones. All in all, this is a book worth reading for anyone who enjoys historical military novels.
July 27, 2014
The issue surrounding POW's left behind has been a topic long hidden from the American public. The Thin Wall takes you to a place that might be least suspected but oh so totally plausable to those of us who remember the tense relations during the Cold War.
R.Cyril West weaves a tale of intrigue, power and the bonds of resistance but opens the door for us to ask ourselves, is it possible that POW's were left behind or used as pawns for political brokerage? This might well be the first of many books you read that say, yes!
R.Cyril West weaves a tale of intrigue, power and the bonds of resistance but opens the door for us to ask ourselves, is it possible that POW's were left behind or used as pawns for political brokerage? This might well be the first of many books you read that say, yes!
February 26, 2015
I am torn between a 2 and 3 star. The novel is extremely well written by an obviously cultured, well read, and knowledgeable man. But, at times I felt like I was reading Dostoyevsky. It was just plain tedious for much of the novel. What makes it a good book is that the author is able to reach so deeply into the psyche of Dal the Soviet Colonel that the reader believes he is reading Russian literature. The novel amply makes the point about Soviet oppression but the greater advertised theme of POW hostages is relegated to a secondary place in the novel
December 31, 2015
It's a puzzling read. Started as a character study of people in a small town in 1968 in Czechoslovakia. The character study is well done. You get the know all the main characters. All are well described and you start to ask yourself why this subtitle. When you're 80 % done with the book. Finally, there's something with the POW. For several pages, you have a thriller between your hands. A thriller you weren't missing. And this is the problem I have with this book. Therefore only 3 stars.
February 6, 2014
A well written book chocked full of action and intrigue. The hidden subtleties will entertain and cause thought. If we ever have any relationship with Russians, it should solely be to demand they account for our servicemen!!
September 12, 2015
Disturbing
This author has brought to the attention of readers of a long disturbing piece of shameful American history. How could our administrations allowed this to happen? Why? Regardless of the political parties involved, an investigation should be conducted.
This author has brought to the attention of readers of a long disturbing piece of shameful American history. How could our administrations allowed this to happen? Why? Regardless of the political parties involved, an investigation should be conducted.
February 12, 2015
We are proud to announce that THE THIN WALL BY R. Cyril West is a B.R.A.G. Medallion Honoree. This tells a reader that this book is well worth their time and money!
March 3, 2020
Solid historical fiction bringing light too a little known part of history.
This book starts with a forward by Chip Beck, about the many U.S. POWs that have been held captive long after a conflict ended or transferred outside of the conflict zone. In this case, it's a marine captured in Vietnam and transferred to Prague. The historical note states evidence leaked after the fall of the Soviet Union that troops were moved from Vietnam via Prague for experimentation. Congress investigated but not much of a conclusion. Boris Yeltsin confirmed this occurred when he was president of Russia in the 1990s.
The story about the POW, a JOB colonel, a U.S. spy left behind in Prague after WWII, and his decision to try and help was compelling. The information about the 1968 Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia and the KGB colonel at the center was fast paced, the conflict building to a tense and realistic final showdown. I enjoyed this part of the story a great deal. The small town setting and the town's struggle with the Colonel and oppression was a great (but hard) read. I felt their anger and fear and frustration.
There's a love story subplot that honestly seems unnecessary. That's the only reason for the 3 star rating. It wasn't a bad storyline. Just a bit of a distraction.
I won this book.as a Goodreads giveaway. And I received it just as I was leaving for a trip to the Czech Republic! Perfect timing.
This book starts with a forward by Chip Beck, about the many U.S. POWs that have been held captive long after a conflict ended or transferred outside of the conflict zone. In this case, it's a marine captured in Vietnam and transferred to Prague. The historical note states evidence leaked after the fall of the Soviet Union that troops were moved from Vietnam via Prague for experimentation. Congress investigated but not much of a conclusion. Boris Yeltsin confirmed this occurred when he was president of Russia in the 1990s.
The story about the POW, a JOB colonel, a U.S. spy left behind in Prague after WWII, and his decision to try and help was compelling. The information about the 1968 Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia and the KGB colonel at the center was fast paced, the conflict building to a tense and realistic final showdown. I enjoyed this part of the story a great deal. The small town setting and the town's struggle with the Colonel and oppression was a great (but hard) read. I felt their anger and fear and frustration.
There's a love story subplot that honestly seems unnecessary. That's the only reason for the 3 star rating. It wasn't a bad storyline. Just a bit of a distraction.
I won this book.as a Goodreads giveaway. And I received it just as I was leaving for a trip to the Czech Republic! Perfect timing.
March 1, 2020
I won this ebook in a Goodreads Giveaway. It is a thriller about Czechoslokia(actually Bohemia) during the Warsaw Pact invasion in 1968.It gives you a feel for what the people felt after their hopes of a gentler communism were crushed. The story involves a small town and revolves around a musical contest to go to Prague and the kidnapping of American servicemen by Russia after the 2nd World War , Korea, and Vietnam. there is a love interest mixed in. I got pulled into the story. Recommended.
August 11, 2022
I typically enjoy reading historical fiction books, however, I struggled with finishing this book. I just simply could not get into it; some parts of the story seemed to drag on, I feel like certain characters didn't get enough of a storyline and much was left to question. I did appreciate that the information included appeared to be well researched and presented nicely.
April 21, 2020
This is a Goodreads giveaway winner.
I had a tough time getting through parts of this book, but I stuck with it and finished it.
There is an intense character study of people in a small town in 1968 in Czechoslovakia, that is well done. There is some coverage of the POW and it was not very intense. The story just didn't pull me in, and I felt some of the story lacking with that.
I had a tough time getting through parts of this book, but I stuck with it and finished it.
There is an intense character study of people in a small town in 1968 in Czechoslovakia, that is well done. There is some coverage of the POW and it was not very intense. The story just didn't pull me in, and I felt some of the story lacking with that.
April 11, 2021
interesting read
I would recommend this book as it kept my attention up and wanting to read the next page. I loved the historical references.
I would recommend this book as it kept my attention up and wanting to read the next page. I loved the historical references.
February 6, 2017
Great book! Fast paced and captivating.
April 9, 2020
I won this Kindle edition book in a Goodreads
Giveaway. Thank you to everyone involved.
Very well written book!!
Giveaway. Thank you to everyone involved.
Very well written book!!
Want to read
July 28, 2020A good read all around
February 23, 2020
Great story
This is a great story about Russians invading Czechoslovakia and the war heros doing whatever it takes to protect their country.
This is a great story about Russians invading Czechoslovakia and the war heros doing whatever it takes to protect their country.
August 28, 2015
The Thin Wall : A POW/MIA Truth Novel is by R. Cyril West. This intrigue novel is meant to promote awareness of the thousands of men who are still missing from foreign wars. It is fiction but is loosely based on stories and bits of truth told about these missing men and women. This story takes place in Slovenia, once part of Czechslovakia.
Colonel Gregori Dal has been ordered to find the American prisoner, Gunnery Sergeant Russell Edward Johnston from Houston. He was captured in Vietnam and after being tortured by the Vietnamese, was sent through the pipelines to Slovenia. Colonel Dal’s orders were to kill him and bury him in the forest to erase any trace of him. Dal was also to obtain the Devil Dog Dossier and turn it into the KGB. The dossier was the only written record of the many men and women who were captured in Vietnam and then taken to the Soviet Union to be used in mind control experiments. Johnston was the last of nine Marines to be unaccounted for and he was living proof of the process. He had to be silenced. Dal, however, has succumbed to avarice and is keeping Johnston alive to be taken by a splinter group to Cuba as a prize trophy for Castro. Dal would turn the dossier over to the Kremlin.
Dal chooses Mersk to hole up in to wait for the men to come get Johnston. He is also part of the invasion group from the Soviet Union. He has a small group of men to help him. They have no idea what is going on. The town, however, remembers the horrors of WWII and the occupation by the Nazis so they are not very welcoming.
Ayna Schhat is an outcast of the community. She is suspect of all sorts of things due to her heritage of being the daughter of an Arab and a Muslim. She works in the local theatre with the marionettes her father gave her. She manages a living for herself, her mother, and her son. She has had three men interested in marrying her; but all three died a violent or unusual death. She is beautiful and does not back down from the townspeople. She is very outspoken especially after the death of her childhood friend Sascha. Colonel Dal is taken with her beauty and sets out to win her over. Can he?
Dr. Milan comes to town to set up a medical base for the children in the area. He clashes with Colonel Dal over this but Dal allows him to set up the clinic. Dr. Milan falls under the spell of Ayna too. He sets out to win her over. Can he win her? What other secrets is he keeping that can cause problems for the village? When faced with a choice of two paths to take, what path will he choose to follow?
Truthfully, when R. Cyril West asked me to read this book and review it, I wasn’t sure if I would like this type of book; but decided to give it a try. I was pulled into the book from the start and never looked back. It is so full of actions and suspense that it kept me wanting to read more. Add a bit of romance and humor and the book really took hold. It is well-written and easy to read. It really makes you think about the possibility of the missing being taken to the Soviet Union or still being kept in camps somewhere. I really liked the book.
Colonel Gregori Dal has been ordered to find the American prisoner, Gunnery Sergeant Russell Edward Johnston from Houston. He was captured in Vietnam and after being tortured by the Vietnamese, was sent through the pipelines to Slovenia. Colonel Dal’s orders were to kill him and bury him in the forest to erase any trace of him. Dal was also to obtain the Devil Dog Dossier and turn it into the KGB. The dossier was the only written record of the many men and women who were captured in Vietnam and then taken to the Soviet Union to be used in mind control experiments. Johnston was the last of nine Marines to be unaccounted for and he was living proof of the process. He had to be silenced. Dal, however, has succumbed to avarice and is keeping Johnston alive to be taken by a splinter group to Cuba as a prize trophy for Castro. Dal would turn the dossier over to the Kremlin.
Dal chooses Mersk to hole up in to wait for the men to come get Johnston. He is also part of the invasion group from the Soviet Union. He has a small group of men to help him. They have no idea what is going on. The town, however, remembers the horrors of WWII and the occupation by the Nazis so they are not very welcoming.
Ayna Schhat is an outcast of the community. She is suspect of all sorts of things due to her heritage of being the daughter of an Arab and a Muslim. She works in the local theatre with the marionettes her father gave her. She manages a living for herself, her mother, and her son. She has had three men interested in marrying her; but all three died a violent or unusual death. She is beautiful and does not back down from the townspeople. She is very outspoken especially after the death of her childhood friend Sascha. Colonel Dal is taken with her beauty and sets out to win her over. Can he?
Dr. Milan comes to town to set up a medical base for the children in the area. He clashes with Colonel Dal over this but Dal allows him to set up the clinic. Dr. Milan falls under the spell of Ayna too. He sets out to win her over. Can he win her? What other secrets is he keeping that can cause problems for the village? When faced with a choice of two paths to take, what path will he choose to follow?
Truthfully, when R. Cyril West asked me to read this book and review it, I wasn’t sure if I would like this type of book; but decided to give it a try. I was pulled into the book from the start and never looked back. It is so full of actions and suspense that it kept me wanting to read more. Add a bit of romance and humor and the book really took hold. It is well-written and easy to read. It really makes you think about the possibility of the missing being taken to the Soviet Union or still being kept in camps somewhere. I really liked the book.
September 21, 2020
I started off really enjoying this book. The character development was well done and I had forgotten the blurb about the plot. Then it became difficult to continue as there wasn’t much of anything going on. Then finally things picked up again and it was exciting to read then ending.
I was disappointed that the blurb was not the main plot line of the novel. This book is less about POWs and more about the occupation of Czechoslovakia after the Cold War.
As someone who hopes to learn more about history through historical fiction and who is very far from a history buff, I was confused and lost at times through this book. There wasn’t enough information about the Cold War, the formation of Czechoslovakia or the Soviet Union vs Russia. I didn’t know until researching afterward that the time frame of this book is when the Soviet Union has collapsed. This also confuses things because the subplot of the book is about the POWs being transported to the Soviet Union through Czechoslovakia after the war but the Soviet Union has collapsed so where are they being transported to Russia? If so, why does Dal mention going against the motherland in favor of his KGB role? This probably all makes sense, but again, as someone who is not well informed about the Vietnam or Cold War or the aftermath of the those wars, more information would have been appreciated.
I enjoyed learning what I did about life in Czechoslovakia post Cold War and what it was like to have military troops occupy the country and be torn about what to do. In this story, it felt like Dal was acting of his own accord and not on orders from higher ups in regards to the occupation. I don’t know if this was the case or supposed to come off that way but for me it did. He seemed like a power hungry tyrant who enjoyed making people suffer and was using his position in the KGB to dominate the city for his own gain (transporting the POW).
Overall, there were parts I enjoyed and parts that dragged on. I think the POW plot seemed a little forced toward the end though I liked the way it began with the murder of Sasha Boyd. I think it should have been brought more into the forefront and been the main plot of the book with the occupation as the subplot.
I was disappointed that the blurb was not the main plot line of the novel. This book is less about POWs and more about the occupation of Czechoslovakia after the Cold War.
As someone who hopes to learn more about history through historical fiction and who is very far from a history buff, I was confused and lost at times through this book. There wasn’t enough information about the Cold War, the formation of Czechoslovakia or the Soviet Union vs Russia. I didn’t know until researching afterward that the time frame of this book is when the Soviet Union has collapsed. This also confuses things because the subplot of the book is about the POWs being transported to the Soviet Union through Czechoslovakia after the war but the Soviet Union has collapsed so where are they being transported to Russia? If so, why does Dal mention going against the motherland in favor of his KGB role? This probably all makes sense, but again, as someone who is not well informed about the Vietnam or Cold War or the aftermath of the those wars, more information would have been appreciated.
I enjoyed learning what I did about life in Czechoslovakia post Cold War and what it was like to have military troops occupy the country and be torn about what to do. In this story, it felt like Dal was acting of his own accord and not on orders from higher ups in regards to the occupation. I don’t know if this was the case or supposed to come off that way but for me it did. He seemed like a power hungry tyrant who enjoyed making people suffer and was using his position in the KGB to dominate the city for his own gain (transporting the POW).
Overall, there were parts I enjoyed and parts that dragged on. I think the POW plot seemed a little forced toward the end though I liked the way it began with the murder of Sasha Boyd. I think it should have been brought more into the forefront and been the main plot of the book with the occupation as the subplot.
December 11, 2018
8/20/1968 Prague, Czech Republic (Bohemia capital). The Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia had begun.
Mersk (town) had been seized.
President Leonid Brezhnev (Soviet Union, 1906-1982) was much hated.
Alexander Dubček (1st. Czech Communist Party Secretary, 1921-1992), Comrade Cernik, & Comrade Kriegel had all been arrested.
With luck President Ludvík Svboda (Czechoslovakia, 1895-1979) would prevail.
Russian agents seized Prague’s Ruzyne airport so their planes could land.
Prague. Sergeant Major Dmitry Gurko (Soviet Army) was driving Colonel Grigori Dal (Soviet KGB officer, coldblooded killer) jeep.
Private Mazur (Ukrainian Soviet Army), Private Potapov (Ukrainian Soviet Army), & Private Horbachsky (Ukrainian Soviet Army) had been handpicked for a secret mission.
The poorly guarded château held Ernst Lugosi patriarch, & Andres Lugosi (oldest son, Moravian crime czar).
Colonel Grigori Dal (KGB officer, coldblooded killer) mission was supposed to find Gunnery Sergeant Russell Edward Johnston (American USMC WWII POW).
Why was Mayor Zdenek Seifert arrested?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written Russian military thriller book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a huge set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great Russian military thriller movie, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; Molon Labe Books; DailyFreeBooks; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Mersk (town) had been seized.
President Leonid Brezhnev (Soviet Union, 1906-1982) was much hated.
Alexander Dubček (1st. Czech Communist Party Secretary, 1921-1992), Comrade Cernik, & Comrade Kriegel had all been arrested.
With luck President Ludvík Svboda (Czechoslovakia, 1895-1979) would prevail.
Russian agents seized Prague’s Ruzyne airport so their planes could land.
Prague. Sergeant Major Dmitry Gurko (Soviet Army) was driving Colonel Grigori Dal (Soviet KGB officer, coldblooded killer) jeep.
Private Mazur (Ukrainian Soviet Army), Private Potapov (Ukrainian Soviet Army), & Private Horbachsky (Ukrainian Soviet Army) had been handpicked for a secret mission.
The poorly guarded château held Ernst Lugosi patriarch, & Andres Lugosi (oldest son, Moravian crime czar).
Colonel Grigori Dal (KGB officer, coldblooded killer) mission was supposed to find Gunnery Sergeant Russell Edward Johnston (American USMC WWII POW).
Why was Mayor Zdenek Seifert arrested?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written Russian military thriller book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a huge set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great Russian military thriller movie, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; Molon Labe Books; DailyFreeBooks; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
September 18, 2014
I equally enjoyed and was moved by this book. Though fiction, the events and people portrayed seemed entirely plausible, historically. Having previously known very little about Czechoslovakia of this era, I appreciated this glimpse into an unknown culture. It's also very easy to believe that the Soviet Union's actions in this part of the world could have involved these very atrocities. The ending is both heartwarming and tragic, which made this story again feel like it could be a very real piece of history.
I will say that the POW/MIA aspect is more of a device that serves in the background. The main focus of the story is on Anya and the native people who are trapped under the boot of the increasing mad Soviet colonel with plans of his own. The character of Milan was the most interesting to me, and through him this all ties together. The love-triangle aspect didn't feel entirely necessary to me, but it works fine. Some of the characters, I'm mostly thinking of young Jiri, sometimes do or say things that don't seem quite natural but move the action where the author wants, but it's forgivable. I really liked that the dialogue often sounded as if it had been translated, adding to cultural tone of the story.
As far as this book's general worth as a book, the story moves along with a well-paced plot. The characters are interesting, believable, hated when they're supposed to be, and cared about when they're supposed to be. Everything that happens is believable, for the most part. The tension builds to a climax where I couldn't put the book down until I was done. The writing itself flows well and isn't distracting by showing off what the author can do, instead letting the story stand for itself.
Highly recommend for anyone interested in historical fiction with a plausible, political "conspiracy theory" twist.
I will say that the POW/MIA aspect is more of a device that serves in the background. The main focus of the story is on Anya and the native people who are trapped under the boot of the increasing mad Soviet colonel with plans of his own. The character of Milan was the most interesting to me, and through him this all ties together. The love-triangle aspect didn't feel entirely necessary to me, but it works fine. Some of the characters, I'm mostly thinking of young Jiri, sometimes do or say things that don't seem quite natural but move the action where the author wants, but it's forgivable. I really liked that the dialogue often sounded as if it had been translated, adding to cultural tone of the story.
As far as this book's general worth as a book, the story moves along with a well-paced plot. The characters are interesting, believable, hated when they're supposed to be, and cared about when they're supposed to be. Everything that happens is believable, for the most part. The tension builds to a climax where I couldn't put the book down until I was done. The writing itself flows well and isn't distracting by showing off what the author can do, instead letting the story stand for itself.
Highly recommend for anyone interested in historical fiction with a plausible, political "conspiracy theory" twist.
May 21, 2015
Let me start by saying that the author sent me this book and asked me to read it and give an honest review of it, as you can see I thought it was an excellent book. I do not like to give away the plots of books that I read but I will tell you that it is well worth your time to read this book. Also take your time reading this story; it is intense and deserves to be
understood and appreciated due to it's underlying topic...soldiers who are MIA and "forgotten" by their government.
At first I wasn't quite sure if I was going to enjoy "The Thin Wall". It is written in "Acts" not chapters, lists the characters at the beginning and tells you a little about each one so I was afraid it was going to be more like a play then a book. When I began reading it though I was drawn into the story and the lives of the characters, in particular Ayna, Bedrich and Milan. I enjoyed Mr. West's writing style; especially how he told the story from so many of the characters points of view. The more I read, the deeper I became involved with the character's lives. I felt their sadness and joy and hated the KGB along with them. The further into the book you read the more you will understand why the book is written in acts and not chapters. In the end of the story Mr. West ties everything together and closes the story without leaving the reader wondering what happened to any of the characters. I particularity liked that this is not another book series which so many authors seem to be doing to these days.
"The Thin Wall" is a refreshing and honest story about the the realities of war and is beautifully written by R. Cyril West. I look forward to reading more of his books in the future.
understood and appreciated due to it's underlying topic...soldiers who are MIA and "forgotten" by their government.
At first I wasn't quite sure if I was going to enjoy "The Thin Wall". It is written in "Acts" not chapters, lists the characters at the beginning and tells you a little about each one so I was afraid it was going to be more like a play then a book. When I began reading it though I was drawn into the story and the lives of the characters, in particular Ayna, Bedrich and Milan. I enjoyed Mr. West's writing style; especially how he told the story from so many of the characters points of view. The more I read, the deeper I became involved with the character's lives. I felt their sadness and joy and hated the KGB along with them. The further into the book you read the more you will understand why the book is written in acts and not chapters. In the end of the story Mr. West ties everything together and closes the story without leaving the reader wondering what happened to any of the characters. I particularity liked that this is not another book series which so many authors seem to be doing to these days.
"The Thin Wall" is a refreshing and honest story about the the realities of war and is beautifully written by R. Cyril West. I look forward to reading more of his books in the future.
August 31, 2014
Received a Kindle Version of this book courtesy of the author and my thanks for providing me an opportunity to read this work.
Included in the book title are the words POW/MIA Truth Novel. This aspect provides the overall backdrop to the book with the premise that some American Soldiers unaccounted for (presumed dead) in he aftermath of wars (in this case the Vietnam war) were in fact being hold captive by certain foreign powers for a variety of reasons including medical experimentation. Whether this premise is factual or pure speculation is likely open to debate, but regardless it does make for an interesting premise on which to write a book.
Perhaps surprisingly, the POW in this work occupies a relatively minor role within this book although his situation(held captive by the Russians) provides the basis for the plot.
The three main characters in the work (Ayna, Milan and Dal)are well developed by the author. In particular the Russian Commandant (Dal) who was holding the POW captive for personal gain, is truly a well-developed villain.
The author has created solid a solid story line which proceeds at a fast pace. There are a few unexpected twists along the way which I found to work well and surprised me in a positive way.
I suspect the author has plans for future works along this line and based on this work such are warranted.
An entertaining read with a serious underlying message of not giving up on missing in action soldiers and the need to continue the search until aall are accounted for
Included in the book title are the words POW/MIA Truth Novel. This aspect provides the overall backdrop to the book with the premise that some American Soldiers unaccounted for (presumed dead) in he aftermath of wars (in this case the Vietnam war) were in fact being hold captive by certain foreign powers for a variety of reasons including medical experimentation. Whether this premise is factual or pure speculation is likely open to debate, but regardless it does make for an interesting premise on which to write a book.
Perhaps surprisingly, the POW in this work occupies a relatively minor role within this book although his situation(held captive by the Russians) provides the basis for the plot.
The three main characters in the work (Ayna, Milan and Dal)are well developed by the author. In particular the Russian Commandant (Dal) who was holding the POW captive for personal gain, is truly a well-developed villain.
The author has created solid a solid story line which proceeds at a fast pace. There are a few unexpected twists along the way which I found to work well and surprised me in a positive way.
I suspect the author has plans for future works along this line and based on this work such are warranted.
An entertaining read with a serious underlying message of not giving up on missing in action soldiers and the need to continue the search until aall are accounted for
August 21, 2015
-Received from a Goodreads giveaway-
This may be one of the better novels I read all year. The plot kept pulling me in, and the pace of the story made The Thin Wall hard to put down. I felt the major characters were well written, however there seemed to be a large gap between the development of the main and secondary roles. The secondary characters all appeared to be very similar, with a few having traits to distinguish them from the rest. At times, it seemed as if many of the villagers could be interchanged with no real impact on the scene. Other than that minor complaint, I rated The Thin Wall at a solid 4 stars for treating readers to a well paced and well written story, a good cast of main characters, and an interesting background. It is a great debut novel and I hope to see more from R. Cyril West coming soon.
This may be one of the better novels I read all year. The plot kept pulling me in, and the pace of the story made The Thin Wall hard to put down. I felt the major characters were well written, however there seemed to be a large gap between the development of the main and secondary roles. The secondary characters all appeared to be very similar, with a few having traits to distinguish them from the rest. At times, it seemed as if many of the villagers could be interchanged with no real impact on the scene. Other than that minor complaint, I rated The Thin Wall at a solid 4 stars for treating readers to a well paced and well written story, a good cast of main characters, and an interesting background. It is a great debut novel and I hope to see more from R. Cyril West coming soon.
December 26, 2020
Thank you to author R. Cyril West for this FREE Kindle copy of The Thin Wall. And thanks to Goodreads for hosting the opportunity.
I liked it. Nice work on the cover. Just a handful of editing issues. Otherwise, nicely done. From playground to world stage, the human animal is always trying to obtain an edge over the competition. Here we have one nation 'obtaining' another nations captured soldiers to be used for experimentation. We also see one nation being reprimanded for stepping out of line from the 'right' ideology. Pretty well written, with a good character set and setting (imagery). All-in-all, a good read.
I liked it. Nice work on the cover. Just a handful of editing issues. Otherwise, nicely done. From playground to world stage, the human animal is always trying to obtain an edge over the competition. Here we have one nation 'obtaining' another nations captured soldiers to be used for experimentation. We also see one nation being reprimanded for stepping out of line from the 'right' ideology. Pretty well written, with a good character set and setting (imagery). All-in-all, a good read.
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