The Uniform

by G. Gruen

Part clockwork thriller. Full-bore page turner.

A Jewish labor camp prisoner is as good as dead. Until he stumbles upon the body of a murdered Gestapo officer. Will the dead man's uniform be his ticket to freedom, or it will it cost him his life? That’s the dilemma facing David Korda, a young doctor turned ragged slave laborer. He’s forced by a brutal SS officer to build roads, mine salt, and harvest grain. On occasion, David must even lend out his medical skills to Nazi party VIPs. During one such work assignment, he doctors an injured horse. That's where he discovers the Gestapo officer's body. This, he soon discovers, is to be his last stop on the way to a death camp. He sees the dead man’s uniform as his last chance to survive, maybe even to escape. His challenge? Repairing the gashed and bloodied tunic under the noses of his SS captors. Will this help him turn the tables on the Nazis or deliver him to a death camp?

If you're a fan of "The Pianist," you'll love this amazing tale of resilience.

"The Uniform" is G Gruen’s thrilling debut novel. Don’t pass up this dangerous fictional treat. Grab a copy for yourself."

Genres: Historical Fiction

192 pages, Paperback

Published August 14, 2021

About the author

One-time advertising writer/producer turned screenwriter, now a two-time self-published novelist. Two books published: "The Uniform," a Holocaust thriller based on my father's experience as a labor camp during the Second World War and "The Ride of a Lifetime, a Crime Thriller." Lover of big ideas, satire, sports, and dogs. I live in a tony suburb somewhere near Los Angeles.

Reviews

[Jane Verco]

"The Uniform" presents a very different view from the more common WWII sagas currently available. We look through the eyes of David Korda, a Jewish prisoner of war, and is a true lesson in resilience, courage and the fragility of life.

With a medical background prior to the commencement of WWII, David was able to utilise his skills which enabled him to on occasion get away from the regular road repair tasks that he was put to work on, and was able to manipulate opportunate that crossed his path. Eventually after encountering many obstacles that would defeat most, he was able to achieve his own minor victory.

I did find the plot a little disjointed in the first few chapters, but it was worth persevering, ultimately an excellent book.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Vivian]

After a few rambling chapters where the story feels disconnected, this book became an amazing story of survival by ingenuity and a powerful will to survive no matter what.

Whoever said that clothes doesn't make you powerful was completely wrong, and none more so than with what this book is about. When David the protagonist discovers a dead big ranked SS general and decides to wear his uniform as a way to escape the hell he's been living in, he becomes this SS person. That is how powerful the uniform is.

Beautifully written, this fast paced action book will keep you at the edge of the seat ruling and praying for David to reach freedom.

[Wendy]

What a great read!!! I got a copy from the author and this is my unbiased review. I enjoyed the heck out of this book. David Korda was a great character, with humor and passion during the worst of times. I hated all the bad guys (great job of villainous characterizations). The writing was so good that I envisioned the movie in my head as I read it. Will definitely look for this author again.

[Anya]

I am always drawn to WWII novels and was very excited to be approved to read this novel. This is somewhat of a departure from the storylines I'm used to reading in that this is a fast-paced action-packed story of one man's determination to escape his fate using only his wits. Some of the protagonist's back story peeks through in spots here and there alluding to how he ended up being a slave laborer but if I'm honest I found myself more intrigued by the back story that that of the main storyline - this is more due to my preference in subject matter than the author's work. Indeed, the story is well written and concise and would lend itself well to a motion picture as the action is very fast paced.

I received a review copy of this novel for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you to the author and publisher for this opportunity.

[Susan Lazarus]

Power in the threads

This novel gives the reader so much to think about in so few pages. David's past, present and hope for the future all come through in this story of a young man held captive by Nazis and his determination to escape. His beaten and battered body is as worn and fragile as his old coat. An opportunity to use his mind and skills pull him out of his daily labor. A notion turns to action. Donning the power suit cemented his determination and shifted the power. He took it, used it and turned it on the oppressor. Incredible story.

[Audrey]

4.5 - An incredible story! A lot of action in a relatively short number of pages. I found myself feeling for all of the characters, though of course I was always rooting for David and could not justify Leibig and Petra's actions. I'm hoping to read more from G. Gruen in the future!

Thanks to BookSirens for this free advance review copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Caroline 'relaxing with my rescue dogs']

This was an interesting book but I found it difficult to read in terms of the writing style etc. However I am glad that I read it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Wendy]

Perhaps this book just isn't for me. The reader has to accept too many irrational givens to be drawn into the story. An emaciated, underdressed prisoner carrying well-fed bodies in the snow, spouting retorts at those with the power to end his life. An injured horse being used to flee from vehicles on icy, cobblestone roads. Another sore spot was that every female character was reduced to her feminine wiles……including the horse.
The themes of betrayal and survival ground the story but then it goes off the rails at a few too many points for me. Only a few instances are mentioned so as not to give spoilers. I was disappointed.

(I received a free copy of this book from the author through VoraciousReadersOnly.)

[Books_the_Magical_Fruit]

Nope. Not for me. I went in looking for a book based on an amazing true story of heroism during WWII, and what I got was heaving breasts and “[he saw nothing wrong with] attaching himself to multiple vaginas” about a Nazi leader. This was in the first 15-20 pages.

That’s a no for me, dawg.

To be completely fair, I’m not rating this because I didn’t finish, but I seriously want to rate it. Hmph.

[Rob Murray]

The Uniform is a gripping historical thriller that combines relentless suspense with a deeply human story of survival, resilience, and moral courage. G. Gruen delivers a fast-paced novel that captures both the brutality of World War II and the extraordinary determination of one man fighting to preserve his life and identity in the face of unimaginable oppression. Though concise in length, the novel carries remarkable emotional weight and remains compelling from its opening pages to its powerful conclusion.

One of the novel's greatest strengths is David Korda. As a physician stripped of his freedom and reduced to forced labor, David is an exceptionally sympathetic and believable protagonist. His intelligence, compassion, and resourcefulness become his greatest weapons in a world designed to strip prisoners of hope. Rather than portraying him as an invincible hero, the novel emphasizes his vulnerability, making every decision he faces feel authentic and every small victory feel genuinely earned.

The central premise is both original and intensely suspenseful. The discovery of a murdered Gestapo officer and the desperate decision to use the officer's uniform as a possible means of survival create immediate tension that never fully subsides. What follows is a carefully constructed sequence of impossible choices where every action carries potentially fatal consequences. The suspense is driven not only by external danger but also by the constant psychological pressure of maintaining a deception that could unravel at any moment.

Equally impressive is the novel's atmosphere. G. Gruen vividly portrays the harsh realities of forced labor camps, creating a setting that feels immersive without losing sight of the humanity of those trapped within it. The historical backdrop enhances the story's emotional impact, reminding readers of the immense courage required simply to survive under such unimaginable circumstances.

Beyond its suspense, The Uniform thoughtfully explores themes of identity, hope, sacrifice, and the resilience of the human spirit. David's medical background reinforces his instinct to preserve life even while fighting for his own survival, adding meaningful emotional depth to the story. These themes elevate the novel beyond a conventional escape thriller, giving readers a powerful reflection on courage under extreme adversity.

G. Gruen's writing is clear, focused, and highly effective. The pacing is brisk, the dialogue feels natural, and the tension builds steadily without unnecessary detours. Every chapter moves the story forward while maintaining the emotional intensity that keeps readers invested until the final page.

The Uniform is an outstanding historical thriller that successfully blends suspense, historical realism, memorable characters, and emotional storytelling into a compelling reading experience. Readers who appreciate World War II fiction, survival stories, and character-driven historical thrillers will find this to be an exceptional novel that deserves far greater recognition.

[Brian's Book Blog]

Wow. Just Wow.

4.5 out of 5 stars

The Uniform by G. Gruen is a remarkable debut novel that took me on a gripping journey through the darkest days of history, combining elements of great thrillers with a heart-wrenching tale of survival during the Holocaust. Gruen’s writing style is nothing short of excellent, seamlessly guiding readers through a narrative that is both poignant and thrilling. I had to stop a few times to make sure this was a debut story from Gruen because it was a blast from beginning to end.

The story revolves around David Korda, a Jewish labor camp prisoner, whose chance discovery of a murdered Gestapo officer presents him with a perilous dilemma – whether the dead man’s uniform will become his ticket to freedom or lead him to his demise. Gruen skillfully weaves a narrative that is both heartbreakingly sad and uplifting, capturing the resilience of the human spirit amidst the atrocities of the time.

One of the standout features of the book is its ability to delve into the lives of various characters, providing a multifaceted perspective on the harrowing events. Gruen’s skill in transitioning from character to character is masterful; it allows readers to form a deep connection with each person without losing the thread of the overall narrative. This is incredibly difficult to do. Usually jumping around like this has me lost within a few chapters, but Gruen was able to do it with seeming ease. The portrayal of the characters is both empathetic and nuanced, making them come alive on the pages.

The historical backdrop of the Holocaust is one filled with unimaginable suffering and despair, and Gruen navigates this landscape with a delicate touch. The novel doesn’t shy away from the heartbreaking realities of the era, yet it manages to infuse moments of hope and resilience. Gruen’s storytelling captures the essence of human strength amid adversity, reminiscent of the emotional impact of “The Pianist.”

What sets “The Uniform” apart is its ability to keep readers on the edge of their seats. The plot’s suspenseful nature and the characters’ depth and development made it a story that I couldn’t put down. Gruen successfully creates an intricate web of tension, leaving readers eager to discover the fate of David Korda and the other characters caught in the throes of Nazi oppression.

The Uniform is a powerful debut novel that skillfully combines elements of historical fiction with a thrilling narrative. Gruen’s ability to convey the complexities of human experience during one of history’s darkest periods, coupled with a captivating writing style, makes this book a must-read. It is a dangerous fictional treat that leaves a lasting impression. And the narration by Steven Fehr really shines. It takes an already good book and makes it even better. I thought he really became the character when given a chance and was a shining spot in an already glimmering story.

[Jill Rey]

David Korda spent six years surrounded by the institutions of medical school. Yet, just hours from completing his studies, as he enters the operating theater his Jewish-ness prevents him from completing his dreams. Now, he finds himself doing roadside labor, operating as a medic when needed. Readers first come to know David in 1944 as his friend Herman, a Jewish Rabbi, seeks escape via suicide. Hoping David will grant him one final favor, a proper burial, Herman tells David of a German Soldier, Vogel, willing to sneak him into Switzerland in exchange for treating his wife.

Just as David’s driver-to-be approaches the road crew rakes over something, sending shrapnel flying. Injuring SS Medic and derailing Leibig’s timetable for delivering a captured O/5 cell leader, Leibig’s ambitions drive him straight into the thoroughbred horse drawn wagon of a Gestapo chief’s wife, Petra. Forced to leave David to care for Petra and her horse Desdemona, he is tied up in the horse barn under the watchful eye of Petra. With hours until Leibig’s return, David resigns to his fate until he uncovers the body of Oberführer Karsten Hausler. Still in his uniform David sets to repairing the Oberführer’s tunic and removing the blood stains as his plan for escape slowly takes root.

Over the course of roughly 48 hours the tension is palpable as this uniform creates the driving force behind this entire plot. Based on a true story, “The Uniform” lays bare the predicament David finds himself in, as his fate, his future, and his chance for escape plays out in front of him.

Author G. Gruen crafts an intricate tale. Detailing the hierarchy, respect, and prestige of the German command, it is clear why Petra aligns herself in such a way. The ambition of many to seat themselves in the good graces of the Oberführer, as well as Petra’s actions, entangle a web the Germans struggle to unwind as David uses the opportunity he’s been given. Feeling the effects of the cold, the hate from the Germans, and the circumstances he faces, David sets about his plan.

Gruen has transcribed an extraordinary sequence of events as “The Uniform” wraps readers in its historical suspense embrace. With his unique portrayal of Jewish escape, and the whirlwind of events leading up to it, this story is all encompassing as the plight of David engulfs us within this fascinating read.

[Judi Zimmerman]

I received an ARC copy of this book for review and was looking forward to reading it as WWII HF is my go-to genre. I found this book action-packed, almost too much action for the brevity of the text. It's well-written and engages me with the questions posed.
The first question the reader has to ponder is "What degrees would you go to in the desperation of a Jewish POW trying to get free?" This is clear almost from the first conversation and crystallizes as we see the character of David survive the events as they unfolded that day. It was sad to see his thought process become more self-focused as he went through the events-but then again, survival is all about self-preservation.
The other main question one could ponder is "To what degree does the outer trapping/ appearance of a man change his behavior?" I saw several characters with the trappings of a successful life in that time period acting in desperate ways to either hang onto or extend their own realm of influence. I also noted the changes in the character of David as he secretly set out to obtain that uniform to escape.
I found the numerous events as they unfolded to almost be too much, like a comedy of errors for some of the characters. It also seemed a bit far-fetched that an avowed Nazi would make any deals that allowed freedom for a POW. The absolute resourcefulness of the character to use any means to gain freedom was interesting.

[Kathleen Becker]

This is the story of a highly accomplished Jewish medical doctor, brutal Nazi soldiers and a fight for survival. The day David is to take his final exam, the professor passes him over since he is Jewish. This is Hungary where the Nazis invaded, murdered, and ruined countless lives. At first he can work during the day & return home at night. That condition ends and David becomes a prisoner ; then he learns his group will be taken to concentration camp the next day which means death.

One of the village collaborators has a wife with medical problems that the usual "medical" rx the Nazis use is making her condition worse. He knows David is a trained doctor and enlists David's help. David is among the concentration camp victims who are working on a railroad 'project.' He finds a way to escape by blackmailing a Nazi officer's mistress who has murdered the officer. He mends the damaged uniform, has the mistress in the household's wagon (she had betrayed her employers who were Jews), and plays a dangerous game and finally escapes.

This gives a positive note among many of the concentration camp books in which the prisoners are murdered. Characters are well balanced and the novel is thought provoking.

[Darren Bourn]

This was a book that I had received from the author and the fine folks at booksirens.com in return for an honest review.

After a few rambling chapters where the story feels disconnected, this book became a unique story of survival by ingenuity and a powerful will to survive no matter what.

Whoever said that clothes don't make you powerful was utterly wrong, and none more so with what this book is about. When David the protagonist discovers a dead big ranked SS general and decides to wear his uniform as a way to escape the hell he's been living in, he becomes this SS person. That is how powerful the uniform is (and this is where the thought that clothes make the man comes to mind).

As far as reviews go, I would give this book a solid 3.75 out of 5 stars as it was most definitely an outstanding story of survival during one of the most brutal times in the 20th century. Some of the issues that I found with this book was that it appeared as tho the story tended to be a bit disjointed, but I would still highly recommend it to readers of historical fiction.

As with all reviews, this is just my five cents worth/

[Felina Pittman]

This book is an evocative drama and suspenseful story of a Jewish medic who donned on the uniform of a dead German officer as a disguise to escape the clutches of a death camp by going to Switzerland, a neutral country. This is a beautifully written narrative about the limitless reservoir of determination and endurance that the human spirit can carry in the face of difficult obstacles. David Korda, who was
suffering from ostracization because he was a Jew by birth was an epitome of resilience when he camouflaged his identity by wearing the attire of a German authoritarian figure. The novel was an exceptional departure from the Holocaust stories which often records the horrific experiences and murder of six million Jews by the Nazi regime from 1933-1945. I admire and salute how the writer adeptly and adroitly portrayed a remarkable character, that of a courageous Jewish prison camp laborer with medical knowledge who stood up to his persecutors to the end to survive and assert his inalienable rights and unapologetically used his skills to attain the goal of freedom from oppression.

[Sofe]

EBook Review: THE UNIFORM by G. Gruen

(T) ake
(H) eed...
(E) xtreme

(U) rgency...
(N) eed
( I ) nfiltrate...
(F) or
(O) ptimal
(R) esults...
(M) mmm

THE UNIFORM has its own story.
Over time much will be revealed.

In beginning assigned specifically to one.
Knowing this later has much significance.

It comes with specific character traits.
Certainly needed for unexpected escape plan.

The times dictated behavior and words.
Don't stay or will be caught.

Only time will tell if succeeds.
It all begins with page one.

***********************************************
I received an advance review copy for free,
and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
***********************************************

[Kira K]

Thoughts
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This is the first truly fictional Holocaust story I have read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. This story is full of tension, spanning across only one day. From the beginning David is in one high risk situation being a prisoner on work detail to another, but still has hope for an escape. He is surrounded by other motivated characters, but less positive such as Petra’s manipulative behaviours to Leibig’s determination to social climbing.

Favourite Quote
"Survival took precedence over marital or national ties. Such was the trouble with a social order that stirred panic whenever the charge of "Jew" was heard. It distorted all relationships."

[Scott Townsend]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

An outstanding story of survival during one of the most brutal times in the 20th century. This was a well written story with great character development and descriptions of the main character's mindset. It is written in a way that that gets you routing for the success of the main character, with all that he is facing based on his religion/heritage. The story flowed very well and was suspenseful in a way that kept my interest and turned out to be a quick read for me. A superb story that I highly recommend.

[Mc Chanster]

**3.5 stars rounded up to 4**

This was a pretty solid read and there were a lot of aspects I really enjoyed about it. David was a well-written, well balanced main whose courage and strength made the novel heart-wrenching in many ways. I admit the first few chapters of the book were a bit of a struggle – I wasn’t quite sure how they fit together as the plot seemed to jump around. However, once it started to come together, I couldn’t put the book down. A great novel about survival in one of humanity’s darkest times.

Thank you Voracious Readers and G. Gruen for my copy!

[Jeanne]

The Uniform is an interesting World War II thriller about a Jewish doctor turned labor camp prisoner. When he sees a chance at escape using the uniform of a dead officer he finds, David will find himself challenged along the way. Will he be able to pull off this ultimate masquerade and reach the freedom that awaits him in Switzerland? A well-written novel with very believable characters. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Joanne Lewis]

Told predominately from the perspective of a Jewish prisoner of war, this nevertheless offers an unusually unique perspective as, from the outset, doctor David Korda is provided with the means to an escape, providing he can keep his wits about him.

The writing style is easy to read and the characters are clearly defined in such a way as to evoke empathy or disdain from the reader. In particular, I found Leibig's obsessive determination to advance his own standing and his feverish desire to deliver Korda to a labour camp abhorrent, but in keeping with the notion of how officers would have behaved at that time.

It was interesting to read the interactions between David and Petra, and especially to see the power shift in their relationship as events panned out, to the point where I unexpectedly had some empathy for her towards the end.

An interesting read. I received an advance copy of this book via Book Sirens and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Patricia Jack]

I’m very much interested in WW2 history and the holocaust specifically and I really liked this story. A man assumes the identity of those that have been torturing him in order to survive and faces the impossible task of escaping alive. It’s interesting that while he was marked as Jewish, they also had the indicator that he had a specialty like being a doctor. It’s a reminder of what happens when humanity deteriorates.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the author.

[Jan Vincent]

A Jewish struggle against Nazi rule I hadn’t known before.

Very engaging story with examples of cruelty verses will to survive I hadn’t seen before.
It’s my opinion that all people that try to lord it over others are doing so because of their own insecurities. If a person is secure in who they are why try to prove how superior they are?

[Cristina Pérez]

I never read anything connected to the Holocaust anymore, as I´ve read a lot about it in my past and it affects me a great deal. But somebody recommended this book and I couldn´t even go to sleep at my normal time to get up early for work in the morning, I HAD to continue reading. Fast paced, exciting, touching and fun, I´m definitely buying some more copies for my friends.

[Janice McPherson]

I got to read this book through Voracious readers. And what a ride, had to read just so much more
A nazi / jewish genre showing both in shades of grey, the cruelty on both sides. I was pleased to see David triumph in the end - it would have been so easy to end his life. But what comes next....
Reccommend this as not quite your typical war story, just a glance

[Rhonda]

Intense read with lots of twists and turns. Grabs you and holds you until the end. This was a tumultuous time in history and what people had to do to survive is remarkable. Interesting characters to follow along on this thrilling ride. Good read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Timothy Frandsen]

I am a fan of Historical Fiction and this writer doesn’t disappoint. David Korda has a life that is anything but slow or boring. His life moves from one mishap after another.
The story can make a person loose track of time. The pace is terrific.
The book was provided by Voracious Readers Only. The review is by Timothy and is unbiased.

[Jessica Coulson]

Sometimes hard to follow and a little disjointed, but overall quite an interesting read. A different view of most WW2 stories, with tension continuing to mount throughout. I was given a fee copy of this book from Voracious Readers in exchange for my honest review.

[Frank]

The Uniform is an extraordinary tale of daring subterfuge under the most horrendous and despicable conditions compassing action, incident, compassion, and humanity. The level of detail is exceptional.
I liked it a lot!