BOOK DESCRIPTION
World War II permanently and irrevocably changed the world. Forever after, technology, warfare, and most markedly, society, would never be the same. History books teach of cataclysmic events like Pearl Harbor and the atom bomb as the transformers of mankind, but the real force of change began more subtly in the hearts and minds of individual citizens defending their countries and their freedom.
Far removed and many years later, on a morning already off to a bad start from an unexpected snowstorm, a jaded emergency room doctor settles in for a day promised to be full of weather-related accidents. His second patient of the morning is a seemingly delusional former soldier found wandering outside with no trace of identification.
In attempting to discover the man’s identity, the doctor becomes ensnared in the patient’s memories of adventure from bygone days in the Army Air Corps. Tales of training, deployment, and ultimately capture and torture, where more than this soldier's personal bravery would be put to the test. More so than his courage, memories of the love of his life, his Visions of Mary, would serve as his strength, seeing him through the gauntlet of the most perilous years of his life, eventually culminating in his nomination for the Congressional Medal of Honor.
Author Joseph Richardson paints a stunningly raw, emotionally touching tale based on a true patient encounter. Visions of Mary is about the strength of love to get one through the worst of times and to find the most far-reaching depths of courage.
were dripping onto his cheek. He began shaking, becoming mute.
“It’s okay, I just want to help you,” I said, taking his hand. That’s when
I took notice of his lapel pin; red, yellow, and blue, it was the emblem of the
Thirteenth Army Air Force. Rubbing my index over its smooth surface, I
quietly asked, “Is this yours? Is this what you did in the war?”
Softening, he nodded affirmatively, “Yes. Fifty missions without a
scratch… then…” My Review:
What an interesting take on WWII. My favorite quote is "freedom isn't free". This book gave me insight to a different side of WWII that I never much thought of before.
My Great Uncle was a POW captured during the Battle of the Bulge. Because of this his brothers were sent home, and my limb of the family tree was able to be started. I can only imagine what is was like for this soldier to need to find his love. Love lost can alter the future.
I was drawn into this book by the great way the author made the words come to life. I could relate, and I know that there are so many more stories out there like this one. The fact that it was based on a true encounter only drew me in more. I can not say enough nice things about this book, and definitely recommend it. Even without having relatives that were soldiers in WWII, this is a must read. What a great twist on a time in History that definitely deserves a read.
What would you hold on to if there was nothing left?
Wow, what a beautiful ending. I wanted to cry and smile at the same time. I was definitely touched emotionally by this book, and to all the past present and future soldiers out there, Thanks for my freedom! I am giving this book a 5/5 and would love to talk more about it, but do not want to spoil it for anyone. I also wish that I could give it a higher rating. With all the war stuff taken out of this book, the reader would still be left with a beautiful love story!
I was given a copy to review, however all opinions are my own.
This is an author that I will definitely be adding to my prized book case! (very few books make it there).
Far removed and many years later, on a morning already off to a bad start from an unexpected snowstorm, a jaded emergency room doctor settles in for a day promised to be full of weather-related accidents. His second patient of the morning is a seemingly delusional former soldier found wandering outside with no trace of identification.
In attempting to discover the man’s identity, the doctor becomes ensnared in the patient’s memories of adventure from bygone days in the Army Air Corps. Tales of training, deployment, and ultimately capture and torture, where more than this soldier's personal bravery would be put to the test. More so than his courage, memories of the love of his life, his Visions of Mary, would serve as his strength, seeing him through the gauntlet of the most perilous years of his life, eventually culminating in his nomination for the Congressional Medal of Honor.
Author Joseph Richardson paints a stunningly raw, emotionally touching tale based on a true patient encounter. Visions of Mary is about the strength of love to get one through the worst of times and to find the most far-reaching depths of courage.
Excerpt:
He again stated flatly, “John Murphy, captain, 47-2630.” His eyes
remained distantly focused, but tears began to form in the corners and soonwere dripping onto his cheek. He began shaking, becoming mute.
“It’s okay, I just want to help you,” I said, taking his hand. That’s when
I took notice of his lapel pin; red, yellow, and blue, it was the emblem of the
Thirteenth Army Air Force. Rubbing my index over its smooth surface, I
quietly asked, “Is this yours? Is this what you did in the war?”
Softening, he nodded affirmatively, “Yes. Fifty missions without a
scratch… then…” My Review:
What an interesting take on WWII. My favorite quote is "freedom isn't free". This book gave me insight to a different side of WWII that I never much thought of before.
My Great Uncle was a POW captured during the Battle of the Bulge. Because of this his brothers were sent home, and my limb of the family tree was able to be started. I can only imagine what is was like for this soldier to need to find his love. Love lost can alter the future.
I was drawn into this book by the great way the author made the words come to life. I could relate, and I know that there are so many more stories out there like this one. The fact that it was based on a true encounter only drew me in more. I can not say enough nice things about this book, and definitely recommend it. Even without having relatives that were soldiers in WWII, this is a must read. What a great twist on a time in History that definitely deserves a read.
What would you hold on to if there was nothing left?
Wow, what a beautiful ending. I wanted to cry and smile at the same time. I was definitely touched emotionally by this book, and to all the past present and future soldiers out there, Thanks for my freedom! I am giving this book a 5/5 and would love to talk more about it, but do not want to spoil it for anyone. I also wish that I could give it a higher rating. With all the war stuff taken out of this book, the reader would still be left with a beautiful love story!
I was given a copy to review, however all opinions are my own.
This is an author that I will definitely be adding to my prized book case! (very few books make it there).
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Joseph Richardson is a board certified Emergency Physician who resides in the American Heartland. In addition to medicine, he holds degrees in music and science. He is an accomplished pilot who regularly flies his collection of WWII aircraft, his favorite being the P-51 Mustang "Hurry Home Honey." Married 35 years to Judy, the love of his life, they have three adult children. Though Dr Richardson is a direct descendant of Samuel Clemens, America's greatest writer, he flunked freshman english.
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