No Ordinary Summer

David T. Lindgren
AuthorHouse (2010)
ISBN 9781452074511
Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (5/11)

In the summer of 1942, off the coast of Massachusetts along Ipswich Bay on Boston’s North Shore, a German U-boat surfaces in the darkest hours of the night to drop off two agents from Germany’s military intelligence service, the Abwehr, on a mission to conduct sabotage against U. S. military and industrial installations. Hitler’s concept is to demonstrate America’s vulnerability to Germany’s strength and to make the German presence felt on American soil.

David T. Lindgren skillfully introduces the background, setting, and characters of his novel “No Ordinary Summer” while laying the foundation for its intriguing plot. The story takes place during the early stages of the United States’ direct involvement against the Germans in World War II.

Although this is a work of fiction, it is based on fact. In June of 1942, the Abwehr, Germany’s intelligence organization, initiated an operation which landed eight German agents on American soil. Their mission was to destroy power plants, port facilities, and factories contributing to the war effort. The operation was a complete failure. “No Ordinary Summer” introduces an intriguing “What If?” plot with a subtle, unsettling message.

The two German agents were surprised by an unexpected Coastguardsman and his attack dog patrolling the beach. One of the agents is bit by the dog; the patrolman and his dog are shot. In need of critical medical attention the wounded agent is returned to the U-boat. The dead patrolman and his dog are also taken to the U-Boat to be buried at sea further from shore. 

Agent Erich Stinnes, alias Karl Stoner, is left to carry out the sabotage plot on his own. In the midst of the critical manpower shortage, Stoner quickly finds work at the local shipyard. He rents an apartment near the plant from an attractive woman, recently widowed. The widow, Anne Westbrook, is lonely and finds herself attracted to Stoner. Soon the two of them are deeply involved in an emotional and romantic relationship. Karl, ambivalent about the direction Germany is taking in the war, begins to question the purpose of his mission.

Although Stoner has taken some early steps to sabotage the shipyard, he is plagued with inner conflicts. An unexpected occurrence at the plant exposes him as a prime suspect. To save his life and to protect Anne from criminal involvement he is forced to flee. Anne is left to face the consequence of her affair with a Nazi spy.

Lindgren’s plot is well developed, fast moving, filled with action, conflict, romance, and suspense. His characters are likeable, flawed, and genuine. I found myself empathetic with Karl, the German spy, sympathetic with the local chief of police, and appalled by the arrogance of the FBI agent.

Lindgren was born in Ipswich and has been a longtime resident of the New England states. His descriptions of the locale are vivid and inviting. During his long career as a member of the faculty at Dartmouth College, he has also served as a consultant to a number of government agencies including, the Department of Interior, NASA, and the CIA. This is his third book

“No Ordinary Summer” is a must read for World War II history enthusiasts. The complications of true love, nationalism, and conflicted loyalty will linger long after closing the final postscript of this deeply moving novel.

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