A Paper Statue

Roger Naylor
iUniverse (2006)
ISBN 9780595407682
Reviewed by William E. Cooper for Reader Views (11/06)


I have long been a reader of military history, particularly as it applies to the United States.  Roger Naylor has written a work of fiction that is premised on the realities of WWII era pilots and their operations, as well as interactions with one another.  His descriptions of the geography applicable to this element of the war put the reader right in the tent, the cafeteria, and certainly in the pilot’s seat.  The differing personalities of the pilots, the need for having a team, and the leadership that applied to decision making are well articulated.

Mr. Naylor’s descriptions of aerial battles are excellent, as are the preparations the pilots engage in.  Their personal battles, as well as with one another, and often the elements, are woven into the story in a manner that requires the reader to just keep reading.  “A Paper Statue” really is a good book.  I found myself unwilling to put the book down.  I highly recommend it.  I also have to give Mr. Naylor two thumbs up on this one.

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