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Patricia Furstenberg

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Silent Heroes: Chosen One of 5 Books Everyone Should Read in Their Lifetime: When Love and Values Are Worth Fighting for Kindle Edition

by Patricia Furstenberg (Author) Format: Kindle Edition

4.5 32 ratings

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Chosen one of 5 Books Everyone Should Read in Their Lifetime

The 2022 Edition now available.

How far would you go to save strangers in need? A platoon of Marines and their military working dogs, MWD, are about to find out. An educated woman makes the ultimate sacrifice to teach girls to read. She leaves behind a daughter and a son whose lives become intertwined with those of the U.S. Marines. But the Taliban is infiltrated everywhere and is hard to differentiate between friend and foe. As vivid as a movie, you will share the life of the Marines deployed in an Afghan military base; climb the breathtaking Hindu-Kush Mountains to a secluded Taliban camp; dive in the belly of ancient Qala-e-Bost fortress in the middle of a battle, and experience the culture of the Afghan people. Silent Heroes is a race against time, “an emotional rollercoaster of a read,” a page-turner, a thrilling contemporary story with a vivid sense of the place, history and politics that shines a light on the humanity of the Marines and their special relationship with their canine buddies. The utterly thrilling war fiction read inspired by true events from a Historical Fiction bestselling author - it will keep you gripped until the final page.
Chosen one of 5 Books Everyone Should Read in Their Lifetime
From the author of the Amazon Historical Fiction Bestseller Joyful Trouble comes Silent Heroes, When Love and Values Are Worth Fighting for - ‘a book not to be missed. (Mandie Griffiths, Book Reviewer) For readers of Kite Runner, A Dog's Way Home and The Operator.
Readers are loving Silent Heroes:
‘Although this is a work of fiction there are truths to it that will tug at your heart. For anyone who has not read one of Patricia’s books then I would recommend this one.’ (5 stars) Mandie Griffiths ‘Have you ever read a fiction novel but felt as if you were reading a true account of events instead? This was my experience while reading Patricia Furstenberg’s Silent Heroes. Regardless of your usual preferred genre, this is an excellent read … will stay in your heart and mind long after finishing.’ (5 stars) Dandelion Inspired ‘If you’re looking for a fast paced read I really can’t recommend this book highly enough. It’s a definite must read.’ (5 stars) Mani’s Book Corner ’I strongly recommend this book to EVERYONE!’ (5 stars) Bunny’s Pause ‘A fantastic, action packed, captivating and emotional tale then will take you on a rollercoaster. Definitely recommended by me!’ Curled Up With a Good Book ‘The writing is wonderful… Great book to experience something different than a traditional suspense or mystery read.’ (5 stars) Goodreads Reviewer ’I recommend this book to anyone … who wants a novel with plenty of action and great characters.’ (5 stars) Goodreads Reviewer ‘Incredibly well researched, and provides many edge of the seat moments… Highly recommended.’ (5 stars) Goodreads Reviewer ‘It was also very interesting to read about the important role Military Working Dogs played in the US Marines’ war against the Taliban insurgents.’ (5 stars) Goodreads Reviewer ‘A story that uplifts with its portrayal of people who continue to care for others despite the dangers they face every day. A great read. (5 stars) Goodreads Reviewer ’The entire story feels urgent, totally against the clock.… A well-researched, thought-provoking and ultimately insightful consideration of life in the military.’ (Goodreads Reviewer)

Print length

429 pages
Language

English
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Publication date

July 9, 2019
File size

780 KB
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From the Publisher

"Silent Heroes was both a captivating story and an amazing education on the history of Afghanistan." Catherine Rushton, Songwriter, 'Christmas 1914'

"Silent Heroes captivating story education history Afghanistan" Catherine Rushton, 'Christmas 1914'

"Silent Heroes was both a captivating story and an amazing education on the history of Afghanistan."

Catherine Rushton, Songwriter, 'Christmas 1914'

Editorial Reviews

Review

BEST BOOK OF 2019 & One of 5 Books Everyone Should Read in Their Lifetime ~ as chosen by Mani's Book Corner, Book Reviewer and Book Blogger ~"If you want a creative, informative, emotional,and intriguing story about the conflicts and drama people face day to day in Afghanistan, as well as connect with characters who have to kill and love all within the same few moments, you'll thoroughly enjoy this novel. The writing is wonderful, and even though the topic is one I'm not often a frequent reader of, it brilliantly shows off the author's talents. Great book to experience something different than a traditional suspense or mystery read. Quite literary." (J. Cudney, Author, Blogger, Book Reviewer)"If your looking for a fast paced read I really can't recommend this book highly enough. It's a definite must read." (Mani's Book Corner)"Furstenberg's portrayal of the people of Afghanistan [is commendable]. She makes sure to show them as people. It'salways refreshing to see a portrayal of a group of people as not onlydiverse and not part of an extreme evil but as a unique people.Therelationship between the dog handlers and their dogs was a highlight ofthe book. The dogs were given such strong personalities and theirconnection to their handlers was beautifully portrayed. The storyrevolves around these relationships and their importance. I would recommend this book for anyone who enjoys reading war stories or who are animal lovers." (Books by Jen)
"Silent Heroes is a reality-inspired story about the U.S. Marines' selfless fighting in the Afghanistan war. Far away from home, they start a new family based on camaraderie, a vow to protect the innocent lives at stake and accepting the sacrifice that comes with it.
The story also portrays life on the other side of the trenches. Taliban soldiers oppressing their own kind for political, national or religious reasons.

A book about the dangers of doing the right thing, friendship in the most unexpected places, canine loyalty and political betrayal, family, devotion, trauma.

Silent Heroes is a story of loss, perpetual tragedy, and hope."
(Crissu for Book Review Hub)

From the Author

I think that spiritually speaking religion has a lovely meaning andit does contribute to the molding of our identity, weather we choose toembrace it or not.
But the political religion, like the aftermath of the terroristattacks on 9/11, has stirred the local fundamentalists and, on thebackdrop of an already troubled country that had seen centuries offoreign abuse, things went downhill and snowballed, pulling along thecivilians - as always.
In an attempt to gain control over their country, once and for all,these fundamentalists have abused religious rituals and have turnedtheir spiritual religion into the same political weapon that centuriesof foreign vanquishers had already used against their people.

What I tried to convey through Silent Heroes is that allthose impacted by war are, at the end of a fighting day, human beingwith dreams and families. War, although in different ways, it impactsall those involved. A war's consequences, like the shadow of anightmare, reach far beyond the battlefield.
Perhaps being a woman that writes about war I couldn't ignore myinner voice speaking for the daughter, the wife, and the mother in me.

Thank you for choosing Silent Heroes.

Product details

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07V4GMRV6
Publisher ‏ : ‎ (July 9, 2019)
Publication date ‏ : ‎ July 9, 2019
Language ‏ : ‎ English
File size ‏ : ‎ 780 KB
Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
Print length ‏ : ‎ 429 pages
Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ 108924875X

Best Sellers Rank: #1,994,852 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- #108 in History of Afghanistan
- #388 in Asian Literature (Kindle Store)
- #4,229 in Military Thrillers (Kindle Store)

Customer Reviews:
4.5 32 ratings

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Patricia Furstenberg

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Amazon Bestseller and Award Winning writer Patricia Furstenberg is the author of JOYFUL TROUBLE, SILENT HEROES: When Love and Values Are Worth Fighting for (chosen One in Five Books Everyone Should Read in Their Lifetime), and new releases DREAMLAND and TRANSYLVANIA'S HISTORY A to Z. With a medical degree behind her, Patricia writes about unconditional love and war, while her keen interest for history and dogs brought her writing, through a perfect loop, to her native Romania, Patricia being the creator of #Im4Ro hashtag, sharing positive stories.

Her latest books, "Dreamland" and "Transylvania's History A to Z" are "a wonderful combination of stories, photos, history, and legends", "a novel idea and a captivating read".

Her contemporary military novel "Silent Heroes: When Love and Values Are Worth Fighting for" is a highly emotional read, action-packed, a vivid story of enormous sacrifice and bravery. "Silent Heroes" is a narrative about the value of life. A new look at the War in Afghanistan, at the MWD, Military Working Dogs and the brave Marines fighting it, but also at the Afghans caught in it.

Her historical fiction book "Joyful Trouble" is an Amazon Bestseller - read about real dogs caught in WW2.

Through her children's books Patricia is well known for her uplifting, charming themes and lovable, enchanting characters: dogs, cats, elephants, cheetahs, lions, but also squirrels and snails. Using her inner child she crafts stories and poems that are great fun, as well as teaching empathy. Her stories are filled with “creativity and vivid imagery” and she knows how to “capture the reader’s imagination.”

Her words “truly make the world a happier and more beautiful place!”

Her prolific writing is described as: positive, diverse, crisp, joyful and uplifting.

Patricia Furstenberg came to writing though reading, her passion for books being something she inherited from her parents. As a winner of the Write Your Own Christie Competition, the Judges "were impressed by her thorough investigation and admired the strength of her narrative; they were impressed by her style”. The judges thought Patricia's writing style is "well structured, with a great sense of tension and suspense”, “confident and intriguing”. The Judges were Mathew Prichard, David Brawn from Harper Collins UK and Daniel Mallory from Harper Collins US.

Patricia Furstenberg received Author of the Year at the Spillwords Press Awards MMXXIII.

When she doesn't writes Patricia enjoys reading, researching for forthcoming books and traveling with her family. She never counts how many cups of coffee she enjoys in a day.

Patricia lives happily with her husband, children and dogs in sunny South Africa.

Patricia Furstenberg Author Page and Blog: http://alluringcreations.co.za/wp/

Connect on Twitter: https://twitter.com/PatFurstenberg

Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PatriciaFurstenbergAuthor

Connect on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/patriciafurstenberg

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5

32 global ratings

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Gina R Mitchell

An intense, well-written war story

Reviewed in the United States on February 10, 2020

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Silent Heroes is a thought-provoking story of a Marine K-9 unit serving in Afghanistan. The storyline is graphic and intense, yet, filled with the underlying beauty of the country.

I can not imagine the hours of research Ms, Furstenberg invested in writing such an in-depth book. She crafted every word to evoke the struggles the characters endure. The pacing is excellent. Just when you lose your breath due to the intensity, you are offered a respite through interactions with the elderly, women, and children.

The K-9 members of the unit are equally as important as the humans. Their job is dangerous, deadly, and essential to the survival of all. Each dog’s personality shines through the author’s words.

I learned quite a bit about the history of Afghanistan, and it’s people through the author’s well-crafted story.

This book should be required reading for everyone. I highly recommend this book to fans of fiction, drama, war stories, and history.

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liveloverock

Heart-warming book amidst harsh, brutal reality

Reviewed in the United States on August 9, 2019

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Ms, Furstenberg's concise yet sentimental style takes us through an emotional book. Her vivid descriptions, both physical and emotional, opened up my mind and my heart to the American soldier's and the Afghanistan people's turmoils. The book embraces the special relationship built between humans as well as soldiers with their canine partners who play a very important role. A silent role. Have you ever read about these wonderful dogs? I have not. I've read a lot about the situation in Afghanistan but her research delves into areas I wasn't familiar with. The culture of this country is revealed by her words in such a way that made me enthralled by the citizens and appalled by the Taliban. Read it and be taken on a journey of brutality and humanity which left me feeling happy to be part of the human race. There is hope for a better world.

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muffiemae

Beautifully written, except...

Reviewed in the United States on September 17, 2021

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The book drew me in to the nonsense of wars, and I especially appreciated how the Military Working Dogs were given such care and love. This is a story of our times, right now, with Americans, allies, and MWD's abandoned in Afghanistan by the current president.

I would have given this book a 5+ review except for the errors that became worse and worse as the book progressed. Sheer carelessness: ..."were seen bend over a desk..." "...if anyone will tug him into bed..." "...hunters feeling like pray..."

Numerous errors with the verb "to lie," such as "She was laying on her side."

The author has a real talent for writing a compelling book, but she needs to find a good proofreader.

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Bette A. Stevens

A Must-read War Story!

Reviewed in the United States on September 28, 2020

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Poignant and thought-provoking, Silent Heroes gives readers an up-close and personal look behind the scenes of war in one of Afghanistan’s deadliest provinces. The author skillfully ties together the lives and objectives of a Marine K-9 unit serving in Helmand Province and a local community trying its best to survive as the Taliban’s rampant rule kills, threatens, abuses and uses them for its own sinister purposes. The author does an amazing job weaving the ravages and ruins of war into a beautiful heartrending story that is an eye-opener. Highly recommended! ~ Bette A. Stevens, author of award-winning children's picture book AMAZING MATILDA and other books for children and adults.

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Mary Schmidt

Standing up for one's beliefs

Reviewed in the United States on March 8, 2022

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This was a difficult book to read due to the nature of the subject matter. That said, everyone should read this story. The novel brings home the issues with military life in an Afghanistan war zone. I don't think the Taliban will ever stop their crazy murderous ways in which they kill regardless of age and innocence. Sure. We can help build schools or a hospital but who would teach??? Girls not allowed to learn. The horror of children used as weapons such as exploding IED's, or grenade and explosive liquid in hand, crying because they know they will die, but doing what was drilled into their brain, is more than heart-rending. Five stars.

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strength

I enjoyed every minute spent reading this book.

Reviewed in the United States on August 9, 2019

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It is clear that the author did an amazing amount of research for this book. Over the last few years I have read many, many book written by our soldiers. All of these books were based on each soldier's experiences. The author of "Silent Heroes" has captured the experiences of our military men and women. I highly recommend this book and I plan to read more book by this author.

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Top reviews from other countries

Patricia Bunting

A well-researched and detailed novel that evokes so many emotions

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 20, 2019

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Silent Heroes is the third of Ms Furstenberg’s books I’ve read and I found it a thoroughly engaging, thought-provoking and well-paced read. It is very well researched, with intricate details of the life and work of the American forces based in Afghanistan, and of the Afghan people struggling to survive against the Taliban’s harsh and brutal enforcement of Islamic Sharia law.
Taliban bands swoop down from their hideouts in the mountains to mete out their barbaric punishments of villagers. Women, in particular, are targeted, especially those who have attempted to educate themselves or their female children, or failed to wear a burqa in the presence of men outside their family. Sometimes, young boys are snatched from their families to be indoctrinated in Sharia law and trained to become fanatical killers. Such raids are inflicted upon people who are already starving, their once fertile farmland having been claimed by the Taliban to grow their opium poppies – the sale of which funds their ongoing fight against the Afghan government and foreign forces deployed in the country to counter them.
A harrowing description of one such Taliban raid in the opening scene gabbed my immediate attention, serving to introduce two of the key Afghan characters in the story, a brave and well-educated teenage girl and her equally brave younger brother. It also leads to the introduction of the main characters in a group of US servicemen and their faithful well-trained and much-loved dogs.
The work of the American unit and their dogs largely revolves around the ‘sniffing out’ and removal of IED’s – bombs planted along roads and in fields to kill or maim armed forces and Afghan people alike. It is deadly work for both men and dogs, one that they must cope with on a daily basis, as well as dealing with bands of raiding terrorists, whose strongholds prove very difficult to locate. The relationships and camaraderie between the servicemen and between the dogs and their handlers, is very special and often tear-jerking.
Silent Heroes is a book that evokes so many emotions, presenting readers with tragedy, trauma, heartache and pain, homesickness, and incredible courage. The pride the men take in fulfilling their duty also shines through. Characters are realistically and skilfully drawn, coming to life as the story unfolds. The ‘heroes’, both human and canine, are endearing and memorable. The author also succeeds in filtering in the historic and religious reasons for the Taliban activity in a country that has been fought over and war-torn for centuries.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to know more about the Taliban and the situation in Afghanistan, as well as to anyone who wants a novel with plenty of action and great characters.

Stephen Ainley

Highly recommended

Reviewed in Australia on July 31, 2019

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This is a very exciting, moving and well written book about war in Afghanistan. Although I didn’t serve there, as an ex Airborne Engineer and veteran of many IED search teams, I especially appreciated the amount of research that went into making the story as true to life as possible. Would highly recommend this excellent book.

Brigid P. Gallagher

Incredibly Well Researched

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 20, 2020

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Helmand Province is considered one of the deadliest regions in Afghanistan. It provides the setting for the fictional village of Nauzad, an area where Taliban insurgents terrorise local villagers, forcing them to grow opium poppies, banning women and girls from learning to read or write, capturing boys and forcing them to fight...
The author introduces her readers to the plight of the villagers, after the execution of a well educated mother who sacrifices herself to save her children.
A short distance from Nauzad, Forward Operating Base Day is home to a group of marines who battle daily with the changing tactics of the Taliban.
A team of Military Working Dogs or MWDs - Tara, Xena, Ramba and Honda, have been highly trained in sniffing materials used in IEDs. Together with their handlers, Seb, Conde, Kent and Dunn, they bravely search roads, fields and paths for new explosive devices, often planted under cover of darkness in areas that families and children frequent. These dogs are treated with the same honour and respect as any other combatant, which is skilfully portrayed by the author.
This book is incredibly well researched, and provides many edge of the seat moments, as the marines search for the Taliban's hiding spots in The Hindu Kush Mountains and beyond. Relying on local guides, they put their lives at risk in a country dealing with "displaced people, ethnic tribal and religious rivalry, crime and corruption, malnutrition and disease, and not least, with humanitarian abuse."
Highly recommended.

Stuart Aken

A Tale of Remarkable Courage and Hope Against the Odds.

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 7, 2020

Verified Purchase

What do you know about the war(s) in Afghanistan? This remarkable story of courage, extremism, intolerance, loyalty, betrayal and love will tell you so much.
The ‘silent’ heroes of the title are the sniffer dogs employed by American Marines in their hunt for IEDs (improvised explosive devices, if you didn’t know). But this story is about much more than these extraordinary canines.
Patricia Furstenberg has clearly done extensive research on the history of Afghanistan, it’s multiple wars, both internal and with invaders from various countries. This is presented through the voices of characters in the story, in several sections. She has also made herself fully conversant with operating methods used by the Marines and the Taliban, their philosophies, and their deeply contrasting views of the value of life.
There is much sadness here, understandably. But there is also great bravery, action, and, against all the odds, hope.
As a reader who sees books through the eyes of a writer, I found some aspects of the book a little irritating: changes in tense, occasional malapropisms. But these in no way detracted from a story that gripped me throughout.
There are passages describing events and locations from points of view that required the author to enter the minds of people she could only imagine. And she does this with quite remarkable success. In particular, an event is described through the eyes of a nine-year-old Afghan boy; the strangeness, unfamiliarity, occasional incomprehension he finds in his temporary environment is pictured with astounding clarity and credibility.
Dog lovers will enjoy the passages that describe the work, relationships and dangers faced by the sniffer dogs and their handlers; though, beware, you may need tissues handy.
There is shocking material here, violence; the appalling catalogue of cruelty practiced by insanely criminal extremists in the pursuit of power under their distorted interpretation of the Qur’an. It is difficult to imagine anyone reading this book without feeling real empathy for the people of Afghanistan as they attempt to lead ordinary lives surrounded by dreadful cruelty, indiscriminate danger from exploding devices and armed gangsters.
The story contains further evidence, if it were needed, that the war on drugs has utterly failed. The only result of such mistaken official policy being the financial reward of terrorists who use the heroin trade to fund their killing sprees.
This is sometimes a hard book to read, but it is also a story that uplifts with its portrayal of people who continue to care for others despite the dangers they face every day. A great read.

M Reviews It All

Brilliant Read!!!

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 24, 2019

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Firstly, a really big thank you to Patricia for getting in touch and asking me to read and review this book. It was a very interesting and great read even though it’s a book based on a hard subject of war.

In this book we follow soldier’s that are serving in Afghanistan with their loyal dogs, who are vital in sniffing out IED’s (buried land mines). I didn’t actually realise how important dogs are in war zone countries. This book has really got me interested in finding out more about their importance in war.

While reading this book I found out some really interesting things about our canine friends. For instance,I never knew that dogs can suffer from a form of PTSD. I also learnt that service dogs are given a higher ranking than their human handlers. This really shows how much they are valued and how important they are.

Although this book is fictional it felt so real. Patricia has done a wonderful job. It’s full of great descriptions. As many of you know I’m not one to get emotionally attached to books but this one definitely had my emotions all over the place. It didn’t quite have me in tears but was very close. Any book that can do that is worth a bonus heart in my rating.

This review doesn’t do this book any justice, BUT it’s such a great read that I really can’t express how much I enjoyed it. If your looking for a fast paced read I really can’t recommend this book highly enough. It’s a definite must read.

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Silent Heroes: Chosen One of 5 Books Everyone Should Read in Their Lifetime: When Love and Values Are Worth Fighting for Kindle Edition

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From the Publisher

"Silent Heroes was both a captivating story and an amazing education on the history of Afghanistan." Catherine Rushton, Songwriter, 'Christmas 1914'

Editorial Reviews

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From the Author

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About the author

Patricia Furstenberg

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