This page includes comments and observations, which offer critical commentary on the books. They are grouped by book.
- The Olympian, A Tale of Ancient Hellas
- The Hamsa
- Tobit and the Hoodoo Man, A Mystical Tale from the Civil War South
- DWI: Dying While Intoxicated
- The Sixth Day: A Novella About Creation and Prizefighting
- Gaspar, Another Tale of the Christ
- The Faith of Job
A bittersweet story from an extraordinary author… The book is rich with character studies and examples of the worst and the best of human behavior… the author excels in painting portraits of small-town life, both bucolic and frightening… every person has the right — and Mr. Kraay shows — the duty to treat each and every person and animal one encounters with the same respect and compassion they would expect to receive.
Andrea, Colorado
… a guiding moral compass, and the opportunity to choose right versus wrong at the center of the characters’ journeys… Prepare to be moved. Good writing mixed with powerful historic events can genuinely evoke real feelings, raw emotions, and self-reflection. The character development is done so well that you’ll likely be able to relate to or be reminded by someone at some point along the way. In some cases, that will speak volumes about you as a human being.
PapaBear, Arizona
We have studied the events of history, but this book puts people – real people – into history… brought a few tears… it is Kraay’s best book yet!
Joe from Dallas, Texas
To call it a WWII story or a holocaust story would be accurate, but the emphasis is on how the invasion impacts the lives of people from all walks of life: Jews escaping from Germany, children who are orphaned, gentiles, German aviators who believe in good – how the characters interweave and co-exist, finding common ground or finding their own voices… these re the fascinating threads that carry this story… Prepared to be moved… The character development is done so well that you’ll likely be ab le to relate to one and be reminded of someone in your own life along the way. In many cases, your thoughts as you read this book will speak volumes about you as a human being.
BEK, Maricopa, Arizona
This is a book to be slowly savored. I truly treasured this beautiful story of one of the Wise Men we find in the Bible. But then, the story is about so much more than one wise man. We see glimpses of Jesus and the history of that time as we have perhaps never seen it all presented before. I know I will come back to read this book again and again, as it has insights for me to find in each of our meetings. I also encourage any and every one to read this book. So many beautiful thoughts and ideas contained inside.
Jennifer from Chardon, Ohio
“Engaging story of the Magi, cleverly conceived and beautifully executed. The growth of Gaspar throughout the narrative introduces us to his ordained purpose gradually so that we don’t realize we’re in the presence of divinity.”
Alistair McKenzie, Los Angeles, CA
“So very, very interesting a read and grows more captivating with every page. Difficult for me to put this book down.”
Mary Ann Williamson, Logansport, IN
“The story lures you in like the siren’s call to Odysseus.”
Fra Paul Coury, Picture Rocks, AZ
“Your ‘Mitakuye Oyasin’ reverberates throughout the book and that is the OM of the world. A marvelous piece of writing that seamlessly weaves ideas, plots and images into a single, satisfying story. KUDOS!!!”
Fra Alexei Michalenko, Alexandria, VA
“A masterful re-imagining of the life of Christ told from the point of view of Gaspar, one of the three Magi … His travels and life bring a new point of view to the story that so many people know and love … Imagine someone outside the Jewish tradition had witnessed the events of the Gospels … How would this person react? This is the question Mr. Kraay undertakes to answer … This is an excellent, thought-provoking story.”
Paul Knott, Colorado Springs, CO
“This may be Kraay’s finest work so far. The idea of taking a minor character in the New Testament and centering him in such a story about the Messiah was a stretch and a risk, but Kraay pulls it off! His characteristic way of mixing historical characters into the narrative has never been more complete and masterful than in Gaspar, Another Tale of the Christ. Congratulations to Mr. Kraay for taking us on another wonderful journey.”
Paul Knott, Colorado Springs, CO
“[This story] helped me to look at people around me in new ways. I was inspired that there is more to life than winning. After listening to the audio, I have a new appreciation for mankind and my responsibility to mankind. It encouraged me to believe in miracles and something beyond myself. I’m even more aware of the creation around me. Congratulations to Kraay and McKenzie on their excellent work.”
Randy Leavitt, San Antonio, Texas
“Who’s to say it isn’t so? A wonderful way to tell the story of creation. Wonderfully written. Found it hard to put down. Read it. It will make you feel good.”
Kent L. Phillips, Wisconsin
“So easy to read, but with so many undertones that return to your thoughts long after you’ve finished the book. This is a beautifully written, seemingly simple story that is not so simple after all! It will deeply touch your soul. I highly recommend it.”
Elizabeth Burt, Zephyr Hills, Florida
“E.S. Kraay’s most recent effort combines several different ideas into a unique short story. We have a poor but noble family who take in a homeless man, a fresh take on the first chapter of Genesis, and a boxing match with a definite underdog who needs the money for the family. The combination is perhaps the most original thing you might run into for a long while.”
Paul Knott, Colorado
“Parables have teaching or transformative intention that can work on hearers, and the resistant ones, covertly. I believe The Sixth Day can act on its readers in that same, covert way.”
Mary Ann Williamson, Indiana
“Wow! A beautiful book… I sat with it last Saturday. It was a lovely story for a relaxed afternoon reading. Each character, being so unique, was a delight to follow and despite the violence, it was a most comfortable set of characters. Mr. Kraay’s writing put me deep into the middle of each scene. Every blow delivered in the fight was experienced… I could smell the rain from the storm which Jesus dispelled, and I could feel the rumpled skin of the dog once the pellets were removed. The writing was clean and simple but so meaningful.”
Sister Anne Brigid Schlegel
Principal, Central Catholic Elementary School
Corpus Christi, Texas
“I love Kraay’s style of writing and he’s evolved into a risk taker, and perhaps “The Sixth Day” was his way of testing a new style artistically. For those who have read any of his other works (if not, I recommend starting with “The Olympian”) you will certainly understand where I’m coming from. As in the past, his efforts to dive into new realms has worked with ease, leading followers to believe he can tackle any genre that involves character development, authentic dialog, and centers around a story.
BEK, Maricopa, Arizona
“… a fascinating story that reminded me of The Green Mile. Yes, we’re all Jesus! As dramatist and author William Saroyan wrote, ‘If what is said about Jesus is not also true of us, what good is what he did?'”
Father Alexei Michalenko
Georgetown University
Washington, D.C.
“This novella invokes some humor into the biblical story of creation by centering it around a poor family of bastard children growing up in the comfort of brotherhood and the belief that having each other is the most important thing in the world. Each of the boys is “the best ‘something’ in the world.” For example Flap Jack is the most inquisitive boy in the world–known as Flap Jack due to his love of pancakes. As the story begins, the boys witness the unprovoked attack of an old and weathered black man on “the other side of the river,” and when the attacker yells out “Jesus Christ!” at the old man, the boys come to believe that this in fact is Jesus Christ.
BEK, Maricopa, Arizona
“WONDERFUL! How does an author come up with such an original story and such unique characters, all of them so close and loving of each other…. by the 3rd day, I was able to ‘speak’ the words and found the language to be very important to the telling of the lovely story. The old man’s lingo and wisdom will light up your day.”
W. Brooks, Tucson, Arizona
“Along with creative storytelling and wonderful dialog that kept a smile on my face for the 90 minutes it took to read the tale is a secondary story about prizefighting that works wonderfully with what I viewed as the main story about Jesus. At the conclusion, both story lines come together after brother Sam’s big bout with “the Polish Dropper” ends in stunning fashion, creating a sense of shock, and leaving the opportunity for the old man to prove if he is or is not in fact Jesus Christ.
BEK, Maricopa, Arizona
“The story is true to its era, so expect some un-PC language, but that is a very minor nit to pick. Mr. Kraay has the uncommon gift of being able to adapt his approach and language to the story being told, so the reader hears the narrative, not just the author.”
Paul Knott, Colorado
“… read The Sixth Day Friday night late, re-read the last third or so last night. Finished with an out loud chuckle, then just lay there with a smile on my face. A very good story. Then my thoughts turned to it being a fine Parable. What stays with me so much are the hidden “quotes from Scripture” and explanations from the unexpected presence of Jesus Christ! This short book is packed with to-the-point themes of generosity of the really poor, sharing of food, friendship, and the tight knit family of boys, the sacrifice of self by the oldest brother Sam. And the good “choices” of some humans making it all worth while to God for not “quitting” midway through that sixth day!
Mary Ann Williamson, Indiana
“On a side note, the final line of the novella will go down as one of my all-time favorite lines from any book. You’ll have to read the book for yourself to learn what that eight-word sentence is. Quick and wonderful read, masterfully done.”
BEK, Maricopa, Arizona
“If you haven’t read Mr. Kraay’s work, I could hardly suggest a better introduction. If you have had the extreme pleasure of his company, what are you waiting for? Enjoy!
Paul Knott, Colorado
“Calling Sam Elliot! I would love to see Sam Elliot playing the role of DWI protagonist Harold Huck… When I think of cop thrillers, I think of far-fetched stories that are full of excitement — what they typically lack, however, is a moral dilemma that resonates with the reader. This story packs punch with the dilemma it presents… Dialogue is one of the most difficult arts for a writer to master, but Kraay has been praised for his ability to make dialgue authentic to the time and place, and he is true to his craft in this one.
PapaBear615 on Amazon.com
“The story is compelling, believable, entertaining, gut-wrenching at times, and fast paced. Without divulging the plot, people drink, people die, and there is a grieving vigilante trying to serve justice. The subject matter is relevant and addresses real world issues… there is a real cliffhanger at the end which is open to interpretation.
PapaBear615 on Amazon.com
“Kraay has exceeded expectations and showed an artistic diversity that not many writers are capable of. I’ll be curious to see what he comes up with next.”
PapaBear615 on Amazon.com
“I was SUCH a page-turner because the story is such a page-turner… I read a letter from a man in prison for driving while drunk and on drugs when he killed a man. The weaker the ‘man’ the greater the need to punctuate with ‘strong’ language his equally weak positions and outlooks. Kraay’s characters are all believable… The cover set the tone — good things just don’t happen after midnight, or even sooner!”
Mary Ann Williamson, Logansport, Indiana
“… a departure from historical fiction…. a modern campfire story where two strangers meet and one recites a tale that grabs the other in an unexpected way… this journey is the Greek tragedy aspect… a good man suffers almost unbearably… after reading the last sentence, the reader may have a difficult time leaving this man’s personal Hell; of course this is why we read great stories… “
Paul Knott, Colorado Springs on Amazon.com
“Kraay takes an original idea and runs with it…. he comes up with a truly unique experience… The story is almost unbearably sad… The best part of the story is something the author leaves for the reader to figure out: the protagonist kills the ‘villain’ and avenges the crime, but neither is aware of it… justice has come full circle BLINDLY… Mr. Kraay has the uncommon gift of being able to subordinate his narrative voice to the story. Whether his character is an ancient Greek warrior, a Polish patriot, or a former slave, the words fit the tapestry being woven, rather than trying to do the opposite and force the reader into a limited vocabulary. There are many easier books to read… not many will make a bigger impression weeks later than this one will.”
Paul Knott, Colorado Springs on Amazon.com
“With hints of Uncle Tom’s Cabin and the 19th century sentimental novels, Tobit and the Hoodoo Man presents an interesting, albeit rather idealistic, tale unique to the genre. The characters are mostly black and white – both literally and figuratively; the heroes are nearly sinless while the villains are blatantly evil, and in many ways, this is a moral tale. Although a bit quixotic, this is a very readable story for young adults and older adults alike.”
Litterarum Studiosus on Amazon.com
“Thoroughly loved it! Hated to see it end. So many wonderful vignettes allude to a deep sense of humanity, goodness and compassion.”
Bill Grosky, Silver Plume, Colorado
“Kraay’s first books were based on historical characters, upon whose bones he added flesh and life. Tobit and the Hoodoo Man represents the next step, where all flows from his concept, and the action builds naturally and organically to the climax and the tale’s end. If you are looking for a quick read, easily forgotten, please pass on Tobit; but if you are looking to stretch yourslef around a volume that will beckon you back for a second or third look, this may be it… After finishing the story, I felt compelled to read an older version. I won’t spoil the discovery by letting you know where to find it, but you will know where to look.”
Paul Knott, Colorado Springs on Amazon.com
“Masterful!”
Eric Niderost, Union City, California, author Civil War Firsts
“I enjoyed Tobit immensely — it is one of those restorative novels that left me with a great feeling after finishing it.”
Mike Dennis, Cincinnati
“I finished Tobit and enjoyed it very much. It is quite different from what I usually read (Clancy, Grishom, etc), and that made it all the better. The violence was necessary to the plot and handled well, not dwelled upon. As the sub-title suggests, it was ‘mystical’ but also gave good insight into the lives of the slaves, and their lives after being freed.”
Flo Voight, Tucson
“Kraay’s dialogue is always historically accurate and proves true to the time periods he writes about, be it ancient Greece, WWII Poland or the Civil War South … the ‘mystical’ direction is not overwhelming, and is quite slickly interwoven throughout the two part story … while this is a work of fiction, it certainly reads like a tale that could have taken place … the character depth that has become one of Kraay’s trademarks is as true and strong as it was in The Olympian and The Hamsa … Frankly, Kraay could write several interesting books from the characters he introduces us to in Tobit … the story leads us to a satisfying conclusion and revelation with greater moral lessons that are characteristic of the author’s earlier works … a quick and enjoyable read and, dare I say this is the best writing Kraay has produced to date!”
PapaBear615 on Amazon.com
“Just finished reading Tobit this early AM, and as I suspected, it was quite a story … I had to screw up my courage to keep reading [SPOILER] what I was expecting to be a God-awful, horrible description, but the author was tasteful and left the rest to my imagination. He is quite good at painting with his words … he is a very, very descriptive author but still known for word economy … my mind was always full of rich images … Kraay’s heroes are known for doing the right thing regardless of the cost. There is always the trade-off: the happiness of now for the better decision of doing the right thing and having peace of mind. Standing up to evil with good takes enormous courage and so does trusting that something from God will unfold in due course. I am reminded of the ‘tension’ between fighting against evil or trying to ‘pray it away’ and remain peaceful. It often depends on how we are ‘knitted together’ sometimes … I found myself stopped for reflection a few times while reading.”
Mary Ann Williamson, Indiana
“Theagenes is a tremendous character. Superhuman, larger than life but deeply flawed, self-tormented, driven, even consumed by inner imperatives of honor and redemption. this is very Greek (and very American) and The Olympian makes you feel it in your bones. It’s a quest story.”
Steven Pressfield, Los Angeles, author Gates of Fire
“… no one has ever hit Thermopylae from this angle and it is powerful, effecting and unforgettable … There are many writers who can write a great sentence or a great paragraph or a great chapter, but very few can conceive a story from start to finish, make it unique, and have it hang together all the way through … Kraay does that with absolute ease and assurance …”
Steven Pressfield, Los Angeles, author Killing Rommel
Think of the most beautiful song you have ever heard. Now imagine reading a book that makes you feel the same way.
That is the feeling I got while I was reading The Olympian. This profound novel was beautifully crafted, with bits of wisdom and many interesting passages. The exciting and inspiring writing pulls you along, and the imagery is amazing. What makes it even more fascinating is that it is (for the most part) based on real people and events.
This novel really is one of a kind.
Kevin on Amazon
“Kraay’s historical research is first class. He adds brilliant touches … to give the book texture and color … most impressive, his description of Greek society ran true in a way rare in modern literature … Kraay’s treatment of the Spartans is devoid of the usual hyperboles about mindless, uneducated brutes …”
Helen Schrader, PhD, Hamburg, Germany
A gripping, thoughtful story of what truly makes a human being…. To a group from Thasos and Egypt, Simonides tells the story of Theagenes [Theo], Olympic champion boxer and their trip of to Thermopylae, where Theo wishes to fight the Spartan boxing champion, Lampis; Theo felt Lampis had left Olympia before their match to answer the call of his countrymen and was a coward for doing so and not facing Theo in the Games. When Simonides and Theo arrive at Thermopylae, they witness the end of the battle. The Spartans’ example of courage and selflessness teaches them the deeper values of life and to live their life for others, instead of their individual arrogance and self-aggrandizement. Each honors the fallen in his own way … this is a story to remember for its insight and not a gory, bloody recounting of the battle. We don’t know whether in history, Simonides was actually at the scene and was an eyewitness, but it’s a fascinating speculation to think so. The stereotypical Spartan was absent from the story for the most part.
Jane Rawoof, Binghamton, NY
“The charactgers took shape convincingly and their behavior is consistent and believable throughout. Particularly well drawn is the first-person narrator, Simonides [which] enables the book to be more reflective … while adding wonderful authenticity …”
Helen Schrader, PhD, Hamburg, Germany
“4 1/2 stars… This book is notable for being genuinely Greek and very beautiful. The later chapters are very powerful.”
Karl Muntz, United States, author of Voices
“The first-person narrative includes brief episodes about the main characters that illustrate attitudes about honor, warfare, and civic-mindedness … Recommended as a change of pace for historical fiction collections.”
Amend, Historical Novel Society
“The author writes with comfortable authority about the ancient Greek setting … The elegiac tone of his graceful, rhythmic prose suits the subject matter … Readers with an interest in philosophy may enjoy this.”
Margaret Donsbach, Historical Novels.info
“… the author’s parallel between ancient Greece and today’s headlines becomes clear: excellence in sport is nice, but excellence in living is so much more … This is a scholarly book as befits a man [Simonides] whose poems are still quoted today … read it again and again, every journey will evoke some new thought and will bring you joy.”
Knott, Colorado
“Fine writing with attention to the historical record … Dulcet prose in the Pressfield style … [I was struck by] the personal, introspective musings to the story of the poet and boxer … the brutal Olympian strangely paired with the gentle philosopher …”
Aubrey, Seattle
“I couldn’t put it down … it has a message for today. Interesting narrative on how a man at that time would weave his belief in the gods into his daily life. This melds well into the difference between the two Spartan kings, Leonidas and Leotychidas and the tension between them to trust in God or to trust in ourselves… The revelation that Theagenes communicates to Simonides about the poet’s complicity in elevating the status of the athlete was very powerful. It speaks to our society where so many are profiting off the glamour of sports and athletes. Who are the real heroes in our society? Who really is serving and lifting up our communities… A quote that resonated through me on page 283: ‘… [It is] when men bond together for a cause of greater calling for the good of all men [when the gods smile]. Those men are the men to be remembered and revered, men whose deeds are selfless.’ As the story unfolds, we learn that much more can be done when men work together rather than as individuals … the goal is not personal credit, but to serve the community.”
Leavitt, San Antonio, 2014
“F. Scott Fitzgerald said it all when he wrote, ‘Draw your chair up close to the edge of the precipice and I’ll tell you a story.’ The Olympian is undoubtedly ‘the precipice’ as well as ‘the story’ … The suspense builds until all hell is unleashed at the end … The book is a story of opposites: young and old, rich and poor, wise men and foolish men, living and dying, winning and losing, truth and lies … It’s a journey of psychological development and illustrates how important it is to defend core beliefs, both as an individual and as a group.”
Linda Bertucci, Anacortes, Washington
“I found myself stopping and reflecting on my own life … We all struggle within ourselves to grow into becoming the best person we can be. Life is a journey that tests our resolve and purpose, but can also reveal our greed, envy and jealousy. The Olympian for me captured the essence of personal growth …”
Wyman, Portsmouth, New Hampshire
“Worth more than gold medals … the underlying message is one that isn’t reflected upon often enough in today’s society … it’s a profound message and the author was very cheeky in making that point clear, all the while telling a gripping story … The scene at Thermopylae will choke the reader up … In a time when terrorism steals the headlines, this scene will make you think of some modern day events like 9/11 and Madrid.”
Stinson, New York, NY
“It’s about sports, it’s about war, but most of all it’s about people. The characters are memorable … In short, this extraordinary story is a gem! … the final scene is stunning … What happens at Thermopylae in this book will linger in your mind for a long, long time.”
McCracken, St. Louis
“… we recognize a slice of our own personalities in each character in the book. We have all thought ourselves a poet … a peacemaker … We’ve all been self-centered … and all of us dream of being a hero and a champion … The novel evokes a multitude of emotions from love and compassion, to fear and anger, and ultimately, reflective satisfaction and joy … Ancient Hellas would be proud of E.S. Kraay and his Olympian.”
Jones, Massachusetts
“You see triumph, you feel defeat, you cry at loss. This story encompasses so many lessons that we often forget every day … E.S. Kraay makes us re-evaluate how we think!”
Alexander, Fargo, North Dakota
“This book uses events from ancient Hellas to deliver a message that still rings true to us today … Honor and redemption are tools that build great civilizations. Pride and personal glory are weapons that can tear down a civilization. The Olympic champion Theagenes and the ‘300 Spartans’ demonstrate the power of choosing a higher cause than personal glory … While this book is a tale of ancient Hellas, its meaning is one for all ages and this is the mark of an amazing storyteller.”
Dave Golan, West Point, NY
“The message deserves to be promoted to the high school population. There’s so much competition going on that we need to hear the message of cooperation and how much more fulfilling that is than trying to get to the top of the ladder … powerfully packed writing … I hope people won’t just follow the story. As good as it is, I don’t want the reader to miss the philosophy, theology and anthropology that are at the heart of the book.”
Alexei Michalenko, Georgetown University
“… a metaphor for everyman’s true values and contributions as he goes through life … an academic masterpiece!”
Slusarz, Florida
“Exhaustive research has yielded a fascinating story of Theagenes, one of ancient history’s overlooked Olympians … With Kraay’s colorful storytelling, we see a champion of great complexity who is tormented by an inner drive which is unflinching in its will to defeat all competitors …The Olympian pays homage to not only the immortalized 300 Spartans, but to the ideals and spirit of the Olympic Games which makes this book one I highly recommend.”
John Trikeriotis, Maryland, King Leonidas and The 300 Spartans of Thermopylae
“Heart and soul …. fascinating reading as in ‘I’ve SEEN that place.’ Heartwarming story on how love, respect, honesty is still possible in a crazy , mixed up world and people are capable of living a good, principled life in the midst of the most trying and challenging circumstances. Sports champions are honestly GOOD people and do their best not just to compete but to bring out the best in others.
Alexei Michalenko, Washington, D.C.
“Gene Kraay, a former fighter pilot and bestselling author of The Olympian: a Tale of Ancient Hellas, has crafted another emotionally gripping novel. The Hamsa vividly portrays the corruptions of power, the courage of those who dare to resist them — and the price that must often be paid for that courage.”
Polonia News Online, Chicago
“Rarely do I cry at the conclusion of a book. The Hamsa kept me spellbound from beginning to end. From the thrilling first-person experiences of a top-notch skier to the dangerous, clandestine activities of a member of the Polish Resistance during the horrendous years of Nazism, I was spellbound. The tears flowed freely however, as I followed his pathway to death in the ‘final solution.'”
RNWriter, Amazon.com
“The author uses the life of Bronislaw Czech to reveal universal truths about what it is to be human … The Hamsa expresses the unashamed love its author clearly holds for all things that are intuitively moral and right. The days when wholesome spirituality and faith were honored in our culture seem to be far behind us. that is, until E.S. Kraay gave us The Hamsa.”
DTaylor, “Speaking for Americans“
“The author’s description gives meaning and form to Bronislaw’s life in a way that is reminiscent of Michelangelo carving the David from a piece of raw marble. The final result is magnificent and the conclusion of Bronek’s story is transcendent! Bronek’s penultimate human act, defiance, is followed by his ultimate human act, acceptance. The last sequence in the novel reminded me of a poem by [the 17th century poet] Henry Vaughn [that begins]
“I saw Eternity the other night,
Like a great ring of pure and endless light.
All calm, as it was bright …”
DTaylor, “Speaking for Americans“
“Mr. Kraay has pulled off the most difficult stunt of all: to start with historical reality … and to craft from these elements a wholly original … narrative that breathes reality into and brings illumination to the acts and moral crises lived through by his protagonist and his contemporaries … when the moral and dramatic payoff comes as WWII overwhelms all pre-war life on the continent, sweeping up our hero Bronek in its all-devouring maw, we readers feel his ordeal in our guts. Thanks … for creating an unforgettable character …”
Steven Pressfield, Los Angeles, author Last of the Amazons
“… a wonderful account of the personal trials and triumphs of Bronislaw Czech during the rise and reign of Hitler’s tyranny … avid readers of history … often get overly focused on ‘the Big Picture’ and the de-humanized facts of major events. Kraay gives us the chance to look at an intriguing side story that we all would have missed completely, yet helps us walk away marveling at one man’s perseverance to his principles and morality … this novel gives the reader great insight to this historical period, and goes one better by giving the reader insights to the human soul …”
Michael Dennis, Florence, Kentucky
“Excellent read for ski racers and history buffs… 5 stars”
Cindy, from Clarkson, Michigan on Goodreads
“… Mr. Kraay has fashioned a life of a simple man who lives a life of heroic virtue … If there is a ‘trick’ to the narrative, it might be Bronek’s meeting such historical figures as Franklin Roosevelt, Sonja Henie and Heinrich Himmler ala Forest Gump, but these meetings are plausible and serve the story line … for readers of Mr. Kraay’s first book, The Olympian, this is a different but equally entertaining story.”
Knott, Colorado
“Lying underneath the surface of great character development and authentic verbiage, readers will find a great moral which they will benefit from if they’re willing to listen. Even in the midst of human death camps, hell on earth, your dignity is yours alone and nobody can take that away from you. You could give it away, but that choice is yours no matter what your circumstances are … Filled with romance, passion and loyalty, The Hamsa gives an accurate depiction of several decades of life in the Polish Highlands … I have no hesitation in offering 5 stars to this one.”
Stinson, New York, NY
“The book evokes a broad range of emotions, and encouraged me to reflect on my own morals … Authors write to spark a reaction, and Kraay was certainly successful with this effort … The story flows well and teaches lessons beyond face value … fantastic character development … an emotional and spiritual journey …”
McCracken, Phoenix, AZ
“… a book of strong, spiritual substance … The narrative really flies, just like the movements of a skier.”
Linda Bertucci, Anacortes, Washington
“Thank you for writing this book … It made me cry at the end. I can’t say enough.”
Barbara Beck, Pittsburgh, PA