For The Fatherland

Franz Schmidt had always been different to other African soldiers in German East Africa at the outbreak of the First World War. He earned respect from his German Officers; he married a German girl (Winifred) and was looked up to by everyone who knew him. His unshakeable belief in his Christian morality and the righteousness of Germany drove him onto a unique path. Challenging a white officer Lieutenant Von Schillen and then becoming one himself through his exploits at the Battle of Tanga. He thought he was the future, he had the backing of General Lettow-Vorbeck, and the love of his family Winifred, son Josef and Father Schmidt. With victory, he showcased to the enemy that his masters would be the progressive victors in this war. The dream of a new generation of Askari becoming officers did pass, but he would not see it. Injured in battle, he was sent to an obscure hospital where his mind and his body failed him again and again. Resolved to mediocrity, he changed. When he recovered, he had none of the flair or confidence of before. His family and friends were distant, and when the war was lost, they were all banished to Germany, only to find themselves in another warzone. It was German vs German in a bitter and horrific struggle for the city of Munich. Short of manpower, Franz was ordered to lead Freikorps soldiers against the communists. But the atrocities committed and the age of the victims made him question his allegiances. When he encounters Clara, his world is radically changed. Forsaking his orders to execute all prisoners, he lets her get away, and promptly gets discharged. Now without a position, he makes his way in a city and country that looks at him with unease and wonder. With his values drifting further away from his family, he must discover for himself what is right. On this path he sees in its entirety the brutality that is a way of life for everyone around him. He sees the victims, the perpetrators and the cycle of deadly political grievances will never end. When alarm is raised about the safety of his son, he must do what he can to prevent him from falling into such a devastating trap. The path to Nazism was a clear and attractive one for many in 1919, but it is also one that is lethal for those that stray and oppose. He must decide what relationships and values mean the most, and which are even real and to be trusted. For The Fatherland is a tragic tale of loyalty, morality, racism and nationalism that would be almost impossible to reconcile.

• | Author: Adam Wate
• | Publisher: Independently published
• | Publication Date: May 29, 2019
• | Number of Pages: 356 pages
• | Language: English
• | Binding: Paperback
• | ISBN-10: 1070774146
• | ISBN-13: 9781070774145