Quotes from Amazon's Reviews:

"Among the delights in reading 'Silent Battlefields' are the deeply moving human connections one  makes with this novel's sensitively developed characters. It is difficult to comprehend how this can be Hugh Rosen's first novel when taking into consideration the sagacious craftsmanship with which he reveals to his readers the inner soul of his characters while guiding us through multiple intertwining levels of their truly moving and eloquently told life stories..... I found myself marveling at the many twists and turns of this multi-layered story."  Ronald C. Comer, "Director, Behavioral and Addictions Counseling Sciences, Drexel University." (Philadelphia, PA, USA)

"This is no ordinary work of fiction.... This is an eloquently written piece of literature which compels the reader to deal with the darker side of humanness as it delves into concepts such as war, hate, prejudice, ... guilt, and death. Yet...it is an inspiring, albeit explosive story of forbidden love, sacrifice, hope, and forgiveness.... This unique novel will leave the reader with strong feelings and much to think about."  Rachelle Dorfman, author of "Elder Care for Dummies" (Woodland, CA, USA)

"This novel is far greater than a 'Holocaust' story. Its depth transcends specific cultures and religions, and as the intricate relationships unravel in Rosen's masterful weaving of words, my heart beat faster with every new revelation, and new revelations occurred over and over as the story progressed, pulling me deeper into the ever over-lapping and fascinating lives of Selig, Eva, Mathew, and the other characters who became so real to me."  Susan Warner, Esq., SPHR  (Philadelphia, PA, USA)

"I must admit that I had some concerns that "Silent Battlefields" was going to be just another depressing Holocaust story. Much to my delight, I was quite wrong about that. 'Silent Battlefields' is a completely new twist on a subject that has been written about a billion different times.... This story takes the reader to a whole new level with a most interesting plot.... This book is filled with surprises. It focuses more on the aftermath of a tragic event of enormous proportions and gives the reader an opportunity to see the lives of those who survive as they deal with their present day lives."  Derek Wise (Oldsmar, FL, USA)

"Hugh Rosen has written an exceptionally moving and important novel. He takes a subject which, as far as I know, has not been explored before in fiction. How do the children of Holocaust survivors and children of Nazis cope with the anger and guilt that come out of their parents' suffering or criminal actions. From this subject he creates a meditation on the human capacity for retribution and forgiveness. And he makes the story into a genuine page-turner. It was as gripping as a good detective novel and still left me thinking about the nature and capacity of suffering and love."  Ray Bentman (Philadelphia, PA, USA)

"Initially I thought Silent Battlefields would be just one more, of many, Holocaust books. I was pleasantly surprised with Hugh Rosen's new twist to this familiar theme in his splendidly written novel. The story moves right along. Whenever you think you have it 'figured out' the story takes a new twist. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a 'good read' ". Ronald W. Pramschufer (New York, USA)

"Although there is a strong plot-driven aspect to this novel, all the characters are so intricately drawn with incredible depth, complexity and humanity, that the ultimate feeling one comes away with is that a multi-layered epic has just been read, one that is extremely cinematic. ... This novel stirred within me personal issues I have struggled with my entire life as a child of Holocaust survivors myself, reinforcing the fact that there are no easy answers to the emotional, spiritual, moral, and ethical questions that are generated. Rosen leaves us with a strong sense of the complexity of he human condition, while, always keeping this read gripping and exciting, like a great mystery. It is a remarkable book that readers will find both moving and intriguing." Robert Mandel, clinical psychologist (Philadelphia, PA.

"I found myself thinking a lot about it ['Silent Battlefields'] the day after I started it and felt drawn back to finishing it quickly because I cared about the characters and their various problems. The strands of their interweaving stories were well composed.... It was refreshing to see that gay characters were presented realistically and sensitively, although this was not a major focus of the book.... I think many types of readers will find something to draw them into this intriguing story. I also think it would make a good movie."  Kevin T. Kuehlwein, co-editor "Cognitive Therapies in Action" and "Constructing Realities" (Philadelphia, PA, USA)

"Mr. Rosen's novel 'Silent Battlefields' read like a dream. His words were like a gentle spring flowing out so eloquently and effectively.... His keen observation of human behavior and inner thought processes were so well described.... Consequently, this novel draws you in so that you can relate to all the characters, their mental anguishes, and inter-actions with each other, yet realizing that each character is uniquely different." P. Nam (Chicago, USA)

"The author obviously did his homework as the details are perfect. I believe the strength of this book is its ability to draw the reader into the story to the extent that you can't help but to feel it's all real and you're part of it."  Dennis Rosen, aspiring writer and free-lance photographer  (Philadelphia, PA, USA)

" 'Silent Battlefields' is a novel about the impact of horrific cultural abuse and family secrets. It is also a novel about redemption and love. Dr. Hugh Rosen's background as a practicing psychotherapist, professor, and author of academically-oriented books, shines through this novel in the form of many brilliant insights into human nature, trauma, and psychopathology. It is this ongoing illumination that gives 'Silent Battlefields' its remarkable edge in portraying a story about survivors of Nazi Germany many years after the official end of war."  Marilyn Peake, author of "The Fisherman's Son," "The city of the Golden Sun," and "Return of the Golden Age."  (Virginia, USA)

"Rarely do you find a novel that so closely approximates what you'd expect to hear from the personal experiences of Holocaust survivors. Rosen captured their essence so beautifully and even created a Nazi character that one could sympathize with and root for, which may be very hard to believe if you are a Jew.... A credit to a writer with imagination to go beyond the stereotypical Holocaust stories and create a hauntingly poignant tale."  Barbara Goldberg  (Los Angeles, CA, USA)

"The reader was able to become immersed into the book almost immediately. the second reading and I was still intrigued and fascinated....It is definitely a wonderful book for any book club."  Carol J. Palmer  (Eaton, CO, USA)

"Silent Battlefields is a multi-generational novel that unfolds masterfully while drawing the reader from the very beginning into a world where moral certainties are challenged....Hugh Rosen draws his characters as complex human beings caught in a moral universe where individual choice and responsibility battle with responsibilities to sacred traditions and, family and loved ones....It is a unique book that will touch the reader's heart and mind."  Pasquale J. Russoniello (Philadelphia, PA, USA)

"Once I started reading this novel, I wanted to know more about the thoughts and feelings of each and every character portrayed so forcefully, often poetically, by Hugh Rosen....Each time I picked up the book I couldn't wait to find out what happened next. This is a great first novel."  Myrna Shure, Author, "Thinking Parent, Thinking Child." (Philadelphia, PA.)

"Silent Battlefields" is a wonderfully written and creatively endowed novel; one that punched me in the stomach and opened my mind....The author's creative brilliance was evident throughout the novel, but never more so than when exemplified by its beautiful ending....I believe the novel would make an intriguing and emotionally provocative movie."  Mark Jamison, clinical psychologist (Philadelphia, PA.)

There was a haunting theme throughout the narrative.... His [Rosen's] characters are believable and showed both their flaws and their inner strengths. Rosen's beautiful, often stirring word pictures and striking descriptive phrases evoked a roller coaster of emotion in this reader....The whole story is thought provoking and soul searching. Richard R. Blake (Leandro, CA)

"'Silent Battlefields' is a highly original, riveting, well-written and thought provoking debut novel, one which not only raises significant issues about that period [the Holocaust], but also shows how dangerous bigotry and blind hate can be in any context. I give it five stars out of five."  Bob Lind, Phoenix, AZ

Top of Page