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458
Novel • Fiction
Ukraine • 1940s
2021
Adult
18+ years
The Last Green Valley by Mark Sullivan is a historical novel following the Martel family's escape from the Soviet Union during World War II, covering events from 1944 to 1951 with flashbacks to 1929-1941. The story focuses on Emil and Adeline Martel as they flee westward with their children and extended family, facing numerous hardships and moral dilemmas along the way, ultimately seeking safety and a new life. The narrative contains depictions of violence, murder, and sexual assault, and uses offensive terms for Jewish people in quoted text.
Emotional
Inspirational
Adventurous
Suspenseful
Heartwarming
103,521 ratings
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Mark Sullivan's The Last Green Valley receives praise for its captivating narrative and strong character development, bringing to life a war-torn journey with rich, historical detail. However, some find its pacing uneven and certain plot elements predictable. Overall, it's a gripping tale that immerses readers in a poignant historical experience.
Readers who enjoy The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah or Beneath a Scarlet Sky by Mark Sullivan will find The Last Green Valley compelling. They typically appreciate historical fiction with powerful storytelling, resilience in the face of adversity, and a richly detailed backdrop of World War II and its aftermath.
103,521 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Emil Martel
A quiet but determined man, Emil struggles with his faith due to past traumas and is focused on protecting his family during their journey from Ukraine.
Waldemar (Walt) Martel
The serious and quieter eldest son of Adeline and Emil, Walt experiences fear and anxiety from the violence they encounter during their escape.
Wilhelm (Will) Martel
Adeline and Emil’s youngest and more adventurous son, known for his sense of humor and bravery akin to his father’s.
Lydia Losing
Adeline’s mother and one of the many "widows of Stalin," who struggles with the bitter realization of her husband’s disappearance under Stalin's regime.
Amalia (Malia) Losing
Adeline’s optimistic older sister, who sustained a head injury as a teenager but remains a source of comfort during the family's trials.
Johann Martel
Emil’s father, who emerges from a Siberian prison with deep mental scars and struggles with the trauma of his past imprisonment.
Karoline Martel
Emil’s mother, who grapples with bitterness but shows occasional remorse for her past actions, especially in moments with her family.
Theresa (Rese) Martel
Emil’s free-spirited sister whose lively disposition shifts after a tragic accident during their refugee journey.
Major Haussmann
A cruel Nazi officer who enjoys his power and forces others into complicity, representing the brutality of the Nazi regime.
Corporal Gheorghe
A positive and kind mentor figure for Emil, helping him rediscover his belief in God during their time in a prison camp.
Nikolas
A self-serving Volksdeutsche refugee who abandons morals in favor of personal gain, embodying the moral compromises made during wartime.
Esther (Ilse)
A Jewish acquaintance of Adeline who receives assistance obtaining forged identity papers, representing ethical dilemmas during the war.
Mrs. Kantor
An elderly Jewish woman who employs Adeline, providing her with encouragement and serving as a source of inspiration throughout her life.
Marie
Adeline's cousin encountered on the refugee train, who struggles to cope with grief and loss after her infant sons’ deaths.
458
Novel • Fiction
Ukraine • 1940s
2021
Adult
18+ years
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