The Uniform

By: G. Gruen

Narrated by: Steven Fehr

Length: 6 hrs and 48 mins

Publisher's summary

A Jewish labor camp prisoner is as good as dead. Until he stumbles upon the body of a murdered Gestapo officer. Will the dead man's uniform be his ticket to freedom, or it will it cost him his life? That’s the dilemma facing David Korda, a young doctor turned ragged slave laborer. He’s forced by a brutal SS officer to build roads, mine salt, and harvest grain. On occasion, David must even lend out his medical skills to Nazi party VIPs. During one such work assignment, he doctors an injured horse. That's where he discovers the Gestapo officer's body. This, he soon discovers, is to be his last stop on the way to a death camp. He sees the dead man’s uniform as his last chance to survive, maybe even to escape. His challenge? Repairing the gashed and bloodied tunic under the noses of his SS captors. Will this help him turn the tables on the Nazis, or deliver him to a death camp?

If you're a fan of The Pianist, you'll love this amazing tale of resilience. The Uniform is G Gruen’s thrilling debut novel and a Book Life Prize semifinalist. Don’t pass up this dangerous fictional treat. Download this audiobook today!

©2021 Gabriel Gruen (P)2023 Gabriel Gruen

Wow. Just Wow.

4.5 out of 5 stars

The Uniform by G. Gruen is a remarkable debut novel that took me on a gripping journey through the darkest days of history, combining elements of great thrillers with a heart-wrenching tale of survival during the Holocaust. Gruen’s writing style is nothing short of excellent, seamlessly guiding readers through a narrative that is both poignant and thrilling. I had to stop a few times to make sure this was a debut story from Gruen because it was a blast from beginning to end.

The story revolves around David Korda, a Jewish labor camp prisoner, whose chance discovery of a murdered Gestapo officer presents him with a perilous dilemma – whether the dead man’s uniform will become his ticket to freedom or lead him to his demise. Gruen skillfully weaves a narrative that is both heartbreakingly sad and uplifting, capturing the resilience of the human spirit amidst the atrocities of the time.

One of the standout features of the book is its ability to delve into the lives of various characters, providing a multifaceted perspective on the harrowing events. Gruen’s skill in transitioning from character to character is masterful; it allows readers to form a deep connection with each person without losing the thread of the overall narrative. This is incredibly difficult to do. Usually jumping around like this has me lost within a few chapters, but Gruen was able to do it with seeming ease. The portrayal of the characters is both empathetic and nuanced, making them come alive on the pages.

The historical backdrop of the Holocaust is one filled with unimaginable suffering and despair, and Gruen navigates this landscape with a delicate touch. The novel doesn’t shy away from the heartbreaking realities of the era, yet it manages to infuse moments of hope and resilience. Gruen’s storytelling captures the essence of human strength amid adversity, reminiscent of the emotional impact of “The Pianist.”

What sets “The Uniform” apart is its ability to keep readers on the edge of their seats. The plot’s suspenseful nature and the characters’ depth and development made it a story that I couldn’t put down. Gruen successfully creates an intricate web of tension, leaving readers eager to discover the fate of David Korda and the other characters caught in the throes of Nazi oppression.

The Uniform is a powerful debut novel that skillfully combines elements of historical fiction with a thrilling narrative. Gruen’s ability to convey the complexities of human experience during one of history’s darkest periods, coupled with a captivating writing style, makes this book a must-read. It is a dangerous fictional treat that leaves a lasting impression. And the narration by Steven Fehr really shines. It takes an already good book and makes it even better. I thought he really became the character when given a chance and was a shining spot in an already glimmering story.

A wonderful telling

This historical fiction was a true and rare find. The story kept me drawn to bing listen nearly straight through. The narrator’s characters were so unique. Each voice was so different and well performed I checked to see if some characters were voiced by other actors. The narration turned a very good book into an outstanding performance. I will wholeheartedly recommend this to anyone seeking a great “read”.

The tension is palpable

David Korda spent six years surrounded by the institutions of medical school. Yet, just hours from completing his studies, as he enters the operating theater his Jewish-ness prevents him from completing his dreams. Now, he finds himself doing roadside labor, operating as a medic when needed. Readers first come to know David in 1944 as his friend Herman, a Jewish Rabbi, seeks escape via suicide. Hoping David will grant him one final favor, a proper burial, Herman tells David of a German Soldier, Vogel, willing to sneak him into Switzerland in exchange for treating his wife.

Just as David’s driver-to-be approaches the road crew rakes over something, sending shrapnel flying. Injuring SS Medic and derailing Leibig’s timetable for delivering a captured O/5 cell leader, Leibig’s ambitions drive him straight into the thoroughbred horse drawn wagon of a Gestapo chief’s wife, Petra. Forced to leave David to care for Petra and her horse Desdemona, he is tied up in the horse barn under the watchful eye of Petra. With hours until Leibig’s return, David resigns to his fate until he uncovers the body of Oberführer Karsten Hausler. Still in his uniform David sets to repairing the Oberführer’s tunic and removing the blood stains as his plan for escape slowly takes root.

Over the course of roughly 48 hours the tension is palpable as this uniform creates the driving force behind this entire plot. Based on a true story, “The Uniform” lays bare the predicament David finds himself in, as his fate, his future, and his chance for escape plays out in front of him.

Author G. Gruen crafts an intricate tale. Detailing the hierarchy, respect, and prestige of the German command, it is clear why Petra aligns herself in such a way. The ambition of many to seat themselves in the good graces of the Oberführer, as well as Petra’s actions, entangle a web the Germans struggle to unwind as David uses the opportunity he’s been given. Feeling the effects of the cold, the hate from the Germans, and the circumstances he faces, David sets about his plan.

Gruen has transcribed an extraordinary sequence of events as “The Uniform” wraps readers in its historical suspense embrace. With his unique portrayal of Jewish escape, and the whirlwind of events leading up to it, this story is all encompassing as the plight of David engulfs us within this fascinating read.