Sunday Book Review: Night of the Cossack by Tom Blubaugh

Posted by Elaine Marie Cooper

Review of Night of the Cossack

In one night of terror, Nathan Hertzfield’s life changed forever.

The hard-working 16-year-old, taking care of his widowed mother and younger brother in a small village in early 20th century Russia, is abruptly kidnapped and forced to join the Cossack army. He not only loses his family, but his identity as a Jew, and must adapt to the harsh outdoor conditions of living as a soldier in an army that he never wanted to join.

This novel about Nathan’s transition to new identities and unfamiliar places follows his precarious and extremely jarring journey into manhood while trying to survive. And one of the skills that he must learn is to pretend he is not a Jew. Throughout his ordeal, Nathan never forgets who he is, however, or where he came from. His past is forever present in his heart.

Night of the Cossack is well written and can be a rich read for all ages from youth to adulthood. It is a heart-wrenching look at the extreme prejudice against the Jewish people long before the Holocaust in Germany occurred. Nathan’s character is filled with the innocence of youth, but that slowly changes in the years as a Cossack. He finds friends but then is betrayed by someone that he thought he could trust. Where can he turn but to the God of his fathers, Who leads him on a journey fraught with yet more danger.

I highly recommend Night of the Cossack. The characters come alive and the scenes in the stark wilderness will emerge like a painting in your mind. But it is the realization of the long-standing prejudice against God’s people so vividly portrayed that melts your heart and makes you cling to hope for Nathan’s safety and his future.

I’ve been told there is a sequel in the works—a novel to look forward to!

I give Night of the Cossack: 5 out of 5 Reflections

Book Summary:

Night of the Cossack is a compelling adventure by Tom Blubaugh about a teenager who is forced to grow up quickly. The main character, Nathan Hertzfield faces many life or death situations during his saga.
Join Nathan on his exhilarating journey through parts of Russia and Europe during the early 1900′s. Don’t miss the adventure and suspense in the riveting story, Night of the Cossack.

Author Bio:

Tom Blubaugh is a freelance writer living in Southwest Missouri with Barbara, his wife.  They have six children and fourteen grandchildren. Tom has written non-fiction most of his adult life, but has recently written a historical fiction titled Night of the Cossack, published by Bound by Faith Publishers. This is Tom’s first novel. He co-wrote a devotional journal in 2009 for Barbour Publishing titled The Great Adventure. His other writings include articles for a denominational magazine and an insurance publication. He also self-published a book, Behind the Scenes of the Bus Ministry in 1974.

Tom started writing poetry at the age of fourteen. His vision of turning them into lyrics for rock and roll songs for popular artists didn’t develop. He considers writing to be a God-given talent and feels led to develop it. His first novel was published at his age of 69. Tom says it’s never too late. He is now writing a sequel.

Tom spent twelve years as an insurance agent and eleven years as a financial planner. He is the past president of Jericho Commission, Inc., and still serves on the board of directors.

Book available at Amazon.com:

Night of the Cossack