May 18, 2007 — Author George R. Lipponer shares the shocking true story of the torture a young soldier endured after being conscripted into the German army at the end of World War II in his new book, “Mending Fences” (now available through AuthorHouse).
Though fiercely opposed to the war, young Otto is forced to enlist as a German soldier after being threatened with severe penalties and death. Sworn in with “accelerated training,” Otto is sent to the front lines immediately and exposed to the horrors and realities of war. The 17-year-old recruit is promptly captured by the Americans and sent to a French prison camp. There he is singled out and tortured by a cruel French civilian overseer.
When Otto meets a young French girl, the torture becomes even harsher. Their innocent friendship leads to unbearable treatment. With the help of another prisoner, Otto plans for revenge to deal with their superior once and for all. Just when Otto and the girl seem to be doomed, an unexpected homecoming by a family member leads to a dramatic turn of events. Will Otto escape the hell of war? Inspired by similar true stories of lives shattered by World War II, Lipponer hopes to share a deeper message through Otto’s story. “The futility of wars is the main theme,” he says. “[It is also about] the eventual and never-to-be-forgotten drive of the young survivors to move on with life despite the rigors they were forced to endure while members of the opposing sides.”
Lipponer was born in Patchogue, N.Y. After high school graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps where he fought in the Korean war and traveled extensively in Europe and Asia. Lipponer later attended Suffolk College and the New York Institute of Technology. He is now a life member of the Disabled American Veterans, the 1st Marine Division Association, The Korean War Veterans, the Chosin Few and the Marine Corps League.
His first book, “The End of Forever,” is also available through AuthorHouse. AuthorHouse is the premier publishing house for emerging authors and new voices in literature.