Hard Tears Soft Laughter
Hard Tears Soft Laughter by James William Lauder, published by Tellwell Talent on August 31, 2018, is a poignant exploration of the author’s experiences during the Second World War. This 280-page memoir presents a unique perspective on the events surrounding the Dieppe raid and the life in a German prisoner of war camp. Lauder’s frank voice brings to light the complexities of human emotions, from the camaraderie among soldiers to the harsh realities of war, offering readers a vivid account of both the brutality and the humor found in dire circumstances.
In this memoir, Lauder shares a series of compelling stories that reveal the resilience of the human spirit amidst adversity. Readers will encounter moments of laughter through the antics of bored soldiers, as well as heart-wrenching scenes that highlight the suffering endured during this tumultuous period in history. The narrative captures the essence of survival and the bonds formed in the face of despair, illustrating the contrasting behaviors of individuals during wartime. Through Lauder’s detailed recollections, the book invites readers to reflect on the complexities of human nature and the impact of historical events on personal lives.
Official synopsis Publisher
So many stories have arisen from the horrific events from the Second World War. But the unique and frank voice of James Lauder opens your eyes to a whole new view.
From his detailed account of how the Dieppe raid went horribly wrong to the tedium and camaraderie of a German prisoner of war camp, he resurrects a series of characters whose stories can haunt us for years to come.
He inspires you to laugh with the silly pranks and wordplay of a bored group of men.
He makes you ache for the simple human comforts that he missed while locked away overseas.
And he sickens you with the brutality of soldiers and the SS when they have the power to humiliate and hurt others during a dark time in world history.
Several of the portraits he shares stick with you:
– The beating of a Jewish woman who defies a member of the SS in public;
– The scene of a train station bombing where Germans and Canadians pulled together to save the injured;
– The hilarious misunderstanding of a daily greeting in a hallway at the camp.
From this book, you will see men at their best and their worst. There are times when you empathize with James and others when you want to slap him and his buddies up the side of the head for their racism and sexism.
They lived in different times.
Every day, they aimed to survive just one more day. They kept hoping the war would end, always in the spring to come. Even knowing when they would go home, you live in suspended animation with the group that takes care of each other and mourns each death knowing how close they all are to meeting that fate.
Some chapters of Hard Tears and Soft Laughter are hard to read. But Lauder doesn’t allow you to look away, since you never know where his memory will take you.
Lois Tuffin
Editor in chief
Peterborough This Week
November 2017
Publisher
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