Title: A Dream, Shadows and Fulfillment
Author: Henry Bretton
Publisher: XlibrisUS
ISBN: 9781524565473
Pages: 148
Genre: Autobiography
Reviewed By: Lisa Brown-Gilbert
Pacific Book Review Star
Awarded to Books of Excellent Merit
Documenting the extraordinary life of an extraordinary man, Henry Bretton’s autobiography, A Dream, Shadows and Fulfillment, depicts a notable life rich with experience, insight and history portrayed through retrospective anecdotes, brimming with the eyewitness perspective of a history maker himself.
What strikes you most when reading this autobiographical narrative is the amazing tally of accomplishments which author Bretton has achieved in his life. He forged a path through life that some only dream of including, multiple collegiate degrees (B.A., M.A.,PhD), distinctively honorable military service, distinguished professor emeritus, highly esteemed author, lecturer and not to mention the fact of his age, currently over 100, and still going strong (this book was published this year 2017). Consequently, reading this book engages readers with a memorable journey through a prolific life, a life story which is truly an inspiration to behold.
Within each chapter, Henry Bretton artfully captures the spirit of the time painting vivid images while guiding readers through the chronicles of his personal history. He employs a literate focus on his political, social and economic environment, essentially immersing readers into a history lesson as well as offering insight to his engrossing life story. Overall, the book gives an unflinching portrayal of his formative and later years. Author Bretton looks back at both the good and bad experiences with lucid insight. He draws the reader in with his intelligent eyewitness perspective, as he explores his past beginning with his early youth in 1916, Berlin, Germany, during the midst of World War l. Readers meet young Henry Bretton, he’s an inquisitive, intelligent and inventive youth whose promise to his mother to enter a university and become a professor becomes a dream fulfilled. Continuing his story he also explores his time in the U.S, his jobs, naturalization as a citizen, as well as his entry into military intelligence, his educational journey, his marriages, his family, acquaintances, friends and his professional life.
Wholly, a completely enthralling read, A Dream, Shadows and Fulfillment will leave readers with a look at a memorable life story which will no doubt completely amaze, inspire and tug on the heart. I was particularly touched by his look at the disheartening events of his son’s sad death, and his wife’s passing which he beautifully memorializes with a touching poem. Additionally, I enjoyed the authenticity of his life story also depicted through pictures, and copies of awards as well as correspondence with notably respected people including ex-president Barack Obama. Definitely a must read for all to be entertained and educated about why the world is as it is nowadays, also the homage to the extraordinary people that shaped our future.
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