• Author
  • Book
  • Story behind the book
  • Media Links
  • Reviews
Terry (TL) Gould

Terry (TL) Gould

About

I was born in Akron, Ohio, and spent my childhood in rural towns across Missouri before joining the Navy in 1968. Following a 30-year career in business, I moved to Nashville, Tennessee, where I reside with my wife, Barb. 

'How Can You Mend My Purple Heart' is a fictionalised account of my experiences in a Vietnam War Veterans' hospital during 1968/9.

The Sons of Godwine: Part Two of The Last Great Saxon Earls

The Sons of Godwine: Part Two of The Last Great Saxon Earls

0.0
0 ratings

Description

<p>Emerging from the long shadow cast by his formidable father, Harold Godwineson showed himself to be a worthy successor to the Earldom of Wessex. In the following twelve years, he became the King's most trusted advisor, practically taking the reins of government into his own hands. And on Edward the Confessor's death, Harold Godwineson mounted the throne—the first king of England not of royal blood. Yet Harold was only a man, and his rise in fortune was not blameless. Like any person aspiring to power, he made choices he wasn't particularly proud of. Unfortunately, those closest to him sometimes paid the price of his fame.<br /><br />This is a story of Godwine's family as told from the viewpoint of Harold and his younger brothers. Queen Editha, known for her Vita Ædwardi Regis, originally commissioned a work to memorialize the deeds of her family, but after the Conquest historians tell us she abandoned this project and concentrated on her husband, the less dangerous subject. In THE SONS OF GODWINE and FATAL RIVALRY, I am telling the story as it might have survived had she collected and passed on the memoirs of her tragic brothers.<br /><br />This book is part two of The Last Great Saxon Earls series. Book one, GODWINE KINGMAKER, depicted the rise and fall of the first Earl of Wessex who came to power under Canute and rose to preeminence at the beginning of Edward the Confessor's reign. Unfortunately, Godwine's misguided efforts to champion his eldest son Swegn recoiled on the whole family, contributing to their outlawry and Queen Editha's disgrace. Their exile only lasted one year and they returned victorious to London, though it was obvious that Harold's career was just beginning as his father's journey was coming to an end.<br /><br />Harold's siblings were all overshadowed by their famous brother; in their memoirs we see remarks tinged sometimes with admiration, sometimes with skepticism, and in Tostig's case, with jealousy. We see a Harold who is ambitious, self-assured, sometimes egocentric, imperfect, yet heroic. His own story is all about Harold, but his brothers see things a little differently. Throughout, their observations are purely subjective, and witnessing events through their eyes gives us an insider’s perspective.<br /><br />Harold was his mother's favorite, confident enough to rise above petty sibling rivalry but Tostig, next in line, was not so lucky. Harold would have been surprised by Tostig's vindictiveness, if he had ever given his brother a second thought. And that was the problem. Tostig's love/hate relationship with Harold would eventually destroy everything they worked for, leaving the country open to foreign conquest. This subplot comes to a crisis in book three of the series, FATAL RIVALRY.</p>

Story Behind The Book

This book is based on my real-life experience of being in a naval hospital in Philadelphia which was used for the recuperation and treatment of marines mutilated ny land mines during the Vietnam War.

Media Links

Reviews

<p style="text-align:justify;margin:0cm 0cm 10pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span><strong><em>Comment from Jennifer Lea Lopez, author of ‘Sorry is Not Enough’ and ‘Confessions of a Non-Believer’ (and daughter of a Vietnam Veteran):</em></strong> There are not many books that can make you laugh and also make you cry—sometimes laughing through sorrow and crying out of joy—but Terry has crafted such a story. I dare you not to fall in love with every character, and I dare you not to come away from this story wanting to hug every soldier you meet. I don’t think you’ll be able to do it.</span></p> <p></p> <p style="text-align:justify;margin:0cm 0cm 10pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span><strong><em>Comment by Stacey Danson, author of ‘Empty Chairs’: </em></strong>Thank you so much for writing this book. Vietnam hit Australia in the gut as well. I watched dear friends leave to fight as young men and return aged and broken. The time of shame and guilt that tore your country and mine apart needs to be told to generations that simply do not or will not remember. Your wonderful writing has provoked anger, sadness and pride. This book is cleansing, powerful, emotional and a must read.</span></p> <p></p> <p style="text-align:justify;margin:0cm 0cm 10pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span><strong><em>Comment from Jennifer B. (extract from an online writers’ forum):</em></strong> This story truly touched my heart and there were many times I had to wipe away the tears, but I finally finished reading. This is a totally honest book and one of the best first person narratives I have read about the Vietnam War. It is simple and straightforward but also a compulsive page turner. This is not a story for the fainthearted, but it’s one that should not be missed. It stands tall with the best books ever written about men in combat.</span></p> <p></p><span><strong><em>Comment from Darrell Kuipers, Vietnam War Veteran, US Army:</em></strong> This book was a difficult read for me. I had to take breaks to keep from just quitting the reading altogether. But the real-life story of the wounded soldiers on Ward 2B, and the portrayal of their struggles, was too compelling to put it down. Their experiences, while unpleasant and very real, made their journey to recovery heartwarming and joyous. Thank you, Terry, for all the blood sweat and tears you put into this book.</span><br /><br /><strong><em>Review by a Grateful Citizen:</em></strong> From beginning to end, Terrys story of his 2 1/2 year journey as a soldier from the small towns of Missouri to his unexpected experiences and time spent living with the wounded Vietnam veterans of 2B and Q ward is a must read. The stories are riveting. The language is raw, but why wouldn't it be? Sharing space with some of our nations most severely wounded soldiers was never dull. Terry reminds us all of the struggles and sacrifices his friends endured to serve our country. At times, I cried when I read about his friends Ski, Big Al, Bobby Mac, Earl Ray and others. They endured so much. Other times, I would laugh as I read about their adventures at Rosies and Rainbow Bar and Grille! Terry gives us great insight into the feelings of these guys at that time...both good and bad. This is a great book and a lasting reminder that we must never forget the sacrifices of his friends and others who gave so much for our country. <br /><br /><strong><em>Review by nCn:</em></strong> A book that you become involved in from the beginning. This will make you laugh and cry. All your emotions will surface while reading about the experiences these heroes have. There is sadness, happiness, anger, hatred and love while reading. You can laugh at the antics of these soldiers when they &quot;escape&quot; for an adventure away from the hospital. You will cheer when they cling together to &quot;take on the world&quot;. And you will shout a &quot;well done&quot; when they take on a pompous officer. You will have a new well deserved respect for these and all Viet Nam Vets will at long last. The author has accomplished an amazing task by bringing to life his experiences and having each reader feel his pain and sorrow and joy. And again I shout, &quot;Well done&quot;.