Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award
2010 Quarterfinalist
The tale of a remarkable child and era - based loosely on historic events, it is the moving story, simply told, of a German boy's journey through loss, loneliness, fear, uncertainty, love and hope in war-torn Germany and post-war rural Ireland.
REVIEWS
"It's a riveting story...As a novel it is extraordinarily well researched.... Beautifully written with a strong human story running through it..."
Brian D'Arcy, BBC broadcaster, Sunday World columnist, author
"An endearing story...Ascroft is superb in telling the story from Erich's point of view...The story is both vivid and moving..."
News Letter (Belfast) 21 June 2008
"Ascroft, through her sensitive research, has produced an insightful novel which acknowledges the past, but also the strain of change that was present at the time."
East Cork Journal, 5 June 2008
"Although writer Dianne Ascroft's new book has only been released to the general public for little over a week, she has already achieved critical acclaim for the novel...The novel was recognised by the Ireland's Own magazine's book deal competition when Dianne won the best book section."
Tyrone Constitution, 29 May 2008
READER'S COMMENTS
"Over a 10 year period 'Hitler and Mars Bars' tells the story of Erich and his younger brother Hans as they adapt to their new life in Ireland.
Told from Erich's point of view, it's a poignant and nostalgic look at a bygone and more innocent age...It's vivid and moving...I couldn't help but admire how the human spirit can overcome all manner of hardship and misery and still retain hopes and dreams....
Reaching the end of the book is like saying goodbye to a friend. If you enjoyed 'Anita and Me' by Mira Syal and 'The Book Thief' by Markus Zusak then you'll enjoy this." TillsGeliebte "Sue", Amazon.co.uk book review
"I really enjoyed it and found it compelling to read. You have succeeded in establishing a convincing feeling of fidelity to the times and places: and, the viewpoint and character of Erich is very well drawn and developed. It is a moving story which makes clear the poignancy always lurking in his tenuous social position while also showing the enduring fun and joy he found with some select families and peers."
Male reader, Co Mayo, Ireland
"It's marvellous! We lived through that time period but this is a completely different experience from our own."
Female reader, Montreal, Canada
"...captivating...I'm really enjoying it. Had a few tears too because little Erich is so close to my son in age, it's so easy to imagine how he might feel..."
Female reader, Kent, England
"Hitler And Mars Bars" is available to order from Trafford Publishing and this website. Click 'How to Order' above for more information.
News
Excerpt
Reviews
About The Author
How To Order
Other Writing
Links
Ascroft, eh? blog
Trafford Publishing Ltd
Contact:
dianne_ascroft@yahoo.co.uk