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Rating: 
Summary: A book with two stories
Review: "Just Another Man" is really a book with two stories. The first story is that of the massacre of all the men from the town of Kalavryta during World War II. The second story is that of a son's attempt to avenge the death of his father who was one of the men massacred at Kalavryta. The first story is very well-told, with nicely-detailed descriptions of the events leading up to the murderous moment. However, the second story is long, overdrawn and--quite frankly--hard to believe. The author even admits that certain of events (in the second story) were changed for sensationalist purposes. When this book is compared to Nicholas Gage's story about avenging the death of his mother in his book "Eleni", "JustAnother Man" just doesn't measure up. Andy Varlow's writing is not that great, nor did he really engage my imagination for most of the book. I would recommend reading the first story, and then skimming through the rest of the book.
Rating:
Summary: A book with two stories
Review: "Just Another Man" is really a book with two stories. The first story is that of the massacre of all the men from the town of Kalavryta during World War II. The second story is that of a son's attempt to avenge the death of his father who was one of the men massacred at Kalavryta. The first story is very well-told, with nicely-detailed descriptions of the events leading up to the murderous moment. However, the second story is long, overdrawn and--quite frankly--hard to believe. The author even admits that certain of events (in the second story) were changed for sensationalist purposes. When this book is compared to Nicholas Gage's story about avenging the death of his mother in his book "Eleni", "JustAnother Man" just doesn't measure up. Andy Varlow's writing is not that great, nor did he really engage my imagination for most of the book. I would recommend reading the first story, and then skimming through the rest of the book.
Rating: 
Summary: The Greek boy was only 11 years old . . .
Review: . . . when he found his murdered Father among 1,000 others. Just Another Man is an incredibaly thrilling story of how this youth--now as adult living in the US--fulfills his childhood vow find and punish the Nazi SS Commander responsible for the massacre. The author, Andy Varlow (Andreas Varelopoulosa--"Yiannis" in the book,) tells his James Bond-like thriller in a fictional motif that is based on true historical events and the author's personal involvement--he was that 11-year-old boy! This book combines the elements of a "personal memoir, love story, historical novel and murder mystery." Once in a great while you very unexpectedly discover a book that simply captivates your interest and undivided attention. Just Another Man is such a book! It's a thriller from the first page to the last. You travel with Yiannis into the most unusual places, encounter unforgettable characters, dangers galore, [and] an amazing coincidence that will definitely leave you shaking your head in disbelief. The entire plot is so unbelievable that unless it was true--or fabricated by a Stephen King--no novice writer such as Mr. Varlow could possibly dream up such a staggering story. (Mr. Varlow and/or his editors are very gifted and talented in their own right.) Mr. Varlow has generously donated his book proceeds to help support the School House Museum in Kalavryta (designated as a Greek National Museum.) The School House was where the women and children were imprisoned (and almost burned to death) while the men were being slaughtered at a nearby place later called the "Hill of Execution." Did Yiannis finally get the man he pursued for many years? "James Bond? You had better read this book. Can you hear me, Bond? This Varlow has stolen some of your thunder. Read on James." [. . . ] and all you other thrill seekers!
Rating:
Summary: Just Another Man Ain't Just Another Story
Review: Bottom Line: This book is a must read. It is a rarity to discover one that so adeptly blends history, intrigue and triumph. Beginning with the German massacre in Kalavryta, the reader cannot help but be deeply moved by its depcition because it is told through the eyes of an 11 year-old who is witnessesing the senseless murder of is father. What follows is a thrilling life of passion. But that's not all. There are also enriching, well-written passages such as the one depicting a debate about belief in a God who would let such a massacre occur. It is the Socratic method at its best.
Rating:
Summary: Just Another Man Ain't Just Another Story
Review: Bottom Line: This book is a must read. It is a rarity to discover one that so adeptly blends history, intrigue and triumph. Beginning with the German massacre in Kalavryta, the reader cannot help but be deeply moved by its depcition because it is told through the eyes of an 11 year-old who is witnessesing the senseless murder of is father. What follows is a thrilling life of passion. But that's not all. There are also enriching, well-written passages such as the one depicting a debate about belief in a God who would let such a massacre occur. It is the Socratic method at its best.
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