""Prayer in Time of War" is a novel by David Clensy that takes readers to the winter of 1943 in Naples, where despair and hope are palpable. The protagonist, Private Ernest Green, finds solace in a chance encounter with Preghiera, the daughter of a local butcher, igniting a flame of romance in a world devoid of tenderness. The narrative seamlessly transitions between World War II and Ernest's return to Italy in 1993, showcasing the brutal realities of war and the enduring power of love and longing. Clensy's work transcends traditional war novels, focusing on the psyche of his characters and exploring themes of guilt, regret, and the blurred lines between friends and foes. The novel's appeal lies in its nuanced understanding of ordinary people caught in extraordinary circumstances."

5.0 out of 5 stars
Reading this book became a wonderful passage of time
Reviewed in the United States on April 15, 2024

Delving into the mind of a simple Englishman in a time ever so not simple was a pleasure trip of 292 pages. Mr. Clensy has struck a rich vein in the story of the search for happy endings. Parts of faith, hope, life and love are woven into a story that is impossible to forget. FIVE HUGE STARS. ( )

Prayer in Time of War tells the story of Ernie Green’s life from childhood, through this deployment in WWII, and years beyond. The narrative skillfully jumps back and forth in time, but mostly sticks to Ernie’s point of view. While Ernie is stationed in Naples and surrounded by literal hell on earth he somehow manages to fall in love with a young Italian named Preghiera. But love is never simple, especially during wartime. ( )