Book Review: The Eagle Scout Picture

Reviewed by Addison Ciuchta

A tense historical tale set during World War II about identity and the sacrifices of war

When Fred Brown is only seventeen, he’s recruited by the United States Government to go undercover in Germany during World War II. By eighteen, he arrives in Germany with his diplomat friend and a new identity as Fredrich “Zelly” Zellner. 

However, his cover is soon challenged by a Gestapo agent named Stengler who questions who he really is after Zelly makes an error when recounting his cover story. Now thrust into training with the SS, Zelly struggles to keep his story straight as he works both for and against the Germans, making friends and falling in love while acting as a spy.

The story spans February of 1941 to November of 1945 as Zelly navigates his time undercover as a Nazi. The tension rises not only from the war at hand, but also at close calls with exposing his true identity, dangerous encounters, and the threat of Stengler who refuses to stop watching him for more mistakes. 

Internally, Zelly struggles with his identity, especially after discovering the plan for his future was decided long before he became aware of it. It’s a complex situation for Zelly, and the author does a good job giving enough detail and explanation to realize the gravity of the situation. I felt for Zelly as he encountered difficult decisions, made mistakes, or triumphed especially as he felt conflicted over victories on both sides.

“What relationship can you build on something so false?”

Zelly as a character is written well, capturing his immaturity at only eighteen, his dedication to his mission, and his internal struggles all at the same time. In some moments, he appears to lack emotion, often witnessing or experiencing sometimes brutal events and then moving on with a limited reaction. Moments in the text where Zelly’s internal thoughts are included as italicized text add some emotionality to the story. 

The novel devolves into crassness at times, including multiple scenes where men urinate together and more than one discussion of genitalia. That, along with the cruelty often depicted on page including murder and sexual assault, make this book not for the faint of heart.

In some moments, the text feels stiff, the dialogue not quite smooth if read aloud. Characters often say exactly what they are thinking including things people in reality might have kept more hidden, but these are extraordinary circumstances and some bolder declarations can be forgiven.

“On the train to Berlin, Zelly wore sadness and depression like a uniform badge.”

Altogether, this fascinating tale is made even more fascinating by the fact that it’s inspired by a real man. In an author’s note at the end, author Gary Kidney says the inspiration for the tale came from a man he met with multiple times who passed away in 2010. It’s an interesting perspective and one with a lot of well-thought-out details in the locations and the people Zelly meets along the way. History buffs, especially those drawn to World War II, are going to love The Eagle Scout Picture.

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