Palomino: Afrika Korps P-O-Ws Come to Town is a work of interesting historical fiction written by author Tank Gunner. When faced with the problem of what to do with a huge surplus of German prisoners of war during World War Two, part of the solution was to send 370,000 of them to America to solve the labor crisis taking place there. This novel centers on the town of Palomino, where a promising sergeant’s life changes forever when he’s tasked with monitoring these POWs instead of shipping out for Normandy as planned. The story goes on to reveal the incredible incidents which happen in the town and the lives of three particular laborers under the jurisdiction of Sergeant Twig Chestnutt.

I found this to be a truly fascinating tale which was clearly written by a man who has first-hand experience of combat and the conflict that any soldier has within themselves and their connection to the wider world. Author Tank Gunner writes with precision and compassion, bringing the town of Palomino to life as the culture shock of so many workers arriving hits it full force. I found the characterization of the Germans to be particularly sensitive and well crafted, and the sense of history was firmly in place in the accuracy with which Gunner describes the daily lives and work habits of the POWs in their new situation. It’s a part of war history often forgotten, and this version is very well told. Overall, I’d definitely recommend Palomino to history fans looking for an interesting new perspective.

An unexpected consequence of United States’ troops capturing so many German soldiers during World War II was finding places to house them. President Franklin Roosevelt found a solution – bringing over 370,000 of them to America to utilize their needed labor, as men had left many jobs open when they were called away to fight in the war. Camp Maxey would become home to a few thousand POWs and the nearby town, Palomino, Texas, would become home for three German prisoners. Sergeant Willow “Twig” Chestnutt was assigned to be their supervisor and guardian; he also was named Constable of the town at the same time. His wife Teresa and young daughter Tina were able to be with Twig; the family and the German POWs lived in the same boarding house. At the same time, Palomino and other towns in the area had experienced bank robberies and murders. In Palomino: Afrika Korps P-O-Ws Come to Town, written by Tank Gunner, the exciting and sometimes grim realities of the 1940s come to life.

This book is engaging from the first page to the last, as various military personnel, townspeople, and young German men pulled into a losing battle intermingle in a small Texas town. The realistic portrayal of life during this turbulent decade, through the everyday lives of small-town America, is fascinating. The author includes many wonderful details – buying ice cream sodas at the local café; everyone attending a cakewalk in the local school gym; boys having newspaper routes; the list goes on. The story is fast paced and entertaining. Author Tank Gunner has written an enjoyable novel in Palomino: Afrika Korps P-O-Ws Come to Town – an intriguing read.