Public Information

A coming of age novel about the Korean War & its aftermath.

Author: Rolf Margenau
Length: 378 page(s)
Written: Oct 2011
Sales Rank: -
Views: 300

Public Information by Rolf Margenau is a story of the Korean War, told from the perspective of Wylie Cypher, a correspondent for a combat infantry division Army Public Information office near the 38th parallel and a reporter for the Stars and Stripes in Tokyo. Although many stories have been told about the “greatest generation” of World War II, the Korean War has remained obscure for many current readers. By putting a face and a story to the Korean War, Margenau brings it to life in the imaginations of his readers.

Margenau created Public Information from the contents of three hundred letters he wrote from Japan, Korea and other locations to his future wife, who painstakingly preserved and organized them, as well as other factual sources, basing the story around actual events and memories to make it a truly authentic work of historical fiction. His protagonist, Wylie Cypher, joins the Army in 1952 to become a master of the Russian language; however, unexpected incidents take him on a different path and he finds himself embroiled in the conflict of the Korean War.

Magenau’s story illuminates many aspects of war, showing that it is not all about guns, killing, and conquering and that while war is always war, it can include humor, romance, and other aspects of life that are often overlooked. Public Information is a riveting story that is certain to entertain readers of all generations, whether they remember the Korean War or are lovers of historical fiction.

Although much of Wylie’s story is based on the author’s own personality and experiences, from the long-distance romance to the protagonist’s sometimes immature nature, it is not an autobiography of a single person so much as it is an autobiography of an entire generation, told with a compelling voice that ensures that the “forgotten war” will be remembered by readers of Public Information for all time.

About the Author

Rolf Margenau
Member since: Oct 2011
Publications on XinXii:  1

A late blooming author whose novel recounts stories and events from, among other things, his service in Korea. Excellent notes were kept by his then girlfriend, now first wife. who saved all his letters from the front. Work experience includes: correspondent for the Pacific Stars and Stripes, publishing short stories as an English Major from Yale, 30 years as an international attorney, involvement in various businesses (for and not for profit) climbing mountains in exotic locations and writing books to avoid overworking a metal knee. No literary prizes as yet, but it is hoped Public Information will remedy that. He lives in rural New Jersey with his wife and three dogs and is now working on a sequel to his first novel which recounts old Wylie's battle with a huge chemical company. It is tentatively titled: Master Gardener.

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