Whatever Wednesday - Miracle at St. Anna

cover blurb: Based on historical incidents and experiences of the famed Buffalo Soldiers of  the 92nd  Division in Italy during  WWII, Miracle at  St. Anna is  a singular evocation of war, cruelty, passion, heroism, and love. It's the story of four black  American soldiers, the villagers, a band of partisans,  and an Italian boy, all of whom encounter  a miracle.  

The author, James McBride, traverses race, class, and geography in this  book.  It's a "hymn  to the brotherhood  of man and the  power to do good that lives in each of us."  (cover)

The  book started slow and I wasn't sure  where it was  going.   But as the  soldiers took  refuge,  the Germans neared, and  the partisans snuck  into the picture, the pace quickened. I liked the soldier characters and cared about their lives. This is a bit of an odd  read, but  the conclusion  was worth any confusion I had at  times.