Now I grow oranges
"Now I Grow Oranges" by Stephen King, is an immersive and thought-provoking historical fiction novel set during the tumultuous period of World War II, blending gripping espionage, personal courage, and the complexities of wartime loyalty with deeply researched historical events. The novel follows Sebastian Wykes, a young man from a quiet rural town in England, whose life is irrevocably altered as he is thrust into the heart of war and covert operations. As the story unfolds, readers are taken on a journey from the desperate evacuation of Dunkirk to the high-stakes missions in Nazi-occupied France and North Africa, each chapter unfolding a new layer of intrigue, personal sacrifice, and hidden truths.
One of the novel’s strongest aspects is its seamless integration of real historical events with the fictional arc of Sebastian's life. The narrative not only brings pivotal moments of WWII to life, such as the sinking of the Graf Spee in the South Atlantic, the horrific Oradour-sur-Glane massacre in France, and the shadowy Nazi "rat lines" that allowed war criminals to escape to Argentina, but also delves into the emotional and psychological toll these events had on those who lived through them. As the war rages on, Sebastian’s evolution from an idealistic young man into a battle-hardened operative navigating a world of espionage and deceit underscores the moral dilemmas and sacrifices faced by soldiers and civilians alike.
The novel's latter half transitions into the post-war world, where Sebastian, now in Buenos Aires, confronts the lingering questions of identity, loyalty, and betrayal. The discovery of a century-old embargo, which has hidden vital truths about his past and his family’s involvement in the war, propels the narrative toward an astonishing revelation. In this way, Now I Grow Oranges explores not only the grand scale of WWII but also the deeply personal stories that often go unnoticed in the broader historical narrative. Themes of suppressed history, the search for justice, and the question of who controls the past are explored in a manner that challenges the boundaries between historical fact and fictional storytelling.
Through vivid characters and detailed settings, the novel educates readers on lesser-known aspects of WWII, such as the role of espionage in shaping the outcome of battles, the intricate web of alliances and betrayals, and the political and moral complexities of post-war Europe and South America. By weaving these historical events with the fictionalized journey of its protagonist, Now I Grow Oranges offers a nuanced perspective on the global conflict, making it a compelling read for both history enthusiasts and lovers of deeply human stories.
Ultimately, Now I Grow Oranges is not just a wartime adventure, it’s a meditation on the lasting effects of conflict, the weight of historical memory, and the price of uncovering long-buried truths.
Why Readers Love It
- Authentic, richly researched historical detail
- Thrilling espionage, commando raids, and undercover missions
- A mystery that blurs the lines between reality and invention
Whether you're a fan of classic WWII novels or looking for something fresh in the realm of historical adventure, Now I Grow Oranges delivers a fast-paced, thought-provoking read that lingers long after the final page.
What people say
Congratulations Steve on the release of your new book, which tells a fantastic story of personal bravery during World War II.
Brian Walter
US based highly respected naval historian and author.
Warmest Congratulations Steve – it’s great to hear that your book has been published after much research. Really love the title and very much looking forward to finding out about Seb Wyke and what he got up to here at Beaulieu ! With every good wish for the book’s success Susan.
Susan Tonkins
Archivist and researcher of the Beaulieu collection, Beaulieu
Hi Steve.Congrats on your achievement - can I have signed a copy please? have an enjoyable evening.
Damien Lewis
Much respected historian and prolific WW2 author.
Hi Stephen
I am intrigued to read this account of a soldier of many parts who seemed to find himself in many of the war's significant events.
Blair Southerdon
The Royal Green Jackets.
I challenge anyone to read the first chapters of your book and not find it hard to put down. As well as being well researched and evoking accurately what so many encountered at Dunkirk and afterwards, there are many intriguing mysteries that appear in the course of the narrative that make one want to read on.
Hugh Sebag - Montefiore
Respected war historian and author of best selling books such as Dunkirk