Those We Carry

Description

By: Scott Allen Saxberg

Those We Carry is a compelling historical novel rooted in the harsh truths and emotional weight of World War II. Through richly developed characters and vivid, localized scenes, the book follows the life of Ardagh Cadieu, a soldier whose wartime experiences are deeply haunted by personal guilt and loss. Beginning in Fort William (now Thunder Bay), Ontario, the narrative paints a powerful portrait of how trauma shapes lives across generations.

The story moves from Canada to England and into occupied Europe, portraying not only the Canadian military experience abroad, but also the resilience of civilians, like Koos, a young Dutch woman whose family must navigate the constant threat of the Nazis occupation. Saxberg weaves together intimate character arcs with historical events, revealing the emotional toll of war, the complexity of memory, and the difficult decisions people must make in times of crisis.

At its core, Those We Carry delves into the burdens of silence, loyalty, and memory—what it means to bear the weight of others’ actions, unspoken truths, and the histories we inherit. Saxberg’s storytelling is immediate and immersive, rooted in the geography and culture of Northwestern Ontario and inspired by real-life stories.

Now available as an audiobook on Audible, Those We Carry brings Saxberg’s characters and world to life through compelling narration. You can listen to it here: Those We Carry – Audible.

Reviews

“An authentic story of love and war vividly detailed.” — Kirkus Reviews

“With vivid detail and emotional depth, Those We Carry is a must-read for fans of historical fiction, war epics, and stories that explore the resilience of the human spirit. Saxberg’s gripping prose makes this novel both heart-wrenching and unforgettable.” — Cece M. Scott, CANREADS Calgary Book Review

“He is rich in examining the multitudes of things we think about and carry from our past behaviours, colliding with and meshing with our present circumstances. And all of it handled with deep respect for the Canadian military, the atmosphere of the times, the struggles during the war, and the friendships and enemies that are encountered. This is historical fiction at its best. It is informative, engaging, emotional and satisfying.” — Michael Sobota, The Chronicle Journal

“With crisp attention to historical details, Those We Carry is a tragic, triumphant novel about wartime love.” — Ryan Prado, Foreword Reviews

• Pages: 324
• Publisher: Reimagined Press (2024)
• Binding: Softcover

Scott Saxberg is a successful entrepreneur, mentor, and author. He has founded several companies over the past thirty years.  He mentors at New York University Stern Business School’s Endless Frontiers Lab and the Creative Destruction Lab at the University of Calgary. His passion for hockey led him to become a co-owner of the NHL hockey team, the Arizona Coyotes, between 2013-17. This is Scott’s debut novel. He lives in Calgary, Alberta, Canada with his wife Jenna Kaye and five children: Graeme, Kellen, Vivienne, Ivy, and Georgia.

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