Cold Victory: A Novel of the Berlin Airlift
(Bridge to Tomorrow Book 3)
By Helena P. Schrader
Publication Date: 12th May 2025
Publisher: Cross Seas Press
Page Length: 669
Genre: Historical Fiction
You know you're winning when the enemy turns to dirty tricks ....
With the Airlift gaining momentum, the Russians turn to more devious tactics to thwart the forces of democracy. Key players -- or their loved ones -- are targeted in unscrupulous attacks. Simultaneously, the policy of "collective guilt" has been replaced by "collective amnesty," enabling former Nazis to worm their way back into positions of power. Yet throughout this dangerous dance with the henchmen of dictators, women are steadily rebuilding Berlin and Germany.
Award-winning novelist Helena P. Schrader takes the reader away from the limelight and into the shadow side of the Berlin Airlift to explore the social, psychological and long-term impact of this seminal event.
Based on historical events, Cold Victory reminds readers that standing up to tyrants isn't easy -- but sometimes it is necessary.
On the blank brick wall exposed by the collapse of the house in an air raid, two young men were busy tearing down the SPD posters that had been put up the day before. Charlotte looked at them warily, prepared to make a run for her apartment building, but they were too thin and shabby to be Russians. She relaxed enough to watch them roll out a new poster and affix it to the wall with their glue-soaked brushes. It was a photo of Berlin burning after an air raid. In large red letters dripping red drops to suggest blood, it read: “Voting strength- ens the warmongers! Voting means more night bombing!”
As if Hitler hadn’t started the war! As if Stalin hadn’t been his friend! As if the Western Allies were bombing them instead of bringing in food, clothing, medicine and coal!
The war may be over, but the scars run deep, and nowhere is this more evident than in Berlin, a city now divided. The Soviet blockade of West Berlin aimed to undermine Western resolve and force a withdrawal from what they considered their sectors of the city. Nevertheless, the United States and Great Britain were resolute in their commitment to provide assistance to the people of West Berlin, one way or another.
“Cold Victory: A Novel of the Berlin Airlift (Bridge to Tomorrow Book 3)” by Helena Schrader is a gripping and powerful story that brings the Berlin Airlift to life.
Schrader masterfully captures the atmosphere of post-war Berlin, painting a vivid and haunting picture of a shattered city. The stark, cold apartment buildings against the endless grey sky bear witness to the relentless struggle for survival that defines the lives of its inhabitants. Long lines of weary citizens snake through the desolate streets, their faces etched with lines of fatigue and sorrow, carrying the weight of bittersweet memories of a once brighter past. Among them, children and women traverse a landscape stripped of innocence, their youthful spirits dulled by the oppressive hand of Soviet control. Many are forced into a life of shame, with some tragically resorting to prostitution to survive. Yet, amid the bleakness, one undeniable truth emerges: enduring a life of only two hours of electricity a day and scraping by with insufficient food feels like a far better fate than succumbing to the heavy hand of Soviet rule. But the Russian Bear is already at their door, just waiting to blow their houses down, and the Soviets are increasingly resistant to the aid that the United States and Great Britain are desperately trying to provide the citizens who are caught between the end of one war and the beginning of the Cold War. The resilience of the human spirit radiates through every carefully crafted word of this mesmerising book. Schrader casts a vivid light on the shadowy facets of a haunting reality, exposing the emotional scars left by conflict. The narrative serves as a poignant reminder to the reader that, although the war may have been officially won, the citizens of Berlin were still engaged in a profound struggle. Their lives were marked by the lingering effects of turmoil, as they navigated the complexities of existence in a city still reeling from the echoes of its past and fearing for its future.
As the demand for airdrops in Berlin reaches a critical point, a thick, menacing fog envelops the city, rendering flight operations impossible. The weather seems to reflect the oppressive nature of the Soviet regime, both characterised by cruelty and a tendency to claim victims through force and fear. This atmosphere also prevents essential aid from reaching West Berlin. In this grim environment, children, the elderly, and the chronically ill suffer from malnourishment and urgently need evacuation before the harsh winter sets in. The Soviet authorities loom over the city, their watchful presence a constant reminder of the stifling political atmosphere. The ongoing struggle between the Soviets, the United States, and Great Britain, who are desperately attempting to air-drop aid into West Berlin, often feels like a losing battle. However, with people starving and dying, the US and UK remain committed to delivering supplies to those in need. This oppressive environment fosters a lingering sense of unease in the reader, and the hardship that hangs heavily over the city feels almost tangible.
The story unfolds through a third-person omniscient point of view, allowing the narrative to shift between the various protagonists seamlessly. Schrader’s use of this technique invites her readers to delve deeply into the inner thoughts and emotions of each character, enriching the emotional intensity of the story and fostering a strong sense of empathy, especially with characters such as Charlotte. As Schrader moves from one character’s perspective to another, the story takes on a vibrant and dynamic quality, keeping the reader captivated and eagerly turning the pages. Schrader’s vivid portrayal of remarkably brave and resilient women adds an extraordinary depth to this book, making it a compelling addition to any bookshelf.
The novel boasts an extensive cast of characters, each intricately woven into the fabric of the captivating story. Among them, a few truly shine, their unique qualities and complex personalities draw readers in and leave a lasting impression. These standout characters add depth and richness to the story, making this novel all the more engaging.
Charlotte is carrying the heavy burden of a past so traumatic that she would rather embrace death than relive the horrors again. With unwavering determination, she strives to forge a future steeped in hope and possibility, yet the shadows of her past loom ever closer, threatening to consume her. Now separated from the man she loves, Charlotte is confronted by the shocking return of Fritz, a man she had mourned as lost forever in the brutalities of the Battle of Stalingrad. The reality of his return is stark and bewildering for Charlotte because the Fritz who stands before her is unrecognisable. Gone is the gentle hero she once cherished; in his place is a bitter, resentful, and violent shadow of the man he used to be. As readers delve into Fritz’s backstory, they may struggle to forge any sympathy for him, particularly in light of his menacing actions toward Charlotte. Tension mounts with every page, leaving readers in a state of dread about what he might do next. In contrast, Charlotte appears as a profoundly moving character, evoking powerful emotional responses not only from the readers but also from those around her in the story.
While the Soviets represent the most glaring threat in this novel, the author skilfully illustrates the unsettling presence of Herr Dr. Steinbrueck, a man whose National Socialist loyalties have not wavered and yet he is still allowed to hold his position of power as a prosecutor. His character serves as a reminder that the remnants of a dark past still linger within the corridors of authority. In contrast, stands Alix von Feldburg, who has been involved in the prosecution efforts in Nuremberg. Steinbrueck’s personal attacks are sharp, aimed to provoke, yet Alix remains outwardly composed, concealing the considerable pain his words inflict on her. Alix is a relatable character who embodies resilience in the face of adversity. Thrust into challenging circumstances that would daunt even the most courageous, she boldly confronts what is in front of her, armed with a keen intellect and unwavering determination to counter those who oppose her. Her journey captivates readers, as they witness her unwavering strength amidst chaos.
Emily Priestman stands out as another remarkable character in the narrative. As the devoted wife of Wing Commander Robert “Robin” Priestman, the station commander of the British Sector of Berlin at RAF Gatow, she navigates the complex world of military social events with grace and poise. However, her role extends far beyond that of a mere socialite; Emily is also a skilled ambulance pilot, dedicated to saving lives in the most challenging of circumstances. During one particularly harrowing mission, when everything begins to unravel, Emily demonstrates tremendous bravery and resourcefulness. Faced with life-threatening obstacles, she must summon every ounce of her training and courage to ensure her survival. With her fierce determination and resilient spirit, Emily emerges as an inspiring protagonist, compelling readers to rally behind her and share in her journey.
With captivating storytelling, a profound grasp of the historical era, and an outstanding array of memorable characters, Helena Schrader's “Cold Victory: A Novel of the Berlin Airlift (Bridge to Tomorrow Book 3)” is essential reading for anyone who appreciates compelling historical fiction.
I highly recommend.
Review by Mary Anne Yarde
The Coffee Pot Book Club
Helena P. Schrader
Award-Winning and Best-Selling Historical Novelist
Author of 26 Historical Fiction and Non-Fiction Titles, Winner of numerous literary accolades
“Helena Schrader’s in-depth stories, fantastic characters, and ability to write an unforgettable tale make her one of the best authors out there!” Feathered Quill
For readers tired of clichés and cartoons, award-winning novelist Helena P. Schrader offers nuanced insight into historical events and figures based on sound research and an understanding of human nature. Her complex and engaging characters bring history back to life as a means to better understand ourselves. Her motto is: Understanding ourselves by Understandig the Past. Helena’s chief areas of expertise are Aviation, the Second World War, Ancient Sparta, and the Crusader States.
Helena's current project is the three-part "The Bridge to Tomorrow Series," which shows how the West stopped Russian aggression without war during the Berlin Crisis of 1948/1949. The series goes beyond the political chess game and logistical achievements of the Berlin Airlift to explore the social and psychological impact of this pivotal historical event. The characters -- women and men, British, American, German and Ukrainian -- enable the reader to see the unfolding events through different perspectives. As the reader gets drawn into their lives, the historical tensions rise, and the trilogy accelerates the pace to that of a thriller. "The Bridge to Tomorrow Series" is about winning a war with milk, coal and candy bars.
The first book in the series, "Cold Peace," won six literary accolades including GOLD for Military Fiction in the Historical Fiction Company's 2023 Book Awards, Gold in the 2024 Feathered Quill Awards, runner-up for the Historical Fiction Company's prestigious BOOK OF THE YEAR award in 2023, an Indie BRAG medallion and a Maincrest Media Award. For an overview of all Helena's awards please visit her website.
Helena holds a PhD in history from the University of Hamburg, which she earned with a ground-breaking biography of a leader of the German Resistance to Hitler, and served as an American diplomat in Europe and Africa. She grew up sailing the Maine coast, was a passionate horsewoman, and is now retired and living with her husband and two dogs.
Connect with Helena:
No comments:
Post a Comment