By Catharine A Deever
Publication Date: 30th August 2024
- Captain John Jacob MacDonald, once shot down over Berlin in 1944, returns not as a pilot but as an aircraft engineer, shaping the planes that now keep Berlin alive.
- Magdalene “Maggie” Eva Wells, a sharp-minded political operative from Washington, arrives to create her own diplomatic assignment. Witnessing Berlin’s suffering, she chooses to stay.
- Sir Robert Anthony Taylor, a British baronet and publisher, wields influence through his financial newspaper and deep ties to Parliament.
- Lady Evelyn Taylor, aristocrat and financier, brings poise and power to a city in flux, shaping policy from afar while never far from her husband’s shadow.
- René Laurent Boulanger, a Jewish linguist who fled Paris in 1940, finds new purpose—and old ghosts—as he serves as an interpreter in the Cold War’s crucible.
- Violet Charlet Boulanger, his Russian-speaking wife, clings to dignity and duty. She still grieves the death of their son, Noël, and navigates a city filled with memory and menace.
- Sebastian Lukas Gauss, a former Wehrmacht soldier and POW in England, returns to rebuild not just his city, but his soul—starting with a humble guesthouse and grander dreams.
- Heidimarie “Heidi” Regina Bauer, orphaned and brutalized by war, survives through grit and silence—until she finds unexpected refuge and a fragile kind of family.
Together, their paths converge in a city surrounded, suspended between ruin and revival. As the planes roar overhead and the world watches, Berlin becomes more than a symbol—it becomes the beating heart of a new world order.
"The Airlift may have saved West Berlin from total starvation, but Germans still have many needs..."
“1949,” the first book in the Historical Fiction Trilogy “Starlings of Peace” by Catharine A. Deever, tells the stories of five couples against the backdrop of the Berlin Airlift. The story unfolds during a crucial post-World War II era, a time when Europe is grappling with the repercussions of the war and the rising tensions of the Cold War.
The narrative revolves around a diverse ensemble of characters, each with a unique background that shapes their perspectives and experiences. Despite their varied histories and circumstances, they unite with a shared objective that drives their interactions and developments throughout the story.
John Jacob MacDonald, who goes by Mac, is depicted as a highly competent and respected leader, deeply committed to his responsibilities. His past as a bomber pilot adds a rich layer of complexity to his character, revealing not only his bravery and skill in high-pressure situations but also the psychological and physical scars that haunt him from his experiences in battle. These elements of trauma are portrayed with sensitivity and depth, allowing the reader to understand the weight he carries. Mac’s unwavering dedication and resilience make him a character that readers can truly rally behind, feeling both empathy for his struggles and admiration for his strength.
Maggie emerges as a fiercely determined and politically astute woman, driven by a clear vision for her future. Her privileged upbringing is unmistakable, offering her advantages that she is both aware of and willing to leverage. However, beneath her ambition lies a genuine desire to make a meaningful contribution to society and to build a partnership based on shared values and mutual respect. She is resolute in her pursuits, exemplified by her bold decision to propose to Mac after having known him for less than a month. This unexpected move takes Mac by surprise, forcing him to grapple with his own feelings and reservations. Their differing perspectives on love and marriage create an intriguing tension, particularly at the novel's beginning. The contrast in their outlooks on what it means to be a hero in society further complicates their relationship. While Maggie embodies a relentless drive, demonstrating her willingness to fight for what she believes and wants, Mac’s hesitations and vulnerabilities highlight his more thoughtful and measured approach to commitment. This dynamic generates a palpable sense of anticipation and uncertainty, leaving readers eager to discover how their interactions will unfold and whether they can bridge the gap between their contrasting views.
René and Violet’s story is profoundly heartbreaking, marked by loss and the struggle for healing. As they slowly reconnect, they begin to realise that together they can confront the future and find hope amidst their shared sorrow over the murder of their young son. At the forefront of René’s thoughts is his relentless quest to uncover the truth about what happened to his Jewish parents during the Holocaust. This journey takes him deep into the past as he meticulously pieces together clues about their last known whereabouts. His visits to the sombre and haunting concentration camps serve as emotional milestones, filled with anguish and reflection. Each step he takes is a haunting reminder of the atrocities endured by countless families, including his own.
Heidi has faced profound trauma throughout her life, yet she exhibits an unexpected resilience that sets her apart. She often reflects on the actions of the Soviet soldiers during her past; their behaviour is something she regards as almost inevitable, a harsh reality of her circumstances. To protect herself, she resorted to dressing as a boy, concealing her feminine form in a desperate attempt to evade their attention. This act of survival highlights her resourcefulness and determination amidst adversity. Despite the challenges she has endured, Heidi navigates her daily life with a remarkable inner strength that speaks to her character. Her unwavering admiration of her employer, Sebastian, stands out as particularly significant. This admiration is not merely rooted in gratitude; it reflects the deep trust she has cultivated in him, born from a relationship that combines professional respect with a personal connection. Heidi’s loyalty to Sebastian illustrates not only her resilience but also her desire for stability and support in a world that has often been cruel to her.
The extensive research underpinning this novel is truly commendable, reflecting a deep commitment to historical accuracy and detail. However, a few small inaccuracies and confusing paragraphs can occasionally disrupt the reading experience. For instance, the portrayal of France sheltering Nazis implies a level of agency in a dire situation where choices were severely limited, which may mislead readers about the complexity of historical events.
Deever prioritises the dissemination of historical information, often allowing this focus to overshadow the development of the narrative itself. As a result, the story’s flow becomes disrupted, pulling readers out of immersion and making it challenging to engage with the characters on a deeper level. Additionally, while the inclusion of photographs introduces a fascinating visual element that can enhance the narrative, they unfortunately detract from the overall enjoyment by interrupting the pacing of the story. Readers find themselves shifting focus from the unfolding plot to the visual content, which can momentarily disorient them.
To improve the narrative flow, Deever might consider dedicating more time to illustrating the historical background through the characters’ experiences and perspectives. By focusing on what the characters know about the historical events they are entangled in, the author could create a richer and more engaging story. Rather than simply telling readers what happened, showing these events through character experiences would not only enhance the emotional connection but also help integrate the historical context more seamlessly into the narrative.
“1949, Book One of the Historical Fiction Trilogy, ‘Starlings of Peace” by Catharine A. Deever, showcases a fascinating story with considerable potential. To enhance its impact, further refinement and development could be beneficial. While the current narrative may feel like it lacks momentum at times, this can be addressed through focused revisions that elevate the overall reading experience. With the right adjustments, this story has the makings of a truly compelling read.
Review by Mary Anne Yarde
The Coffee Pot Book Club
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