Berlin 1948! The war may be over but the destruction, danger and rubble remain in Berlin, as do three sides all vying for victory- The Russians, Americans and British. They patrol, do deals and dog fight in the sky, all while Berliners struggle to survive.
Otto, Ilse and Karl are young teens living amidst the rubble, with varying degrees of family still around to care for them. They work together and always share equally. Otto dreams of being an American pilot and spends a lot of time near their base and runway. Catching the attention of some pilots begins a dangerous adventure involving theft, deadly weapons and discovering what the “right” thing to do is.
When Otto makes a deal to secure a Luger from the Russians, he asks for a bomber jacket and money in return. However, in order to secure the deal, Otto will need to sell his recently returned from prisoner camp, fathers watch and medal. Their relationship is tumultuous and it isn’t until much later that Otto deals with the guilt and troubles he feels and causes in his family.
Set in the aftermath of WWII, this story offer a unique perspective on Germany in the years from 1945 when the war ended. Life was not easy in Germany, perhaps harder than during the war. All were struggling to survive and the black market was rife for the picking.
Robin writes intense and thrilling stories that lure you in and keep you reading. Otto is likeable but as I was reading I was worried and at times despairing of his actions, but they all came from a good place. His friends, Ilse and Karl, though dealing with their own strifes, stand beside Otto and do what they can to protect him from the danger he has found himself in.
Will Otto’s dreams of flying become a reality and at what cost to his family and country?
My Shelves Are Full 