Winter of the World picks up right where the first book left off, as its five interrelated families—American, German, Russian, English, Welsh—enter a time of enormous social, political, and economic turmoil, beginning with the rise of the Third Reich, through the Spanish Civil War and the great dramas of World War II, up to the explosions of the American and Soviet atomic bombs.
Carla von Ulrich, born of German and English parents, finds her life engulfed by the Nazi tide until she commits a deed of great courage and heartbreak. . . . American brothers Woody and Chuck Dewar, each with a secret, take separate paths to momentous events, one in Washington, the other in the bloody jungles of the Pacific. . . . English student Lloyd Williams discovers in the crucible of the Spanish Civil War that he must fight Communism just as hard as Fascism. . . . Daisy Peshkov, a driven American social climber, cares only for popularity and the fast set, until the war transforms her life, not just once but twice, while her cousin Volodya carves out a position in Soviet intelligence that will affect not only this war—but the war to come.
These characters and many others find their lives inextricably entangled as their experiences illuminate the cataclysms that marked the century. From the drawing rooms of the rich to the blood and smoke of battle, their lives intertwine, propelling the reader into dramas of ever-increasing complexity.
What a great history lesson this book is. The storyline often feels constructed, because the author wants to show all major milestones and atrocities of WWII as an event in the life of the main characters. Nevertheless, I enjoyed it and would recommend it.
Aug 10, 2025
4.0
What a great history lesson this book is. The storyline often feels constructed, because the author wants to show all major milestones and atrocities of WWII as an event in the life of the main characters. Nevertheless, I enjoyed it and would recommend it.
An apt title. This novel makes you shiver detailing the coldness of people, nature and war. All the major nations again play this stupid game not willing to learn from the tragedies of the past or the resulting circumstances of the present. The only oddity is the probability of the same families meeting each other so many times. But still it seems like a very real possibility. The research is so thorough and the scenarios are so authentic that you can feel part of those eras.
Sep 29, 2022
5.0
An apt title. This novel makes you shiver detailing the coldness of people, nature and war. All the major nations again play this stupid game not willing to learn from the tragedies of the past or the resulting circumstances of the present. The only oddity is the probability of the same families meeting each other so many times. But still it seems like a very real possibility. The research is so thorough and the scenarios are so authentic that you can feel part of those eras.