Robert Harris' latest novel touches on a subject grounded in World War 2 that, while familiar to most people has not generally been touched upon. This is the development of the V2 rocket by Germany which was utilized to bomb both London and Antwerp. While regular bombing runs by planes killed many more people and did considerably more damage to cities it was the silent approach of the V2 and its sudden attack that probably was more frightening. Germany was losing the war and had lost a great deal of their air power in combat when Hitler began looking for a weapon that would turn the tide in his favor. The V2 seemed to offer a possible answer and investment in the process came from both the German nation as well as independently from the army. First attempts at using the V2 were from Peenemunde but then moved to a point closer to both Antwerp and London in occupied Holland. Mr. Harris utilizes two people; one German the other British to focus on in telling the story. Willi Graf, by education is a rocket engineer and is stationed at the launch site for Germany. He freely states that his interests do not really lie with use of the V2 as a weapon, but as a step in the direction of space travel. He does do his job in helping the rocket achieve its place as a weapon of war. Kay Connolly is British and although once an actress is now an intelligence officer. She is recruited for a position with a group to be stationed in Belgium that will attempt to develop systems to destroy the V2launch system. The novel goes back and forth between the two individuals recreating the duel between those firing the V2 and those that are working to try and stop them. Mr. Harris brings both protagonists to life for the reader. We learn about their personal interests and of course, their interests in making the work they are involved in helpful in advancing the war effort. Werner von Braun a key individual in the American rocket program after the war has his place as the officer in charge and the guiding light for the German effort. Descriptions of the technical side of building a successful rocket are there, and written in language that is understandable by the reader allowing him or her to more fully enjoy the novel. Certainly, a five star book and one continuing Mr. Harris' position as an author at the top of his game.

After having been hit by a German V2 and her affair with a high rank staff member of the ministry almost exposed, Kay Caton-Walsh, officer in the WAAF, asks to be transferred to directly contribute to the fight against the new super weapon of the enemy. Her wish is granted and so she finds herself with dozen of women in Mechelen, Belgium, where they are trained to calculate the origin of the rockets. These are launched from the Netherlands under the surveillance of Dr Rudi Graf who once dreamt of sending rockets into space and was fascinated by his and his friend Wernher von Braun’s advances in science. But since the Nazis have taken over their skills and inventions, he not only feels increasingly uncomfortable but serious questions what he has done. Altogether, the V2 killed more than 4,000 people, wounded more than 10,000 in London and Antwerp and destroyed thousands of houses in the British capital. Robert Harris has again chosen a historical topic for his novel which outlines the human character in a complicated world. One might expect the Second World War and the Nazi regime to become finally a bit boring, Harris, however, just as in other books before, turns it into a suspenseful story with interesting characters entangled in the contradictions of their time. The author addresses several core questions while the novel is fast paced and gripping from the start. The German engineer who never intended his creations to be used to kill people but was fascinated by space travel and what by diligence and an inventive talent could be created. Seeing what has become of his dream, he has to make a lonely decision and to come to terms with his role in the war. On the other hand, Kay is full of patriotism and ready to risk a lot to participate in the fight against the evil, terrorising missile. Quite astonishingly, it is a group of women who do the complicated calculations when mathematics were considered the supreme discipline of men. Yet, their competences do not hinder their male colleague from looking down on them. She is also the one in contact with the local population who is torn between the fronts and after years of occupation not sure whom to trust anymore. Even though the whole plot is centred around the missile, it is the human aspects which render it interesting and thought provoking. Just as in his other novels, a brilliant combination of fact and fiction which is a terrific read and informative, too.

This was an excellent read. The story involved the Rocket Scientists responsible for the V2 rockets as well as the WAAF officers that tried to identify the launch sites. Particularly poignant was the mention of Longbridge Road Barking. Barking was where I lived in 1945. This is an honest review of a complimentary ARC.

Immaculately presented WW2 thriller The plot follows two storylines during the Second World War which come together at the end of the thriller. Kay Caton-Walsh is a WAAF who becomes involved in tracking the new V2 rockets falling on London. Rudi Graf is a member of the team, led by Wehrner von Braun, which developed the rockets although von Braun’s ultimate objective was reaching space. The story follows the lives of both individuals along with the same timelines and it’s fascinating to be able to experience the thoughts and feelings of both about the same incidents. It was a stunning read. The level of research was immaculate......at least, if it was fiction, it was believable. Harris manages to effortlessly capture the atmosphere of the time and the reader is effortlessly transported back to the 1940s. The level of detail is therefore mesmerising, but it never detracted from the enjoyment of the storyline.....merely enhanced it. I was a third of the way through before realising it, finished it in two sittings and felt huge regret and an almost tangible loss on reaching the last page. I put off reading this book for several weeks as it didn’t seem to be the subject matter I would enjoy. How wrong can you be? Superb! mr zorg Elite Reviewing group received a copy of the book to review.

Never been much of a fan of Robert Harris but this book has changed that, it is really well written combining fiction and non fiction. Loved it.