by Judy Bruce
Genres: Historical Fiction
Source: Author
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
This World War II story, set in western Soviet Union during Germany’s retreat, follows the lives of a Russian war widow, a dissident, Christian, and black marketeer, as she serves as a medic on the front lines, and a disillusioned German lieutenant, a former professor and concentration camp officer, as he fights in a losing effort. After our heroine is forced into service as a navigator in a women’s air force regiment, flying plywood and canvas biplanes on harrowing night missions, she encounters the injured yet violent German when her plane crashes. Together they embark on a turbulent journey, first as enemies, later as lovers and disheartened deserters.
Death Steppe: A World War II Novel by Judy Bruce transports us to western Soviet Union as Germany tries to invade. It follows a Russian war window and a German lieutenant whose paths will eventual cross as they deal with the challenging landscape. Beautiful, brutal and steeped in faith this tale exposes both the horrors of war and the beauty of love.
I have always found novels set during this era to be fascinating even as I try to wrap my head around the atrocities. Bruce brought us two very interesting characters. She delivered a tale that shares the struggles of individuals while giving us a sense of the war itself and its impact. I appreciated her attention to detail and the way in which she brought these characters to life.
Eleana is a Russian widow, who works at the hospital as an aid, but secretly works with the black market. She reads banned American and British literature and believes in God. She finds herself assigned to a hospital near outskirt of the war, and eventually is assigned to the front-line as medic. It seems the fates are against her when she is assigned to be a Night Witch. These female pilots dropped bombs on the Germans forcing them to retreat.For most it was a death sentence flying about in these tin cans. Eleana is strong, passionate and at times fearless. I found her to be remarkable and Bruce did a wonderful job of allowing me to connect and gain insight into what her life must have been like. Bruce’s descriptions of her transformation and internal struggles felt genuine.
Friedrich is a German professor and architect who covers up his disdain for the Third Reich by becoming a German lieutenant. He works at a concentration camp and gives us a harrowing account before he is assigned to fight with troops invading Russia. Friedrich is not as strong of a character as Eleana. He does what he must in order to survive. One cannot help but question how we would handle the situation. Is he a coward or survivor?
The two accidentally meet and find themselves holding up on a Russian farm during Russia’s harsh winter. It was fascinating seeing these two enemies relying on each other and discovering how very different the other is from their own preconceived notions and of course, from the propaganda their leaders have fed them. A friendship forms out of necessity and soon they are confessing their sins and darkest fears. The two become lovers and eventually hatch a plan to desert and escape together. Their time on the farm felt very genuine from their distrust to their need to feel safe and loved.
Death Steppe: A World War II Novel shares a love story but do not look for happily ever after. Bruce beautifully captures the brutal landscape of war while weaving in the effects upon humanity and individuals. It was sometimes dark, sometimes beautiful, and at times incredibly suspenseful. The words flowed wonderfully allowing me to become completely immersed in their story. While the ending was awash in sadness Bruce also gave us a glimmer of hope befitting such a tale.
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
ShootingStarsMag
This sounds really fascinating! I like books about WWII. It’s just a very interesting time period.
-Lauren
kimbacaffeinate
I agree Lauren and each time I learn a little something new and end up in awe at how we endure
Teddyree
I’m drawn to WWI/WWII fiction and this one’s new to me. Thanks for the heads up, I’m glad you’re recommending it!
kimbacaffeinate
I am glad to hear you are drawn to these type of reads as well. I hope you get to read Death Steppe 🙂
Christy
Ah, WWII. My son is practically an expert on it, so I hear a lot about it. This sounds like a interesting book, and Eleana a wonderful character.
kimbacaffeinate
It was, and I adore your son for learning so much about it. It is one of my favorite periods to read about.
Angela Adams
Awesome post! Thanks.
kimbacaffeinate
Anytime Angela!
Paula M.
I can guess what happens toward the end. Haha. But wow, this sounds like a heavy read and I really want a book where I can be totally invested in it. Thank you for the great review!! 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
The ending was emotional but also ended on a high note
Melissa's Eclectic Bookshelf
Sounds like a great read, but I’ve not been into the heavier historicals as much as I once was.
kimbacaffeinate
I try to read one or two a year, but agree you need to be in the right mood
Lindy
I’ve read many books about World War II and am fascinated by this time in history. I just cannot comprehend how human being can do such awful things to others. I had never head of a Night Witch. How brave that these female pilots risked their lives to help others. I find the question of whether Friedrich is a survivor or a coward an interesting one. Wow, this story sounds like it was suspenseful, informative, but also thought provoking. Excellent Review Kim 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
The Night Witches are fascinating. I spent some time googling them after while reading this.
Ramona
Different and definitely appealing. I’ve said it before, I have so much respect for your omnivorous literary appetite, Kimba. A captivating review.
kimbacaffeinate
If I could I would read everything ..lol
kindlemom1
I know what you mean about this era Kim, I am so fascinated with it too, I have been since Freshman year when our English teacher made us read a ton of books from this time period. I love that even with all the horrors that happened, love still did as well. That people could find some sliver of happiness in all the destruction and hate, it truly beautiful!
kimbacaffeinate
Exactly and our capacity to endure, survive and love always amazes me
Judy Bruce
Hi Kim,
Thanks for reviewing my book. I’ll agree the ending was mixed–a fairytale ending didn’t seem realistic for a war story. The story actually came out April 1st, which was good timing for Memorial Day, D-Day, etc. So, no, it’s not light summer reading. As a side note, the notion of being “set free” is powerful in so many ways; my story only portrays one. I remember the pastor using those words at my younger sister’s funeral. Painful, powerful, yet joyful, in some circumstances…
I’ve often thought of writing a sequel with my heroine now transported to America. We’ll see. I’m busy now with the Voices in the Wind series–Alone in the Wind will come this fall. Down the road is a Civil War story. Anyway, thanks again.
Judy Bruce
kimbacaffeinate
While the last chapters had me shedding a few tears, I do think the ending was perfect, realistic and that you left us with hope.
Sophia Rose
I have a similar book on my reading pile that I’m waiting for just the right mood to take me so I’m in the right frame of mind for it. This looks really good, too for a few reasons.
kimbacaffeinate
I get that, as I am the same way. I try to read one or two a year and I am always amazed when I learn something new
Keionda
I’ve never read a war book but MAN this one does sound interesting! I’m glad you got to enjoy it so much. I live books that take us to a completely different world, unlike any we’ve ever experienced before. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Novels set around, during and in WWII fascinate me Keionda
Tyler H Jolley
I agree, WWII novels are fascinating but extremely sad. It’s hard to imagine the genocide and horrific things that happened. It’s even more personal when an author tries to get in the head of something like this. I’m glad Bruce did an great job.
kimbacaffeinate
I am drawn to this particular period. Our ability to overcome and find moments of happiness during these times is powerful
Felicia The Geeky Blogger
I love hearing stories (even fiction) set during WW2–also a love story but don’t look for HEA sounds like it was written with real life in mind. Will have to recommend to my mom. Right up her alley.
kimbacaffeinate
It was Felicia, but it also gave us hope for the character(s) as well and I appreciated how realistic it was
Lanie
Sounds like an interesting twist on a war novel with the MC being a female. I’d never heard of these female pilots before so thats pretty different, its a shame she doesnt get a HEA. Great review;D
kimbacaffeinate
I hadn’t heard of the Death Witches either Lanie, and of course had to research them. I always learn a little something when I read these novels. She doesn’t get an HEA, but I have a feeling her story is far from over.
Laurel-Rain Snow
I do love books from the WWII era, and the setting appeals to me as well. It is great to see characters dealing with their circumstances by fighting back in some way, through the black market, or whatever.
Thanks for bringing this book to our attention.
kimbacaffeinate
I liked that aspect as well Laurel. This is one I think you would enjoy
Debbie Haupt
Oh Kim, that is a great review. I love novels set in this time period, there was so much going on in every corner of the world. Thanks for putting this on my radar!
kimbacaffeinate
I do too, and as often as I read them I am always pleased when I learn something new as well.
Katherine
This is an interesting setting and concept. Definitely not like anything I’ve come across before. I’ll have to add this as a fall read for when I’m in the mood for something a little bit heavier.
kimbacaffeinate
I think you would like this Katherine.
Nick
This sounds too dark for me. I think I’d be too sad while I’m reading it. I’m glad this was a success for you, Kim.
Great review!
kimbacaffeinate
It did have some bleak aspects, but it also had uplifting ones as well Nick. It balanced things well.
Tracy Terry
Whilst I enjoy historical novels set at this period I can’t say I’ve read many set in western, soviet Union.
Definitely a novel I’ll keep a look out for, thank you.
kimbacaffeinate
This was neat in that respect Tracy.
Red Iza
Maybe not a happy read, but interesting – it’s the first time I heard about those Night witches !
kimbacaffeinate
It had happy moments, which I think is important.
blodeuedd
Sounds bleak, and interesting
kimbacaffeinate
It was very interesting Linda
Melliane
It’s been a while since I haven’t read a book like that but I used to love them a lot. I have one at home and I should try it. I miss them. It’s always quite interesting.
kimbacaffeinate
I try to read one or two a year in this period, and I always learn something new