Karl Marlantes
2 SeriesKarl Marlantes is an American author known for his fiction and non-fiction works. A Yale University alumnus and Rhodes Scholar at Oxford, he served as a Marine in Vietnam, earning the Navy Cross, Bronze Star, two Navy Commendation Medals for valor, two Purple Hearts, and ten air medals.
Set in 1947 Helsinki, Cold Victory follows Natalya Bobrova and Louise Koski, whose lives intertwine when their husbands, military attachés, drunkenly challenge each other to a secret cross-country race. As the race gains international attention, Louise uses it to fundraise for an orphanage, unaware of the dangers posed by Stalin's regime. Natalya, fearing the repercussions from the Soviet secret police, struggles to protect her family. The novel explores the tension between freedom and communism, highlighting the unintended global consequences of their actions. This gripping tale of suspense and sacrifice underscores the impact of seemingly innocent choices in a politically charged era.
