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5.0 out of 5 stars
Vintage Uris, Feb 22 2004
Mention the author Leon Uris and books like "Exodus," "Trinity," and "QB VII" come to mind. His novel ARMAGEDDON rarely makes such a list, which is a shame, as this powerful story reveals an accomplished author able to weave a riveting tale populated by a stunning array of complex characters.I first read ARMAGEDDON over thirty years ago; it was my introduction to Uris--an intro that led me in an enthusiastic frenzy to his other works. While I have enjoyed them all (especially "QB VII"), I keep coming back to ARMAGEDDON as Uris' definitive accomplishment. Written during the height of the Cold War--detailing the alarming complexities of the Soviet blockade of Berlin following World War II and the subsequent Allied airlift--this novel explores post-war Germany from literally dozens of different perspectives. This is a compelling read, beginning with the liberation of the Nazi death camps, when angry and frustrated Allied commanders ordered German citizens from neighboring towns to tour the prisons and see firsthand the atrocities their government had committed. As Soviet domination in eastern Germany threatens to choke the divided city of Berlin, Uris relates the fascinating events of the Allied airlift--a herculean task involving British and American cargo planes flying around the clock into the west side of the city to deliver supplies. If not for the airlift, West Berlin would have collapsed and succumbed to Soviet domination. The story is told through the points of view of a multitude of characters: an American pilot; a young German woman; a former SS officer who was forced to perform unspeakable acts; British, American, even Russian commanders. The list of characters coming in and out of the story is formidable, yet convincing and essential. And, like Uris' other books, ARMAGEDDON is essentially a portrayal of the indomitable human spirit; for Uris fans unfamiliar with this book, or for fans of historical fiction this novel is highly recommended.
--D. Mikels
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