Fascinating On Both Sides

V2: A Novel Of World War II by Robert Harris is a fascinating historical novel set over just four days in November 1944.

Robert Harris has used his knowledge to create a fictional story set around Germany’s V2 missiles. The novel is written from both the German and English point of view with alternating chapters. The reader sees life in London, Oxfordshire, the Netherlands and recently occupied Europe. It is a marvellous novel enabling the reader to understand some of the complexities of war.

There is the theme of trust – remembering that ‘loose lips sink ships’, war work was classified. The reader witnesses lies being told to both sides in order to keep up morale. By November 1944 the Nazis were in retreat but no one would admit this for fear of imprisonment or worse.

Not all Germans were Nazis. Those who were not, had to tread very carefully.

Women had a role to play in war as well as men. Keen mathematical brains and those with an eye for detail were needed. War produces character on both sides. We see just what people are made of.

All the characters were well drawn. I gravitated towards the leading lady. Robert Harris has perfectly captured the atmosphere of fear and helplessness in the face of the V2 whilst also having the indomitable bulldog spirit.

V2 was my first novel by Robert Harris and I definitely want more by him. The historian in me was fascinated. The lover of fiction was entertained. V2 was a compulsive read that I could not put down.

I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

JULIA WILSON