In the German capital, waiting to be taken, the people-panicky, starving, guilt-ridden-face stark choices in dealing with one another: “Be a hero or a monster” is the way one of them puts it. Each experiences the war differently, of course, and yet the damage inflicted is, at the core, grievously similar. In particular, Robbins's embattled Berliners are, in their diversity, convincing and unforgettable. But the heart of the story is his imagined cast: a Russian solder in disgrace, a German cellist hiding from horror behind her music, and an American photojournalist, sent by Life magazine to wherever the fighting is most vicious (think Robert Capa). Robbins renders his real people superbly, making them vivid, even fresh-a notable accomplishment, given how often these portraits have been drawn. The only unresolved question is which of the victorious armies is going to be first in Berlin, and the maneuvering over this is both intricate and intense.

The Germans have been crushed not even Hitler doubts the totality of his defeat. We follow the three, viewpoints shifting, as they charm and are charmed by, bluff and are bluffed by their opponent/allies in a contest that could hardly be more consequential. Crafty, experienced power players, super-patriots, and super-egotists, all are devoted to their own nation's well-being but also have a lively interest in how history will measure each of them. We see the giants-Roosevelt, Churchill, Stalin-jockeying for political advantage as WWII enters its final months. A deeply felt antiwar suspenser about the savagery preceding the fall of Hitler's Berlin.

War of the rats by david l robbins