Cold Victory by Karl Marlantes

Title- Cold Victory
Author- Karl Marlantes
Publisher- Grove Atlantic
Pages- 352
Rating- ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫

Summary- Helsinki, 1947. The Soviet Union has full control over Finland, much to the disapproval of the West. There is a lot of tension between the Communists and the Capitalists where both parties are keenly observing the other's move, without going into direct conflict. Louise Koski, the wife of an American diplomat and Natalya Bobrova, the wife of a Russian diplomat, meet at an embassy party. Their husbands, both former soldiers, in a drunken state, challenge each other over a secret but friendly, cross-country race in the wilderness of Finland. Louise takes it as an opportunity to raise money for an orphanage. However, Natalya is horrified. If the Soviet Union comes to know about the race and Mikhail loses, it will be death for him, imprisonment for her and orphanage for the children. Under Stalin's regime, they cannot accept defeat. Feeling guilty about her action, Louise wants to stop her husband, Arnie, from winning it. However, how will she find him in the Arctic landscape? Will Arnie be ready to give up the race to save the life of his friend? What action will the Soviet secret police take to save their honour?

Review- This is a historical fiction which gives us an idea about the situation in Europe after the Second World War. The author gives a clear picture about the life of Russians during that time, where their every move was scrutinized by the MGB. Stalin's totalitarianism made the lives of Russians a living hell and they even suspected their closest relations of reporting against them. Finland was torn between the power struggle of the West and the Soviet Union. The book is quite atmospheric and the descriptions of Finnish winter is bound to make the reader feel cold.

                Louise and Natalya are the two main characters in this story and their lives are poles apart. While Natalya has been living in fear of the MGB, Louise has the privilege of enjoying an American life where they have the right to question the Government. While Natalya is a mother of two, Louise has been trying for years for a child with no positive result. However, when their lives collide, they become the best of friends who can share their pain with each other. 

                This book has the ability to keep you hooked till the last page. It throws light on some important but not so well known chapters of history after the Second World War. Readers who are interested in historical fiction must definitely check this out.
                I would like to thank NetGalley, the author and the publisher for an ARC of this book.