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Death Steppe: A World War II Novel
This World War II story, set in western Soviet Union during Germany’s retreat, follows the lives of a Russian war widow, a dissident, Christian, and black marketeer, as she serves as a medic on the front lines, and a disillusioned German lieutenant, a former professor and concentration camp officer, as he fights in a losing effort. After our heroine is forced into service as a navigator in a women’s air force regiment, flying plywood and canvas biplanes on harrowing night missions, she encounters the injured yet violent German when her plane crashes. Together they embark on a turbulent journey, first as enemies, later as lovers and disheartened deserters.
"A stirring historical novel that plumbs the depths of war for the possibilities of love....Written in a wise, often poetical prose....An epic portrayal of a romance born out of the rubble of World War II."--Kirkus Reviews.
"A stirring historical novel that plumbs the depths of war for the possibilities of love....Written in a wise, often poetical prose....An epic portrayal of a romance born out of the rubble of World War II."--Kirkus Reviews.
264 pages, Paperback
First published April 6, 2015
About the author
Judy Bruce
11 books143 followersHello, book fans. I am the mother of two, the wife of one, and the sibling of three (formerly four). I also blog at heyjoood.com where I ramble about favorite books and movies and personal topics--my younger sister Janet who died of brain cancer, and my autistic son Danny who takes quirky to an amazing level. I am a Kirkus Reviews Featured Author. More importantly, I am a huge fan of dark chocolate!
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
May 16, 2018
Can two people, on opposite sides of a brutal war, find comfort in each other’s arms?
Elena is a Russian medic near the front lines and she’s seen her fair share of the war. Death is everywhere and the more she is around the soldiers, the harder her heart becomes. She had a wonderful life: married, teaching and surrounded by family. But all that changed when the German dogs invaded her country. Now she’s alone, a medic near the Western front and there’s nothing she can do about it.
Without warning, she’s forced into a ruthless arm of the Russian army: The Night Witches. This group of all-female pilots and navigators flew at night, dropping bombs over the German army. Elena’s world is forever changed. Instead of easing pain and healing soldiers, she’s killing and murdering them. The upside, though, is Elena gets an few extra rations of vodka.
Meanwhile, we meet German Lieutenant, Halder, a former professor and concentration camp officer. Just like Elena, he’s a soldier fighting for his life, sanity and moral compass. His men trust him to lead them into battle and that just makes it worse for Halder. He gets orders to attack a portion of the front and while out on patrol, his unit is bombed by none other that those drat Night Witches. He orders his men to shoot down the airplane, not knowing that Elena is in the airplane. He has a head injury and passes out.
When both of them wake up, they are in a farmer’s field. Reluctantly, Elena helps the bastard German, though she threatens to kill him at every possible moment. They hold up in the farmhouse and in a strange twist of fate, help each other’s injuries heal. But can their hearts heal from the ravages of war or is love impossible at Death’s door?
Death Steppe is one of those rare books that sticks with you long after you finish reading it. The author does a brilliant job of thrusting the realities of war on the reader and I was forced to face the truth: war is hell, no matter which side you’re on. Told in both Elena and Halder’s points of view, I witnessed for myself a glimmer of humanity and if possible, kindness and love. The character development, plot progression and historical accuracy makes this a must read.
I love historical fiction because it gives me a glimpse into how it might have been if I lived in a different time, with different circumstances. I was drawn to this story based on the premise but was unprepared for the sheer emotional torment I would face. My husband, the World War Two expert in our household, told me the key to writing an excellent book on World War Two is grabbing the reader by the shirt collar and showing war through the eyes of a lowly soldier, not a general. Judy Bruce does that brilliantly.
The only downside I had when reading it was the initial romance being introduced. Elena and Halder hating each other one minute and kissing/having sex the next minute. It was a bit of a shock but I understood the motivation as I continued reading.
If you love historical fiction and looking for a gripping novel in the same vein as the movie, A Bridge Too Far, you have to read Death Steppe. Even if war novels are not your thing, you will get an eye-opening experience with this book!
Favorite Character:
Elena. I continually found myself drawn into her torment, her anguish and her ability to survive. She’s had everything she loves taken away from her and yet, in the middle of a war that never seems to end, she finds the will to keep going. I don’t know if I could’ve survived given what she’s been through. She’s a true hero, in every sense of the word.
Favorite Quote:
“You bastard Nazis. I could have continued teaching like I wanted. Why did you Nazi animals invade my country? You killed my brother. My husband is dead. And I will die.” ~Elena
My Rating: 4.5 stars
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/
Elena is a Russian medic near the front lines and she’s seen her fair share of the war. Death is everywhere and the more she is around the soldiers, the harder her heart becomes. She had a wonderful life: married, teaching and surrounded by family. But all that changed when the German dogs invaded her country. Now she’s alone, a medic near the Western front and there’s nothing she can do about it.
Without warning, she’s forced into a ruthless arm of the Russian army: The Night Witches. This group of all-female pilots and navigators flew at night, dropping bombs over the German army. Elena’s world is forever changed. Instead of easing pain and healing soldiers, she’s killing and murdering them. The upside, though, is Elena gets an few extra rations of vodka.
Meanwhile, we meet German Lieutenant, Halder, a former professor and concentration camp officer. Just like Elena, he’s a soldier fighting for his life, sanity and moral compass. His men trust him to lead them into battle and that just makes it worse for Halder. He gets orders to attack a portion of the front and while out on patrol, his unit is bombed by none other that those drat Night Witches. He orders his men to shoot down the airplane, not knowing that Elena is in the airplane. He has a head injury and passes out.
When both of them wake up, they are in a farmer’s field. Reluctantly, Elena helps the bastard German, though she threatens to kill him at every possible moment. They hold up in the farmhouse and in a strange twist of fate, help each other’s injuries heal. But can their hearts heal from the ravages of war or is love impossible at Death’s door?
Death Steppe is one of those rare books that sticks with you long after you finish reading it. The author does a brilliant job of thrusting the realities of war on the reader and I was forced to face the truth: war is hell, no matter which side you’re on. Told in both Elena and Halder’s points of view, I witnessed for myself a glimmer of humanity and if possible, kindness and love. The character development, plot progression and historical accuracy makes this a must read.
I love historical fiction because it gives me a glimpse into how it might have been if I lived in a different time, with different circumstances. I was drawn to this story based on the premise but was unprepared for the sheer emotional torment I would face. My husband, the World War Two expert in our household, told me the key to writing an excellent book on World War Two is grabbing the reader by the shirt collar and showing war through the eyes of a lowly soldier, not a general. Judy Bruce does that brilliantly.
The only downside I had when reading it was the initial romance being introduced. Elena and Halder hating each other one minute and kissing/having sex the next minute. It was a bit of a shock but I understood the motivation as I continued reading.
If you love historical fiction and looking for a gripping novel in the same vein as the movie, A Bridge Too Far, you have to read Death Steppe. Even if war novels are not your thing, you will get an eye-opening experience with this book!
Favorite Character:
Elena. I continually found myself drawn into her torment, her anguish and her ability to survive. She’s had everything she loves taken away from her and yet, in the middle of a war that never seems to end, she finds the will to keep going. I don’t know if I could’ve survived given what she’s been through. She’s a true hero, in every sense of the word.
Favorite Quote:
“You bastard Nazis. I could have continued teaching like I wanted. Why did you Nazi animals invade my country? You killed my brother. My husband is dead. And I will die.” ~Elena
My Rating: 4.5 stars
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/
June 18, 2015
Death Steppe: A World War II Novel by Judy Bruce transports us to western Soviet Union as Germany tries to invade. It follows a Russian war window and a German lieutenant whose paths will eventual cross as they deal with the challenging landscape. Beautiful, brutal and steeped in faith this tale exposes both the horrors of war and the beauty of love.
I have always found novels set during this era to be fascinating even as I try to wrap my head around the atrocities. Bruce brought us two very interesting characters. She delivered a tale that shares the struggles of individuals while giving us a sense of the war itself and its impact. I appreciated her attention to detail and the way in which she brought these characters to life.
Eleana is a Russian widow, who works at the hospital as an aid, but secretly works with the black market. She reads banned American and British literature and believes in God. She finds herself assigned to a hospital near outskirt of the war, and eventually is assigned to the front-line as medic. It seems the fates are against her when she is assigned to be a Night Witch. These female pilots dropped bombs on the Germans forcing them to retreat.For most it was a death sentence flying about in these tin cans. Eleana is strong, passionate and at times fearless. I found her to be remarkable and Bruce did a wonderful job of allowing me to connect and gain insight into what her life must have been like. Bruce's descriptions of her transformation and internal struggles felt genuine.
Friedrich is a German professor and architect who covers up his disdain for the Third Reich by becoming a German lieutenant. He works at a concentration camp and gives us a harrowing account before he is assigned to fight with troops invading Russia. Friedrich is not as strong of a character as Eleana. He does what he must in order to survive. One cannot help but question how we would handle the situation. Is he a coward or survivor?
The two accidentally meet and find themselves holding up on a Russian farm during Russia's harsh winter. It was fascinating seeing these two enemies relying on each other and discovering how very different the other is from their own preconceived notions and of course, from the propaganda their leaders have fed them. A friendship forms out of necessity and soon they are confessing their sins and darkest fears. The two become lovers and eventually hatch a plan to desert and escape together. Their time on the farm felt very genuine from their distrust to their need to feel safe and loved.
Death Steppe: A World War II Novel shares a love story but do not look for happily ever after. Bruce beautifully captures the brutal landscape of war while weaving in the effects upon humanity and individuals. It was sometimes dark, sometimes beautiful, and at times incredibly suspenseful. The words flowed wonderfully allowing me to become completely immersed in their story. While the ending was awash in sadness Bruce also gave us a glimmer of hope befitting such a tale.
Copy provided by author. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer
I have always found novels set during this era to be fascinating even as I try to wrap my head around the atrocities. Bruce brought us two very interesting characters. She delivered a tale that shares the struggles of individuals while giving us a sense of the war itself and its impact. I appreciated her attention to detail and the way in which she brought these characters to life.
Eleana is a Russian widow, who works at the hospital as an aid, but secretly works with the black market. She reads banned American and British literature and believes in God. She finds herself assigned to a hospital near outskirt of the war, and eventually is assigned to the front-line as medic. It seems the fates are against her when she is assigned to be a Night Witch. These female pilots dropped bombs on the Germans forcing them to retreat.For most it was a death sentence flying about in these tin cans. Eleana is strong, passionate and at times fearless. I found her to be remarkable and Bruce did a wonderful job of allowing me to connect and gain insight into what her life must have been like. Bruce's descriptions of her transformation and internal struggles felt genuine.
Friedrich is a German professor and architect who covers up his disdain for the Third Reich by becoming a German lieutenant. He works at a concentration camp and gives us a harrowing account before he is assigned to fight with troops invading Russia. Friedrich is not as strong of a character as Eleana. He does what he must in order to survive. One cannot help but question how we would handle the situation. Is he a coward or survivor?
The two accidentally meet and find themselves holding up on a Russian farm during Russia's harsh winter. It was fascinating seeing these two enemies relying on each other and discovering how very different the other is from their own preconceived notions and of course, from the propaganda their leaders have fed them. A friendship forms out of necessity and soon they are confessing their sins and darkest fears. The two become lovers and eventually hatch a plan to desert and escape together. Their time on the farm felt very genuine from their distrust to their need to feel safe and loved.
Death Steppe: A World War II Novel shares a love story but do not look for happily ever after. Bruce beautifully captures the brutal landscape of war while weaving in the effects upon humanity and individuals. It was sometimes dark, sometimes beautiful, and at times incredibly suspenseful. The words flowed wonderfully allowing me to become completely immersed in their story. While the ending was awash in sadness Bruce also gave us a glimmer of hope befitting such a tale.
Copy provided by author. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer
July 19, 2016
Elena Nevskaya is a Muscovite, widow, literature professor, black marketeer, and secret Christian, who is "volunteered" as a medic by the Russian army in their battle against Nazi Germany in 1944. Elena is surrounded by death and, with all of her loved ones dying around her, she concludes that "love meant pain". She is forced to stare death in the face every day as she tends to wounded soldiers - first in the hospital and later on the front line. Later still, she is conscripted as a navigator with the female bomber pilots dubbed the "Night Witches", where she learns that now she must "kill - it is the only way to survive". When disaster strikes, Elena comes face-to-face with the enemy, in the form of Lieutenant Friedrich Halder, a Russian-speaking German officer who is battling demons of his own. Will they be able to put aside their differences in order to survive?
The story is told in the first person by Elena and in the third person by Halder. This technique allows their stories to intertwine more and more as time progresses, without losing track of who is narrating. The book is full of interesting characters, but too many are introduced by name, making it unclear which ones we need to remember for later. Although based on true events of World War II, I doubt one woman would have gone through everything that Elena experiences - but it sure does make for an interesting story. As Elena is exposed to the horrors of war, so too are we. The writing is as stark as the landscape, with brutal descriptions of the savagery of war, the atrocities of the death camps, the suffering endured by captured enemies, and the brutality of the soldiers. While the narrative recounts what people will do in the name of war and in the name of love, it is - thankfully - interwoven with a thread of faith and hope. The fitting and realistic ending will leave you with a lump in your throat.
Warnings: graphic violence, coarse language, mild sex scenes.
I received this book in return for an honest review.
Full blog post: https://booksdirectonline.blogspot.co...
The story is told in the first person by Elena and in the third person by Halder. This technique allows their stories to intertwine more and more as time progresses, without losing track of who is narrating. The book is full of interesting characters, but too many are introduced by name, making it unclear which ones we need to remember for later. Although based on true events of World War II, I doubt one woman would have gone through everything that Elena experiences - but it sure does make for an interesting story. As Elena is exposed to the horrors of war, so too are we. The writing is as stark as the landscape, with brutal descriptions of the savagery of war, the atrocities of the death camps, the suffering endured by captured enemies, and the brutality of the soldiers. While the narrative recounts what people will do in the name of war and in the name of love, it is - thankfully - interwoven with a thread of faith and hope. The fitting and realistic ending will leave you with a lump in your throat.
Warnings: graphic violence, coarse language, mild sex scenes.
I received this book in return for an honest review.
Full blog post: https://booksdirectonline.blogspot.co...
April 30, 2015
I found this book very detailed with an accurate portrait of life during the war. The author makes you feel like you were with Eleana back in 1944 Russia. The books language is clean and easy to read making this an ideal book for teens and adults. At times I felt sad and horrified at what people had to endure during the war. The book is written from a women’s perspective on how life would have been like during Nazi occupation.
December 28, 2017
This was a well-written, moving book. Elena is a Soviet woman during the time of World War II. She goes through many experiences as the war is made more and more a part of her life, and encounters an injured German soldier, Halder. They are forced to work together to survive and a bond is formed. This was a great book, though it was intense and difficult to read about some of the realities of war. I found it difficult to put down and look forward to reading other books by this author.
March 9, 2016
Death Steppe (A WWII Novel) by Judy Bruce is brilliant. Her novel takes readers straight into the plot. WWII in 1944 was indeed a scary time...what's scarier is actually meeting the person whom one has tried to kill...meeting the person considered as your enemy can take a toll on a person. However, Judy Bruce takes an unexpected encounter of two enemies during this war time and force them to meet. Both are surprised but also weary of the other. Thinking of killing the other one or to work together to survive their outcome is a big decision that neither can take too lightly.
Judy Bruce has captured the realistic historical time period down to every specific detail as well as creating characters who will never be forgotten. I love anything featuring history and showing readers how difficult it was like back then and how every decision has a huge impact on one's life. Just one decision can change your future forever...can Elena and Halder make the right choice? This tale like many others that capture historical moments will make readers cringe atwhat really happened and how cold people can be during this time periods. Haunting, dark, but with some truth and accuracy...readers will be taken back to the front lines of WWII. Readers will feel like they are actually witnessing the events in this novel through their own eyes instead of the characters. Judy Bruce has created a maserpiece when she wrote Death Steppe. I loved reading this book, and I highly recommend it to readers worldwide.
Judy Bruce has captured the realistic historical time period down to every specific detail as well as creating characters who will never be forgotten. I love anything featuring history and showing readers how difficult it was like back then and how every decision has a huge impact on one's life. Just one decision can change your future forever...can Elena and Halder make the right choice? This tale like many others that capture historical moments will make readers cringe atwhat really happened and how cold people can be during this time periods. Haunting, dark, but with some truth and accuracy...readers will be taken back to the front lines of WWII. Readers will feel like they are actually witnessing the events in this novel through their own eyes instead of the characters. Judy Bruce has created a maserpiece when she wrote Death Steppe. I loved reading this book, and I highly recommend it to readers worldwide.
April 18, 2016
Death Steppe by Judy Bruce is the World War II story of Elena and Friedrich. The book opens with a train ride with Elena - not sure exactly where she is headed, but with no choice but to be there. Death Steppe's setting is the Soviet Union during the time that the Germans are retreating. Elena is a widow (Russian) and a medic in the war. She is thrown into front line action and then at one point is forced to join the Night Witches. This group of women become enthralled in the war and are involved in bombing and killing of soldiers. As you will see all of this is a far cry from Elena's life prewar.
Friedrich is a German officer who is also fighting on the front lines. Friedrich had been a professor prior to the war and is less than enamored with his role and the leadership of his men. At times he struggles with the moral and ethic aspect of this was. He truly believes there is no way he will survive to leave the Soviet Union. With orders to attack Friedrich and men storm the front lines only to be bombed by the Night Witches.
From there Bruce does a masterful job of leading you on Elena and Friedrich's journey. Desperation, deserters, lovers - you will be drawn to Elena and Friedrich and the plight that follows them. Bruce has taken wartime and turned it into a story of two people that you are eager to read about and follow through their perils and pearls.
Death Steppe is a must read.
Friedrich is a German officer who is also fighting on the front lines. Friedrich had been a professor prior to the war and is less than enamored with his role and the leadership of his men. At times he struggles with the moral and ethic aspect of this was. He truly believes there is no way he will survive to leave the Soviet Union. With orders to attack Friedrich and men storm the front lines only to be bombed by the Night Witches.
From there Bruce does a masterful job of leading you on Elena and Friedrich's journey. Desperation, deserters, lovers - you will be drawn to Elena and Friedrich and the plight that follows them. Bruce has taken wartime and turned it into a story of two people that you are eager to read about and follow through their perils and pearls.
Death Steppe is a must read.
February 27, 2016
“Death Steppe” written by Judy Bruce is novel set in time of Second World War, more precisely in Soviet Union near the end of war during retreat of Germany soldiers. The first main character called Elena Nevskaya is a Russian widow who works as a medic on the front lines. The other is German Lieutenant Friedrich Halder, who is a former professor certain he will not survive the war.
These two are going to meet because of unusual fate and have to rely on each other while hiding together…
Judy Bruce with her novel manages to create a real convincing experience of final days of war in Russia during World War II. The strongest parts of her novel are believable characters and story in general, without clichés usually found in books of such genre.
Therefore if you consider yourself a fan of good war fiction with few drops of romance, look no further because “Death Steppe” is kind of novel that will keep you interested the very last page.
I was given a copy of this book by the author for the purpose of unbiased review, while all the presented information is based on my impressions.
These two are going to meet because of unusual fate and have to rely on each other while hiding together…
Judy Bruce with her novel manages to create a real convincing experience of final days of war in Russia during World War II. The strongest parts of her novel are believable characters and story in general, without clichés usually found in books of such genre.
Therefore if you consider yourself a fan of good war fiction with few drops of romance, look no further because “Death Steppe” is kind of novel that will keep you interested the very last page.
I was given a copy of this book by the author for the purpose of unbiased review, while all the presented information is based on my impressions.
January 21, 2017
The two main characters in this novel are a Communist Russian nurse and a Nazi. It's set during World War II. So you'll understand if I spent the first several chapters wondering if I was actually supposed to want either of them to succeed. As the story progresses, though, it becomes obvious that both of them were forced into this corrupt world in order to survive and ensure the survival of the families. Their individual struggles keep the story moving, but the inevitable romance feels forced and kind of destroys the tension which, up to that point, felt perfectly realistic.
August 29, 2015
I received this book as a first read. The story was ok but slow paced and dragged along. The characters were a bit one dimensional and the dialogue was a little stilted. Some parts were more interesting than others and there were glimpses that it could've been better but just fell a little flat.
July 7, 2016
I received this book from goodreads and thought it was great.I could not put it down. Would highly recommend it
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews