Allbooks Review, Elaine Fuhr Reviewer,January 2006
Book Description
In June, 1948, the Soviet Army blocked all access to West Berlin, essentially taking hostage two and half million inhabitants. For almost a year, the planes of the U.S. Air Force and the British RAF, like an army of majestic eagles, kept blockaded Berlin alive through the air. Every minute an airplane landed in Berlin transporting all supplies necessary for the survival of the blockaded city. The Americans arrived in Berlin as enemies in 1945. Three years later, they became friends, allies, guardian of the freedom, and the hope of two and half million Berliners.
In war-torn Germany, John and Esther meet and fall in love in the turmoil of history. From the Oval Office in Washington, to Stalin's study in Moscow, from elegant Paris to blockaded Berlin, we follow the events of the blockade. Through Soviet harassment in the air corridors, plane crashes in Soviet territory and their ultimate sacrifice we experience heroism of the pilots. Despite cold, hunger and darkness, the people of Berlin hold out against hostilities. Soviet spies and secret negotiations lead to the lifting of the blockade, but the victory tragically separates John and Esther. By a twist of destiny, they will meet again forty years later, in 1989. When the Berlin Wall comes down, they will understand the purpose of their lives.
