A brisk geopolitical thriller ... A keen and sensitive group portrait that sees Americans as no better or worse than Russians or Finns or anyone else. Human nature is a land without borders.
Takes us to an unusual setting and gives us a solid lesson in the tumultuous times within a small country that most Americans are probably no likely to conjure when they contemplate World War II. For the history lesson alone, Cold Victory is memorable.
Utilizing short, punchy chapters full of period detail, Marlantes keeps you wondering how this potentially deadly breach of protocol is going to end ... Another enthralling work from a great writer.
Stirring ... Louise’s naivete strains credulity, but the novel comes alive in its last third, as the former soldiers finally embark on the race, having agreed on acceptable types and doses of performance enhancing drugs but unprepared for the dire stakes, as Mikhail’s death is all but certain should he lose and embarrass the Soviet Union. Marlantes sticks the landing in this satisfying drama.
