Reynolds Uncommon Enemy

1. Auflage 2013
ISBN: 978-1-62675-140-8
Verlag: BookBaby
Format: EPUB
Kopierschutz: Adobe DRM (»Systemvoraussetzungen)

E-Book, Englisch, 232 Seiten

In this exciting alternative history novel Nazi Germany is the 1941 victor of World War II and, together with all her enemies occupies the democratic nation of New Zealand. The Occupation forces attempt to win the support of the population with a range of social measures but it quickly becomes clear that collaborate or resist is the stark choice facing each citizen. Stuart Johnson, a university student, encounters the beautiful Carol Peterson on the cross-harbour ferry. She is accompanied by Hamish Beavis who quickly takes exception to Stuart's obvious interest in Carol. The attraction between Stuart and Carol rapidly develops but Stuart, unaware of the dark secret that she carries, is puzzled by the hold that Hamish appears to have over her. As pressure on the occupied population increases, Carol faces her own pressure from her family that eventually forces her into becoming engaged to Hamish. However, when he decides to join the local Nazi Party she is appalled. The government crackdown on university freedoms triggers a student protest rally that is brutally suppressed. Stuart, now a wanted man, is forced to flee, accompanied by Carol, who has rejected Hamish. After several narrow escapes they make contact with a resistance group - part of a growing resistance network. The totalitarian regime uses its military dominance and local collaborators to confront the increasing resistance from all sections of the population. The thwarted Hamish uses his new position on the local Nazi party to seek revenge on Stuart and to regain control over Carol. Thus begins a series of confrontations, betrayals, twists and turns that provide a thrilling background that tests Carol and Stuart's love for each other. Uncommon Enemy is a significant addition to the 'what if' genre, providing a credible and chilling picture of what might have been, and poses the question: Given the same situation what would you have done?

Autoren/Hrsg.

Reynolds, John

Leseproben

Chapter 4 The morning lecture on Renaissance History was interesting enough but as Stuart sat behind the long wooden table scratching notes with his fountain pen he found it difficult to concentrate. Carol was, in any man’s language, absolutely stunning. Furthermore, although apparently linked romantically to Hamish, she must have known that her information about her office location would hardly have pleased the older man. So what was her motive? He shook his head, forcing himself to concentrate. He enjoyed Professor Sterling’s lectures. The man had a colourful style and in contrast to some of the old codgers who just read in a monotone from yellowed pages, Sterling often departed from his prepared lecture when he felt that further explanation would aid his students’ understanding of the subject. Stuart looked up as the professor paused, gathered his notes into a neat bundle and folded his hands on top of them. His gaze took in the entire small group of third year students. “Although having no bearing on the subject of your coming exams, I have something of great importance to say to you all. The current world situation does not provide much cause for optimism. Just as the Dark Ages preceded the Renaissance, when the Church attempted to totally control the lives of men, the same thing appears to be happening today in Germany. Any dictatorship is dangerous, but to me, as a scholar, the most disturbing aspect of Adolf Hitler’s Nazi government is the mass burning of books by German university students.” His eyes panned the room of silent, attentive students. “Books by great writers have been publicly incinerated throughout Germany. The Nazi government has not only ordered the public destruction of thousands of works of fiction that they have classified as subversive, but also scholarly books that may well be irreplaceable. Such an action is a modern day mirror of the actions of those who controlled Europe during the Dark Ages.” There was no sound as Professor Sterling paused, cleared his throat and leaned forward. “Be aware, ladies and gentlemen, that if this man and his madness are not stopped we may well see the beginning of another Dark Age spread across Europe and beyond. There’s not much that old chaps like me can do about it, other than to speak and publish papers. But you are the young men and women of a nation founded on democratic principles. I’m afraid my generation has let itself down. The future is now in your hands. Do whatever is necessary otherwise the price that we will all be forced to pay will be a terrible one!” Gathering his notes Professor Sterling swept from the room leaving behind his stunned and silent students. It was a pleasant crisp early spring day and during the lunch break with many other university students, Stuart sat in Albert Park munching on his mother’s sandwiches and discussing Sterling’s words with his close friend Brendan Ritter. Both young men had spent several years in the work force before enrolling at the university - having found the prospect of working their way up from lowly clerical positions in large corporations to be too bleak. (Due to his school success in mathematics Stuart had been urged by his father to take a clerical position in the Bank of New Zealand - “Good safe job, son”.) He and Brendan had met in their first year at a History tutorial. Lying on his back, Brendan gestured upwards towards the eternally motionless statue of the soldier above them. “He and his mates went off thirty-odd years ago to South Africa to fight the Boers. Didn’t do anyone any bloody good. Our chaps thought they were fighting a noble war for Queen and country but wound up fighting farmers like themselves. War solves nothing. Waste of bloody time. Look at the last show.” He accepted the cigarette that Stuart proffered. “Tell you what, mate; if they want me to enlist they’re wasting their bloody time!” Stuart drew deeply on his cigarette. “Dunno. Prof. Sterling’s got a point. This is more than just another war. Hitler and his mates are a direct threat to peace and democracy. Yeah, I know,” he went on rapidly, seeing Brendan’s lip begin to curl, “sounds very noble and all that. But at times we have to defend what’s right. If we don’t--------.” He stopped abruptly. “What’s so damned funny? I’m serious!” Brendan’s look of scorn had slowly metamorphosed into a sly grin, as he directed his gaze over Stuart’s shoulder. Quickly his eyes flicked back to Stuart, his eyebrows lifted and he nodded briefly. Puzzled, Stuart looked round. “Hullo, Stuart.” Standing on the path was Carol Peterson. “Carol.” Moving swiftly to his feet he flicked his cigarette away. “What are you doing here?” “It’s a public park.” She smiled. “I sometimes walk along to have lunch here. Do you?” “Yes.” He returned her smile. “Yes I do.” “Introduce me, old chap,” murmured Brendan his eyes fixed on Carol. “Oh, yes, sorry. Carol, this is Brendan. Brendan, Carol.” “Enchante, m’selle,” murmured Brendan rising to his feet and reaching for her hand. Stuart recovered himself. “Brendan’s done a French paper. It’s his subtle way of letting you know.” “Yeah, well it’s better than reading about long dead people!” He gestured flamboyantly. “History is the past, French is the future!” “Maybe, mate. But I’d rather be in Auckland studying Maths and History than in Paris waiting for the Germans.” “Wouldn’t worry me,” he responded, slowly letting go of Carol’s hand. “I speak that language even better.” Seeing Carol gazing at both of them uncertainly, Stuart shrugged. “Sorry, we’re often like this.” His smile was warm. “Do you often come to Albert Park?” “Yes, like I said.” “Of course.” He smiled expansively. “Glad you decided to come today. Have you had lunch?” “I’ve brought my own.” She indicated a brown paper bag. “How about you?” “Sadly we’ve already eaten, m’selle,” interposed Brendan with an exaggerated Gallic shrug. “He has, but I haven’t quite finished mine. You’d be welcome to join me.” Emphasizing the last word he gave Brendan a long hard stare as he peeled off his blazer and spread it on the grass. “Here, sit down, Carol.” “He studies History, you know. Sir Walter Raleigh is one of his favourite characters,” murmured Brendan taking a final drag on his cigarette and making a show of flicking the butt towards the statue of Sir George Grey. He grinned at Stuart and patted the pockets of his blazer. “Seems I’ve run out of smokes. Lovely to have met you, Carol. A bien tot.” With a slightly mocking bow he headed down the path towards the university’s clock tower. Carol settled herself on Stuart’s blazer, tucked her slim stockinged legs demurely under the edge of her skirt and deftly removed her high-heeled shoes. “How did you find me here?” he asked as he settled himself down beside her. She smiled. “I didn’t actually find you, Stuart-----.” “No, of course not. What I meant was-----.” “Well, actually, I sort of found you. I came walking along Princes Street and saw all the university students by the park so I decided to walk through. And then I saw you, and your French friend.” “Brendan. He’s not French. His father’s German and he speaks that language very well. His main subject is Languages so he’s reasonably fluent in French. Likes to think it improves his chances with the ladies.” “Does it?” Stuart shrugged. “You’re a lady. What do you think?” “He seems very charming.” “He obviously thought you were pretty stunning, just like that fellow on the ferry, um…” “Hamish. Probably.” “Known him long, I suppose.” “Yes, quite a while in fact. We met in Wellington. Our families knew each other for years and he and I grew up together. We started going out while I was in the fifth form. His father wanted to relocate the head office of his construction business chain to Auckland and offered Hamish the position of chief accountant. It was an excellent opportunity for advancement so he took it. Came up here about six months ago.” “So, when did you come to Auckland?” “Last month.” “To be with him?” “Not quite. He kept writing to me, telling me how great Auckland was and practically begging me to join him.” Carol removed her gloves and took a sandwich from her brown lunch bag. Stuart immediately noted the absence of a ring on the third finger of her left hand. Emboldened by his discovery he continued. “Does he want to marry you?” She smiled. “You are a persistent man, aren’t you? But, well, yes, as a matter of fact he does.” “And you came to Auckland to be with him. To get married?” “Mixed motives, actually. It was a chance to, well, get away from home, to another city. My older brother Ian had just joined the army. We’d always been...