2008 alternate history novel by Harry Turtledove
The Man with the Iron Heart |
The Man with the Iron Heart is an alternate history novel by Harry Turtledove.[1] Published in 2008, it takes as its premise the survival by Reinhard Heydrich of his 1942 assassination in Czechoslovakia and his subsequent leadership of the postwar Werwolf insurgency in occupied Germany, which Turtledove depicts as growing into a far more formidable force than was the case historically.
This novel follows the typical format of Turtledove novels, following events from multiple points of view. These include the historical figure of Heydrich, a Soviet
Congressman, a newspaper reporter, and a housewife who leads a movement to withdraw American forces from Germany. Much of the inspiration for the developments of the novel are drawn from the
American occupation in
Iraq and the
reaction to it back in the United States.
[2]Plot summary
The point of divergence occurs in June, 1942, where
breakpoint
which provides the basis for the rest of the novel.
In February, 1943, shortly after the German defeat at Stalingrad, Heydrich meets with Heinrich Himmler, the head of the SS. Foreseeing Germany's probable defeat, Heydrich convinces his superior to begin preparations for a possible partisan campaign should German forces lose the war.
Two years later,
deportations
and reprisal killings. The French also conduct similar repressive measures in their occupation zone.
As the casualties mount, Americans at home begin to question the effort. An
trials of Nazi war criminals. In
Berlin, dozens of Soviet officers are killed at a New Year's Eve party when the insurgency succeeds in poisoning their drinks using
wood alcohol. Though the demonstrations in America grow, the Soviets respond by tightening their crackdown further.
Undeterred, Heydrich, concealed in an
St. Paul's Cathedral in
London by truck bombs further erodes the Western Allies' resolve to remain in Germany.
In the United States, the Republicans win the
midterm Congressional elections of 1946. Now in control of Congress, they increase pressure on President Truman to withdraw American forces, refusing to fund their further presence. Though American officers appreciate the need to remain, discontent grows with the
enlisted ranks, as many
draftees begin staging protests demanding to be returned home. Another attempt to convene war-crimes trials against the Nazi leadership in the Soviet sector is frustrated when a
Douglas C-47 Skytrain loaded with explosives crashes into the courthouse, killing the judges and staff inside.
American troops are now being withdrawn in increasing numbers. The Americans organize German civilian police in their zone, but this force's loyalty to democracy and ability to combat the re-emerging Nazis is doubtful. The C-47 attack finally brings about a degree of cooperation between the Soviet and American counterintelligence services. At a meeting, the Soviets turn over a
Holocaust survivor who worked as a slave laborer constructing the bunker system Heydrich is using. He leads American forces to the bunker where the insurgent leader is hiding. When the U.S. Army begins to dig into the bunker, Heydrich and a group of his men attempt to escape, but come under fire by U.S. soldiers which results in Heydrich being killed. This success does not end the insurgency, however; Heydrich's deputy
Joachim Peiper takes over as
Reichsprotektor and orders the hijacking of three civilian airliners. While the Soviets remain committed to the occupation and to crushing the resistance, the Americans and British complete their withdrawal, leaving the Nazis ready to reemerge in western Germany. However, the French and Soviets tighten their grip on their occupation zones, leaving the ultimate fate of Germany in question as tensions continue to rise among the three remaining factions.
References
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