Three years into the Russian invasion of Ukraine, a new wave of literature is emerging to make sense of the conflict. One of the first is Eastern Light: Volume III of the Across Latitudes series, by Brett Andrew Strange. Unlike typical spy thrillers, Strange's novel delves into the emotional toll of espionage and combat, offering a gritty, realistic look at the war's impact on individuals. Publisher's Weekly has already called the novel a "Powerful depiction of war's human costs amid Ukraine's fight for freedom," a testament to Strange's ability to translate his unique experiences into a compelling and emotionally resonant story for an English-speaking audience.
As a former U.S. intelligence officer, Strange brings an authentic voice to his work, drawing on his direct knowledge of Ukraine. This firsthand knowledge allows him to create vivid scenes and compelling characters, immersing readers in the life-and-death stakes of the war. "I wanted to put the reader in the perspective of multiple characters, including the story's critical villains as well as their victims," Strange explains. This use of close third-person points of view allows the novel to illuminate the shadowy nature of Russia's crimes while humanizing the struggle for freedom as it is experienced by many types of people, including foreign soldiers who joined the newly-formed Ukraine's International Military Legion, the parents of local soldiers killed in action, and even young children displaced by war.
