Recounts experiences of an American student in pre-war Germany as he first discovers then tries to derail the Nazi atom bomb project.
Against today's headlines stirring controversy about atom scientists and moral dilemmas inherent in secrecy and nationalism, Cross Sections is set in pre-war Nazi Germany where many of the world's greatest scientists confronted similar ethical questions.
Recounting experiences of an American graduate student in Munich swept up by events both horrible and terrifying, the story transcends elements of fear, love, honor, loyalty, and friendship to explore the failure of great men to comprehend the inhumanity of their political masters.
Subtly blending fiction and history, the novel transports readers from hallowed university laboratories to the catacombs beneath Gestapo headquarters, from esoteric realms of quantum mechanics and uncertainty to the desperate hedonism of Jazz Age cabaret.
Excerpt
Willy was blocked for several minutes at the next intersection as a large troop of uniformed young boys marched down the avenue toward the Englischer Garten, Munich's main park. A small tinny brass band led the way playing what Willy recognized to be the German National Anthem. The boys were singing along with the music, but many of the voices were still changing, falsetto one minute and baritone the next. One moment children, the next young men.
Book I of Southern Swallow Series – 12th Century scholar Li K'ai-men takes command of his first official assignments during a time of political unrest and barbarian invasions.
