Vladimir's Diary

Vladimir's Diary is a novel by Martin M. McShane.

It explores a "what if?" scenario. What if Stalin had kept his nerve at Potsdam? What if, when Nazi Germany was finally beaten and Hitler dead, Stalin had turned on his Allies and ordered the Red Army to sweep over an already war-ravaged Europe?

In this gripping novel country after country topple under the might of the forces of the CCCP and American attempts to seek a diplomatic solution bring about dire consequences for the inhabitants of the defeated countries of Europe.

But now, at the dawn of the 21st century, the bloated Soviet Union is beginning to fall to pieces, bringing about terrible fear and unrest for its two billion subjects.

The economy tanks, causing the Soviet Empire to fall backwards toward the Dark Ages. How does the Central Committee wish to restore order out of chaos? By bringing terror and abject fear to all citizens.

But they had not counted on the uprising of a group of young freedom fighters who would risk their all, their lives, in order to rescue their country from such a dire fate.

But can they possibly succeed against their powerful enemies, and the personal ambitions and desires for riches and power from some people, perhaps even within their own ranks?

And how, exactly, would the government deal with its pressing economic problems?

This is a very chilling book, all the more so because it could well have happened.

It's published by The Book Guild at £8.99.