THE RED GAMBIT SERIES

While recently re-reading the whole series (yes, preparation for the Endgame) I again paused over description of harsh weather conditions during winter 1945/1946. Actually the winter was very mild then which was good for generally ravaged Central European population. Generally these books are very well researched, so I would like to ask: Was the harsh winter just a narrative ploy or was there some deep thinking behind (like a cumulative effect of 3 atomic explosions which could make the European winter much warmer than it would be otherwise)?  

gee_colin@yahoo.co.uk at October 20, 2016 at 4:36 AM

I created a harsh winter to allow for a pause in the fighting and create conditions of hardship on both sides of the line, hardship which affected the Soviets more because of their logistical issues. It would have been much better had the real winter been severe but, as you say, it most certainly wasn't. My research went off to discover the harsher winters across Europe, and it was from these that I extracted my figures and conditions. Sometimes I have to bend and shape things to suit my storyline :-)

It's okay. I consider RG to be happening in an alternate reality, anyways. 

I agree - it was just a question of curiosity. I enjoyed the part of books. Thank you for letting me peek into yours "author's kitchen":) 

No problem. I try hard to get things as 'right' as I can where I can, but sometimes reality has to take a back seat to the greater needs of the story. As I would say to anyone, ask whatever you wish :-)