Moral Fibre: A Bomber PIlot's Story

The Hemingway Award for 20th Century Wartime Fiction is awarded by Chanticleer International Book Awards. 

Moral Fibre was awarded SILVER (2nd Place) in the Historical Fiction Company 2023 Book Awards in the Category "Wartime Fiction"

"Helena P. Schrader ... is a true master at delving into complex psychological dilemmas and emerging with a tantalizing, completely comprehensible tale of human frailty and strengths that blend into a unique experience for her readers. Moral Fibre is brilliantly crafted in its delicate treatment of an evolving relationship, based first on tragedy for both Kit and Georgina, and then on the complexities of relationships within their individual careers, one military and regimented, the other becoming a teacher, and the clashes with staid tradition and prejudices. How they each evolve is the meat of Schrader's magic. The relationship and romance scenarios are poignant and human, contrasted with the battle scenes and flying sequences which are accurate and detailed." Feathered Quill

 

"[Moral Fibre] takes the reader into the English psyche of [WWII], tapping the depths of human emotions, holding them up to the light, and revealing their concomitant beauty and ugliness in times of fear and crises. Before the war is over for Kit, he finds his inner strength, finds love, and learns the true meaning of sacrifice. 

Meticulously researched and skillfully written, Schrader's Moral Fibre steps off the pages and comes to life. Her nuanced characters and authentic dialogue also provide a glimpse of Britain's stratified class-conscious culture during the WWII era. Schrader picks a critical period during WWII for the setting and, in so doing, educates today's readers about the horrors of a war that was and what it takes to save a nation—and perhaps the free world." Chanticleer Book Reviews 

“The narrative follows both characters as they deal with the world of England in the final years of the war, not just professionally, but personally. … The two narrative strands beautifully balance each other up to the book’s climax. A richly textured, absorbing war tale that works equally well as a touching love story.” Kirkus Reviews

"Kit’s struggles, his life, and the romance he is continuously hoping and striving to have with the woman he loves hits you directly in the soul, but the addition of adventure and excitement makes you want to read cover-to-cover without ever having to put the book down. After all, the RAF’s bombing offensive against Nazi Germany was one of the longest, most expensive and controversial of the Allied campaigns during the Second World War, and the contributions made by these men – and the women they had to leave behind – were more than substantial. And Ms. Schrader does a brilliant job of heralding them with every chapter."  Tom Gauthier for Readers Favorite

""With superb plotting, Schrader focuses on Kit’s character development. Schrader initially depicts Kit as a traumatized veteran, driven to rejoin the RAF out of guilt for his skipper’s death. As Kit processes this trauma, readers watch his confidence as a bomber squadron pilot and his devotion to Georgina grow. Meanwhile, Schrader weaves in subplots concerning Georgina, his extended family (of both African and British descent), and fellow crew members. ... Readers will find themselves engaged in the complexities, not only of Kit, but of the men in his bomber crew." Blue Ink Starred Review

"The style of the narrative beautifully combines ... the fear and courage of the airmen with the fortitude, dedication, and love of those left behind to create a story that is so much more than a straight war story. The thoughtful conversations between the members of Kit’s crew and between Georgina’s minister father and Kit were very much a highlight of the story from my perspective. ... I loved this book and place it extremely high on the list of books I have read this year. I can highly recommend this read." Grant Leishman, Readers Favorite

“From traumatic experiences to the story of healing, the book also discusses accounts of racism, [and women’s] liberation and feminism… [which] showcase how brilliant Schrader’s writing is. … There’s more to this book than stories of historical accounts of the RAF (Royal Air Force) and Moran’s journey. For those who wish to explore different worlds, learn new things, and reflect on their life decisions, this book is a great choice.”  The Moving Words Review