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Helena P. Schrader
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Moral Fibre: A Bomber Pilot's Story Paperback – May 14, 2022

by Helena P. Schrader (Author), David Imrie (Editor)
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 25 ratings
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WINNER OF THE HEMINGWAY AWARD FOR 20TH CENTURY WARTIME FICTION, 2022
WINNER OF A MAINCREST MEDIA AWARD / MILITARY FICTION and a BRAG MEDALLION DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE IN THE INDEPENDENT PRESS AWARDS 2023
FINALIST for BOOK EXCELLENCE AWARD 2023 - Historical Fiction

"...a tribute to those who fought for freedom." The Foreign Service Journal

Riding the icy, moonlit sky―
They took the war to Hitler.
Their chances of survival were less than fifty percent.
Their average age was 21.
This is the story of just one Lancaster skipper, his crew, and the woman he loved.

Christopher "Kit" Moran has earned his pilot's wings, but the greatest challenges still lie ahead: crewing up and returning to operations. Things aren't made easier by the fact that while still a flight engineer, he was posted LMF (Lacking in Moral Fibre) for refusing to fly after a raid on Berlin that killed his best friend and skipper. Nor does it help that he is in love with his dead friend's fiancé, who is not yet ready to become romantically involved again.


The compelling and inspiring story of a bomber pilot, his crew and the woman he loved, based on historical accounts.
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  1. Print length
    436 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Cross Seas Press
  4. Publication date
    May 14, 2022
  5. Dimensions
    6 x 1 x 9 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1735313920
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1735313924
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"[The hero'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.... The intriguing dialogue, the settings, the clear descriptions of such harsh situations - this author has hit on all cylinders once again, and even provides the most exhilarating history lesson I, personally, have ever had the pleasure of reading. "5-Stars!" Feathered Quill

"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

"[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. ... 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.
.... A riveting read and highly recommended!" - Chanticleer Reviews 5-Stars

"With their fears, courage, and hopes for the future, the characters are all well drawn, and the battle scenes are accurately detailed. The result is a highly engaging work that is, as the author intended, a tribute to those who fought for freedom." Foreign Service Journal

"Helena P. Schrader's MORAL FIBRE is a poignant exploration of love and duty. ... Delivering dual narratives can be tricky, but Schrader deftly blends Kit and Georgina's story arcs, offering two distinct yet equally captivating glimpses into the final months of World War II. ... Schrader's heightened attention to detail and refined prose reflect the work of a seasoned pro. ... Schrader sidesteps any temptation to romanticize, delivering instead a rich, textured romance with an appropriately sobering (and historically accurate) depiction of wartime horrors. ... With MORAL FIBRE, Helena P. Schrader has delivered a stunning example of World War II-era historical fiction, proving that the only thing more complicated than a world at war is a conflict of the heart. [It] is an excellent work of historical fiction that readers will love for its realistic depiction of war and the moving romance at its center. -- IndieReader 5-Star Review

"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 ... 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." Tom Gauthier for Readers Favorites

"The author wonderfully 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. ...This gave the entire story a well-rounded and well-thought-out dimension that many war books lack. ... I can highly recommend this read." Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorites

"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

WINNER of the BRAG MEDALLION 2022

About the Author

Helena P. Schrader is an established aviation author and expert on the Second World War. She earned a PhD in History (cum Laude) from the University of Hamburg with a ground-breaking dissertation on a leading member of the German Resistance to Hitler. Her non-fiction publications include "Sisters in Arms: The Women who Flew in WWII," "The Blockade Breakers: The Berlin Airlift," and "Codename Valkyrie: General Friederich Olbricht and the Plot against Hitler." In addition, Helena has published twenty historical novels and won numerous literary awards. Her novel on the Battle of Britain, "Where Eagles Never Flew," won the Hemingway Award for 20th Century Wartime Fiction and a Maincrest Media Award for Historical Fiction. RAF Battle of Britain ace Wing Commander Bob Doe called it "the best book" he had ever seen about the battle. He went on to say: "Refreshingly, it got it smack-on the way it was for us fighter pilots."

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Cross Seas Press (May 14, 2022)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 436 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1735313920
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1735313924
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.5 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 1 x 9 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 25 ratings

About the author

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Helena P. Schrader

Helena P. Schrader

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Helena P. Schrader

Award-Winning Historical Novelist

Author of 24 Historical Fiction and Non-Fiction Titles, Winner of 55 literary accolades

“Helena Schrader’s in-depth stories, fantastic characters, and ability to write an unforgettable tale make her one of the best authors out there!” Feathered Quill

For readers tired of clichés and cartoons, award-winning novelist Helena P. Schrader offers nuanced insight into historical events and figures based on sound research and an understanding of human nature. Her complex and engaging characters bring history back to life as a means to better understand ourselves. Her motto is: Understanding ourselves by Understandig the Past. Helena’s chief areas of expertise are Aviation, the Second World War, Ancient Sparta, and the Crusader States.

Helena's current project in the three-part "The Bridge to Tomorrow Series," which shows how the West stopped Russian aggression without war during the Berlin Crisis of 1948/1949. The series goes beyond the political chess game and logistical achievements of the Berlin Airlift to explore the social and psychological impact of this pivotal historical event. The characters -- women and men, British, American, German and Ukrainian -- enable the reader to see the unfolding events through different perspectives. As the reader gets drawn into their lives, the historical tensions rise, and the trilogy accelerates the pace to that of a thriller. "The Bridge to Tomorrow Series" is about winning a war with milk, coal and candy bars.

The first book in the series, "Cold Peace," has already won four literary accolades including GOLD for Military Fiction in the Historical Fiction Company's 2023 Book Awards, Gold in the 2024 Feathered Quill Awards, runner-up for the Historical Fiction Company's prestigious BOOK OF THE YEAR award in 2023, an Indie BRAG medallion and a Maincrest Media Award. For an overview of all Helena's awards please visit her website.

Helena holds a PhD in history from the University of Hamburg, which she earned with a ground-breaking biography of a leader of the German Resistance to Hitler, and served as an American diplomat in Europe and Africa. She grew up sailing the Maine coast, was a passionate horsewoman, and is now retired and living with her husband and two dogs.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5
25 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

S Martin
5.0 out of 5 stars Exciting Story of Heroism, Romance and Philosophical Reflection
Reviewed in the United States on June 30, 2022
Verified Purchase
Having read several of author Helena Schrader's excellent novels about the Battle of Britain, her latest, Moral Fibre is another exciting, excellent and poignant read! I could not put it down as I was drawn quickly into the life of bomber pilot "Kit" Moran. His personal history of being deemed LMF, lacking in moral fibre, for refusing to fly a mission drew me immediately into his inner emotional life, After being examined by a psychiatrist in terrific back-and-forth dialogue, he is then released back to flying by being allowed to train as a pilot,

The title of the book Moral Fibre is very apt as there are three aspects of it in the novel, I think. First is the moral fibre of steeling oneself to do what has to be done, i.e. fly dangerous missions bombing Germany. The second is said by Rev. Reddings in his sermon at a wedding: he asks if being a survivor of the war is God having "......given us a second chance to demonstrate our moral fibre?.....an obligation to counter lies, prejudice, hatred and arrogance with truth, tolerance, justice and righteousness?" The third refers to Georgina's moral fibre in her love, care and support of Kit after his war injuries.

New to me was the description of how the RAF bomber crews were formed by the process of "crewing up". Rather than each man being assigned to an aircraft and a particular pilot, the men in a large group chatted with each other and informally coalesced into groups around each pilot until that pilot had a full complement of men committed to flying with him.

The missions over Germany were thrillingly described as each man's job was shown in detail during the flights over and back. How the Lancaster bomber flew, its strength and weakness were all shown via dialogue among the crew and in superb, exciting action.

Racism at the particular time of the novel is shown via the thoughts and reactions of Kit and Kit's mother who is of mixed race, as her mother is a from the African Zulu people. Also, the risk of loving someone very deeply-even though they could be shot down at any moment-is poignantly described through Kit's and Georgina's evolving thoughts and feelings towards each other.

The Historical notes, RAF Rank Table, Note on the RAF term "lack of moral fibre and the Glossary were invaluable in aiding this reader to a deeper understanding of the novel.

As well as thrilling action in the air, there are lots of deep thoughts concerning war, romance during wartime, class and racial prejudice during the time period as described by the author. Many times while reading, I had to put the book down and think about the many excellent philosophical questions Helena Schrader posed. This is one you will definitely re-read.

I can't recommend this superb story highly enough!
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Marguerite M. Lentz
5.0 out of 5 stars War, Suspense, Love Stories--it's all there!
Reviewed in the United States on September 1, 2022
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I loved this book. Like the rest of Ms. Schrader's books, I couldn't put it down once I started. (So I have to make sure I can sleep in the next day before starting!) I may be unusual, but I started with her glossary in the back. Her characters sound like WWII pilots and ground crew, so I wanted to understand the lingo before I started. We like to think of the bombing crews as handsome, dashing, and brave--but Ms. Schrader's characters are oh so human with strengths and weaknesses. But put in extraordinary situations. What would I have done? Would I have clutched in an actual bombing raid? And what about the ones who love these soldiers with such depressing odds of surviving? Do they deny their feelings, like Phillipa, or love knowing that he might not return? My mother took the latter approach and married my father, she was 16 and he was 19 or 20, before he went overseas. (Dad came back, obviously, or I would not have been born.) I also loved learning how characters I met in her previous book, "Lack of Moral Fibre," developed n this book. Great read!
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SAM
5.0 out of 5 stars True heroism, captivating story!
Reviewed in the United States on June 30, 2023
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Kit’s story takes us into the emotional world of RAF bomber crews. There are many excellent reviews for this book, so I hesitate to repeat what others have already said. The novel doesn’t just repeat well known myths. The focus on the difficulty of going back to flying after terrific loss is different from the typical novel and hence particularly enlightening. The complex romantic relationships provide a glimpse into real life at the time. Highly recommended!
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SJS
5.0 out of 5 stars Many elements making a well told story!
Reviewed in the United States on August 26, 2022
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Well developed characters and great backstory capture life of the young men and women during WWII in Great Britan. If you like fighter pilot action, I was sucked into the sorties over Germany and acquired new knowledge about WWII aircraft. There's complex family relationships, conflicting politics of the time, romance, some supernatural elements, and best of all a well told story. Highly recommend for general fiction, historical fiction, and WWII aeronautical fans!
2 people found this helpful
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Charles E. Roe
5.0 out of 5 stars This may be my favorite book yet!
Reviewed in the United States on November 29, 2022
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I love how you have developed each character, and the plot is riveting. I am learning a lot about how England, and rural towns changed the war through grit and determination.
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Top reviews from other countries

Johnlad
5.0 out of 5 stars The most gripping and moving book I have read in years - a fitting memorial to bomber crews of WW2.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 15, 2022
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At a time when we are seeing the obituaries of those last remaining centenarians who flew in the bombing raids against Germany and who helped to end the war in Europe, it is fitting that Helena Shcrader’s new book should tell the story of one of those crews, who, newly trained, joined Squadron 617, the Dam Busters, and took part in some of the key raids towards the end of the war. This is a book that you will not want to put down, as the story of young men putting their life on the line in the flack filled air over German occupied Europe takes hold. The book leads you through their training, crewing up, and their first sorties and gives an authentic and fascinating picture of what it takes to keep a good team together. The main character is Kit Moran, who first featured in the long story, Lack of Moral Fibre, and who becomes the pilot skipper of the Lancaster Bomb Z-Zebra, but his crew are all full-blown characters in their own right and the jobs they do as flight engineer, navigator, bomb aimer, wireless operator and upper and rear gunners are all essential to the success of any mission. The detail of how they flew and the hardships they had to put up with is an eye opener to those who have only ever flew in comfort, and clearly the result of intensive and thorough research. The tale of the flights themselves keep you turning the pages, and then the author takes you to the Yorkshire countryside where Kit’s romance with the trainee teacher Georgina blossoms. This is historical fiction at its best – an exciting and authentic action account of aerial war-fare coupled with a tender love story. The way in which the author makes you believe that the story is actually happening as you read, brings this fictional tale to real life. The most gripping and moving book I have read in a long time.
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Leslie Wood
5.0 out of 5 stars A Towering novel of RAF aircrews and their personal lives in war.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 4, 2022
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This is yet another excellent novel from the busy pen of Helena Page Schrader.
As a qualified historian, she researches her subject matter thoroughly. Her style grips the reader’s attention making it difficult to put the book down.
Even secondary characters are realistic human beings arousing one’s immediate understanding.
“Moral Fibre” continues the story of former Flight Engineer Kit Moran, now a pilot in his inner personal war together with his war against WW2 Germany along with his crew. It is not necessary to have read the previous books as there is a useful prologue but I would heartily recommend anyone to read the whole collection “Where Eagles Never Flew” , “Grounded Eagles” (three novellas), and “Moral Fibre”.
Dr Shrader gained her PhD at the University of Hamburg her dissertation being a history of the German resistance to Hitler led by General Olbricht.
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