An author who has lived on the Isle of Wight for the past 11 years is preparing to publish his debut novel, more than 40 years after first putting pen to paper with an idea that would eventually become a World War II thriller.
Stephen Walters, who wrote much of Escape from Berlin on the Island following his retirement, will see his book published on 28th October.
The novel follows a web of conspiracy, love, loyalty and betrayal spanning 5 decades, beginning in pre-war Berlin and continuing through the aftermath of World War II.
At the centre of the story is journalist Thomas Haas, who makes a dangerous enemy after exposing the crimes of SS officer Von Fügershof.
Meanwhile, Gerda Neumann, a young Jewish widow, becomes caught up in a deadly family betrayal orchestrated by her sister-in-law, Wilma Bauer.
As Europe descends into war, Haas and Gerda fall in love while struggling to survive under Nazi rule.
But their lives become increasingly complicated when Wilma, working as a spy for Von Fügershof, is tasked with betraying Haas before becoming romantically involved with him herself.
The story also introduces Barnsley-born Eric Pickering, the sole survivor of a failed British commando raid, whose experiences resurface decades later following a chance encounter involving a Test Valley cricket team.
As long-buried secrets begin to emerge, Haas, now a senior East German official and secret British asset, plans a final escape to the West while facing a dangerous confrontation with his old enemy.
For Stephen, the publication marks the end of a writing journey which began some 4 decades ago.
Before turning his attention to fiction, he spent more than 20 years working in planning and logistics within the confectionery industry, followed by over 16 years as a Director of Business Systems in the medical device industry.
Since retiring, he has joined a writing group which he credits with helping him develop his work.
Stephen, who has been married for more than 45 years and has children and grandchildren, also enjoys cricket, football, kayaking, swimming and Parkruns.
Speaking about the journey from his original idea to a completed novel, Stephen has said:
“As a first-time author, I never expected Escape from Berlin to take me on such a journey. It began with an idea I had 40 years ago, and I still have the handwritten pages.
“On retirement, the story developed with multiple characters and twists around the original idea. What started as a few handwritten pages somehow turned into a novel – and, decades later, I finally decided it was time to let the characters have their say!”
Escape from Berlin is due to be published on 28th October 2026.
