Gifts of War
MacKenzie Ford is the nom de plume of a well-known British historian, and Gifts of War is his first novel. It is a page turner about World War I, its tragedies and intrigues, of love and its secrets and deceptions. Ford's historical knowledge shines through, and with this novel, he proves that can write a "good" story as well.
Gifts of War is a winner. I look forward to reading his second novel!
Rated of 5
by Joan B. (Ellicott City, MD)
Gifts of War by Mackenzie Ford
For me this was a page turner from the Christmas Truce, in 1914, to March 1926. The story was so well written I could relate to every scene. The author incorporated personal knowledge of military intelligence and the history of WWI. Although I did not always like Hal and Sam, I felt that I really knew them and was empathetic to their situation.
For me, the real "gifts of war" were the relationships of parent and child, sisters, lovers, friends and acquaintances. There was the thrill of love on all levels. Also, there was the tragedy of unrequited love.
I would love to see this book spend many weeks on the best seller list .
Rated of 5
by Anna R. (Oak Ridge, TN)
Hard to Put Down
When I started "Gifts of War" I couldn't stop reading. It is well written and the plot is fascinating. It is a book that you will think about long after you finish it. I couldn't imagine how it would end and trust me, the ending is not what you expect. I consider this book a "must read." Book groups will have a field day discussing it. It is a wonderful book.
Rated of 5
by Vy A. (Phoenix,
Gifts of War Gifts of War is the type of story you want to read ideally at one sitting, perhaps snowbound near a cozy fire or laying on the beach for days where you can be totally immersed in the setting of World War I and the havoc it caused in countless lives. It’s one I didn’t want to put down. I was captivated from page one with narrator Henry (Hal) Montgomery as he begins his story with the 1914 Christmas Truce on the Western Front. That day, Hal, as a British soldier, comes face to face with a German soldier. They exchange gifts and make a pact that will change their lives forever. For the next four years Hal harbors a secret, creating constant tension for the reader, wondering if and when he will be found out. This book will appeal to both men and women with its details of history, espionage of warfare, and an exquisite love story.
Rated of 5
by Karla S. (Dana Point, CA)
Strong love as a Gift of War
Start with a promise betrayed, deception, then guilt. Set during England at war there is a suspension of conventional virtues. Each new turn of this story comes close to upsetting this keenly balanced scale of lies and love. It will keep you reading to see what else could possibly happen.
Rated of 5
by Virginia B. (Forest Park, IL)
Highly Recommend!
This is one of the best books I have read in a while and had trouble putting it down. I thought it was very well written. If the sections about the intelligence community were indeed factual, it gives me a better appreciation of what they actually do. I loved reading Izzy's letters to Hal -- the way she nagged him yet loved him. This book has something for everyone -- from love to intrigue and from drama to a bit of comedy.
I can't wait to read other novels by this author.
Rated of 5
by Arden A. (Homosassa, FL)
Oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive..
Sir Walter Scott's quote is an apt beginning to describe this novel of romance and intrigue that takes place during the Great War. The story grabs from the opening scene, which depicts the Christmas truce that took place between the British and German troops in 1914, and continues to hold interest through the last page.
It is an excellent novel, and one I enjoyed immensely. It has romance, intrigue, deception, family dysfunctions, and most of all, a very tangled web. The author is Mackenzie Ford, which is a nom de plume of a well-known historian, and this is his first novel. Not being a history buff, I cannot attest to the integrity of the times, but I can say that as a reader, I was never transported to that time as I was, say, with Caleb Carr's The Alienist. The writing seemed somewhat anachronistic to me, with dialogue that seemed to be more 21st century, than early 1900s, but that did not at all detract from my enjoyment of the story. The novel was excellent, and I am looking forward to the author's next book.
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of 5
by Cam G. (Murrells Inlet, SC)
