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 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 Doris (Angora, MN) Gifts of War by Mackenzie Ford
This is a good read. It starts out a bit slowly but I would encourage the reader not to give up.
The author tells a fascinating story about how WWI affected the people living in London. By starting off with the famous Christmas Day truce he continues to tie in the feelings of the people from England and Germany.
Gifts of War would lead to interesting discussions in a book club. Readers who enjoy historical fiction should consider reading this book.
Rated of 5
by Catherine H. (Nashua, NH) An "okay" gift.
Despite being well written with excellent WWI research, I just found this "love story/spy/pacifist" story hard to believe. This book is definitively not "All Quiet on the Western Front" and if turned into a movie, it would not be "Paths of glory".
Rated of 5
by Jeanne W. (Columbia, MD) Great atmospherics, weak dialogue
This historian-turned-fiction-writer does a great job evoking the atmosphere of WWI-era London and his imagery leaps off the page. The characters are the weakest part of this very good book. The main character's decision to withhold information is the central point of the novel but this choice makes him a difficult character to like and that detracts from the enjoyment of the book somewhat. The insight into military intelligence analysis was fascinating. Overall, a very good book.
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 .
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Although heavy on the scientific details, which slowed down the story for me (OK, I admit, I was one of those liberal arts majors who skipped out on...
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British Parliament asks Amazon to clarify why it pays $9 million in income tax on $23 billion of UK sales.(May 20 2013) Amazon will be called back to give further evidence to members of the British Parliament "to clarify how its activities in the U.K. justify its low corporate...
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of 5
by Vy A. (Phoenix, 
of 5
by Doris (Angora, MN) 
of 5
by Catherine H. (Nashua, NH) 
