A captivating and convincing novel set during the Second World War, based on archived documents and letters, detailing the relationship between married US General Eisenhower and his driver Kay Summersby. In 1942 the two meet, and Eisenhower quickly places Kay at the heart of his team, as rumours spread, they become ever closer. The lines between fact and fiction blurred as I read, the relationship felt substantial, real, and before my eyes I witnessed Kay supporting Eisenhower as he made critical decisions about the war. James MacManus creates an intimate, penetrating story, yet the huge arena of war dominates, highlighting the connection between the two. Clear and precise, everyday life is set before you, and small in-depth details encourage a vivid picture to emerge. Ike and Kay focuses on an intriguing relationship, a relationship that was tolerated, even encouraged in order to get the job done, oh what a fascinating tale it is.
| Primary Genre | Historical Fiction |
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An interesting book
An interesting book especially as it is a true story. I learnt a few facts about the war which I didn't know before. I did feel though that it sort of tailed off at the end. I found myself losing interest which is a pity.... Read Full Review
An engaging story about the relationship between Eisenhower and Kay Summersby during the 1940s.
James Macmanus undertakes to fill in the gaps of the known relationship between Eisenhower and Kay Summersby in his novel Ike and Kay. A lot of it is speculation, based on the rumours of the time and from a variety of writings, including Summersby’s records, which I think were written by a ghost writer. (There has been debate how authentic they are I believe).
Kay is an oddly compelling character. You feel for her and want her to have a happy ending. On the other hand Eisenhower is somewhat enigmatic and rather hollow. He doesn’t feel a genuine, fully rounded figure. I found the first part of the novel the most readable and interesting. When Eisenhower and Kay start getting closer and indeed when they part ways, I found some of the interaction a little cringeworthy.... Read Full Review
A fast moving and exhilarating interpretation of the romance between Dwight Eisenhower and his World War 2 driver, Kay Summersby. I highly recommend it.
I really enjoyed this book. Ike and Kay of the title refer to Dwight Eisenhower and his official driver, Kay Summersby and the novel is based upon their wartime romance which began in the 1940s. This is not the kind of novel I normally read but I found it absolutely gripping.
The author, James MacManus must have done a huge amount of research. He seems to have an encyclopedic knowledge of the 1940s, World War 2 and the post war period - politically, socially and culturally. And the novel roars along. There is certainly never a dull moment as one or other or both Ike and Kay move from England to Africa, to the US to France to Germany. I loved its readability and how the story is presented from different perspectives.... Read Full Review
Highly acclaimed author and managing director of The Times Literary Supplement, James MacManus, creates a compelling historical novel that brings to life an unbelievable but true love story set during the Second World War. In 1942, Cork-born Kay Summersby's life is changed forever when she is tasked with driving General Eisenhower on his fact-finding visit to wartime London. Despite Eisenhower's marriage to Mamie, the pair takes an immediate liking to one another and he gifts Kay a rare wartime luxury: a box of chocolates. So begins a tumultuous relationship that against all military regulation sees Kay travelling with Eisenhower on missions to far flung places before the final assault on Nazi Germany. She becomes known as Ike's shadow and in letters Mamie bemoans his new obsession with `Ireland'. That does not stop him from using his influence to grant Kay US citizenship and rank in the US army, drawing her closer when he returns to America. When the US authorities discover Eisenhower's plans to divorce from his wife they threaten the fragile but passionate affair and Kay is forced to take desperate measures to hold onto the man she loves...
Ike and Kay features in the following genres: Historical Fiction, Books with reviews by our Reader Review Panel, Historical romance, eBooks of the Month, Fiction, Recommendations, Romance / Relationship Stories
Ike and Kay is available in Paperback, CD-Audio, Hardback
Ike and Kay was written by James MacManus and published by Duckworth an imprint of Duckworth Books
Ike and Kay has 356 pages
£8.09
