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. However it is a book worth reading even if it is not exactly gripping.
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. On the whole, I enjoyed the novel as a work of fiction. It is an engaging piece of work, well worth a read.
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. It is one of the best novels I have read for a long time.