Overview

"An epic love story on the fogbound streets of London reeling from the Blitz. Acclaimed author James MacManus conjures a compelling historical novel based on the true story of the secret love affair at the heart of the Second World War. It is 1942, and war-battered London plays host to the imposing figure of General Ike Eisenhower on a vital mission for the US army. Kay Summersby, an ambulance driver, is chosen to be his aide, a role that will change her life forever. Amid the carnage a secret affair unfolds and rumours of Ike's infidelity reach across the ocean to Washington and worse yet, to his wife. In a time where scandal and war threaten to break them apart, can Kay hold on to the man she loves? ""Highly readable ... successfully combines intimacy with an awar eness of the wider picture.' - The Sunday Times AUTHOR: James MacManus is the managing director of the TLS. James's first screenplay about the life of George Hogg, The Children of the Silk Road, was made into a film starring Jonathan Rhys Meyers. He has since written historical novels Black Venus, Sleep in Peace Tonight and Midnight in Berlin (Duckworth)."

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9780715652954

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Reviews

'Ike and Kay sets the backdrop for an important time in history . . . [and] brings to life controversial romances and characters that shaped world history during the twentieth century' * Buzzfeed * 'Offers a convincing picture of three crucial years of the Second World War and a devastating account of the culture in which male entitlement to sexual and emotional comfort was a given.' * TLS * 'The fascinating dramatisation of the true story of a secret love affair that contributed to the Allied victory during World War II... a deeply emotional read.' * Daily Mail * 'Thoroughly researched' * Irish Independent * 'MacManus has shown his ability to take the facts of a famous life and mould them into highly readable fiction.... [his] recreation of an affair conducted in the shadow of world-changing events successfully combines intimacy with an awareness of the wider picture.' * The Sunday Times * 'In Ike and Kay, James MacManus has captured the powerful and little-known relationship between General Eisenhower and his Irish driver Kay Summersby during and just after the Second World War. With keen eye for historical detail and strong narrative voice, MacManus has expertly and artfully painted an intimate, authentic portrait of love, duty and sacrifice against the backdrop of the greatest events of the 20th century. Masterful!' -- Pam Jenoff author of The Orphan's Tale 'An epic piece of historical fiction... the danger of war and the uncertainty of survival is conveyed through MacManus's in-depth research... a relatable, and compelling story.' * The Lady * 'A cracking wartime romance; sensitively and engagingly told' -- Roger Moorhouse, author of Berlin at War

'Ike and Kay sets the backdrop for an important time in history . . . [and] brings to life controversial romances and characters that shaped world history during the twentieth century' * Buzzfeed * 'Offers a convincing picture of three crucial years of the Second World War and a devastating account of the culture in which male entitlement to sexual and emotional comfort was a given.' * TLS * 'The fascinating dramatisation of the true story of a secret love affair that contributed to the Allied victory during World War II... a deeply emotional read.' * Daily Mail * 'Thoroughly researched' * Irish Independent * 'MacManus has shown his ability to take the facts of a famous life and mould them into highly readable fiction.... [his] recreation of an affair conducted in the shadow of world-changing events successfully combines intimacy with an awareness of the wider picture.' * The Sunday Times * 'In Ike and Kay, James MacManus has captured the powerful and little-known relationship between General Eisenhower and his Irish driver Kay Summersby during and just after the Second World War. With keen eye for historical detail and strong narrative voice, MacManus has expertly and artfully painted an intimate, authentic portrait of love, duty and sacrifice against the backdrop of the greatest events of the 20th century. Masterful!' -- Pam Jenoff author of The Orphan's Tale 'An epic piece of historical fiction... the danger of war and the uncertainty of survival is conveyed through MacManus's in-depth research... a relatable, and compelling story.' * The Lady * 'A cracking wartime romance; sensitively and engagingly told' -- Roger Moorhouse, author of Berlin at War

Author Information

James MacManusis the managing director of The Times Literary Supplement. After studying at St Andrews University he began his career in journalism at the Daily Express in Manchester. Joining The Guardian in 1972, he later became Paris, and then Africa and Middle East Correspondent. He is the author of several novels including On the Broken Shore, Black Venus, Sleep in Peace Tonight and Midnight in Berlin. James MacManus has three children and lives in Dulwich, London.

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