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There are currently 33 member reviews
for Gifts of War
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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.
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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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Cam G. (Murrells Inlet, SC)
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!
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Kristine I. (Carmel, IN)
Liars need good memories
Gifts of War was a surprise read for me. I thought I could tell where the story was going to go based on the book cover description. But the book is much more than the relationship between Hal and Sam. It is an examination of the meanings of love and of family. I enjoyed getting a taste of what it was like to live in England during World War I, and to see the changing roles for women in that time I didn’t find either of the main characters especially likable, but as the story unfolded I found myself drawn to their situation and the dilemma the future would bring. The ending is very powerful and will stay in my mind for a long time.
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Anne M. (Austin, TX)
War Novel -- better than some
This novel about the Great War - specifically about a soldier and his life after service - isn't wonderful, but it isn't terrible either. Ford's description of the Christmas Eve Truce 1914 at one particular line is lovely, and it's nice to read a "non-prettified" version of what happened in several locations on that night.
Hal, the protagonist, is given a task to complete in England by his German counterpart, and the rest of the book is taken up by how he decides to handle that task. I loved the descriptions of lower-middle-class life during and after the War - most novels are concerned with the truly lower classes or with the aristos - and, although I didn't find the ending satisfactory, I've read too much Danielle Steel in my day, it was nevertheless fairly well done.
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Nikki M. (Fort Wayne, IN)
Good book club book!
After a rather slow start, I found myself finding this book harder to put down as the story progressed! I think this would be a great book club pick - I think I'll suggest it for my own.
P.S. I do think this would best be read in one sitting or a couple of large "chunks". Enjoy!
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Phyllis R. (East New Market, MD)
Gifts of War by Mackenzie Ford
From its striking opening scene during the Christmas Truce of 1914, Gifts of War follows the fortunes of 23-year-old Henry Montgomery. Wounded and sent home, Hal contacts the fiancee of the German officer he met, but falls in love with her himself. How that relationship progresses and Hal's career in Intelligence present the main narrative lines. There is good pacing of action, and suspense is maintained by questions about a developing relationship based in part on deceit. A different perspective of the war is shown through the working of the Intelligence Department. The characters are well realized, and the ending unpredictable. Involves the reader both intellectually and emotionally.
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