In anticipation of the 100th anniversary of WWI, introducing a debut novel by Canadian author M.K. Tod.
UNRAVELLED by M.K. Tod
Two wars. Two affairs. One marriage. Set at the intersection of love and war, Unravelled delivers a page-turning mixture of emotion and sacrifice.
Book Review -Unravelled by M. K. Tod
Unravelled is the story of a couple Edward and Ann
Jamieson and their relationship and how it is impacted by two world wars. The
author delves into both husband and wife’s reactions to difficult conditions
and distance war can bring to a marriage. The writer has done a lot of research
and it shows with the attention to small details about the husband’s jobs in
the wars and other character’s occupation’s descriptions. Reading about war is
often fraught with tears for the reader, due to the carnage done in the two world wars and this
book is no exception as the reader gets to experience the war through the
writer’s character’s eyes. While I
thoroughly enjoyed this book, I felt the book could be divided into two parts.
The writer could have started with Edward participating in in World War 1 and it’s
aftermath on the main character afterwards and then the second book starting with
World War II and how it affected the couple.
Anyone who enjoys character rich and historically accurate world war books will enjoy this novel. This manuscript shows the gritty
underside of war and how it affects not only soldiers, but those left behind and
how we struggle to make sense of it all, while still trying to maintain
relationships in a crumbling world.
31/2*** out of 5*****
Check back tomorrow on Well Read for your chance to read an excerpt for Unravelled but if you'd like to win this book scroll down to the bottom of this post and follow the Rafflecopter instructions below.
More from the author on Unravelled-
Toronto, October 1935. An invitation to the Vimy war memorial dedication unlocks Edward Jamieson’s memories of WWI and of Helene Noisette, the French lover he left behind.
France, July 1936. Amidst mounting fears of Hitler’s intentions, Edward and his wife Ann travel to France where a chance encounter with Helene has fateful consequences.
Toronto, June 1942. Edward has been recruited to serve with an espionage training camp while Ann runs a support centre for women who have lost husbands and sons. The war grinds on. Losses mount. And secrets invade the couple's marriage.
Did you ever wish you had asked your grandparents about WWI or WWII? Did your grandfather refuse to talk about it at all? These wars are distant and yet oddly tangible for we all know people who lived through them. Unravelled offers insights into the heartbreak, turmoil, deprivation, and incredible stress of the men and women who struggled to survive.
'A sweeping story of love and war with much of the style of Brief Encounter and the passionate intensity of Birdsong.' Jenny Barden, author of Mistress of the Sea
Unravelled 'deftly illuminates the subtle stirrings of the human heart as movingly as it depicts the horrors of battle.' Barbara Kyle, author of Blood Between Queens
'A beautiful rendering of the healing journey of two war torn hearts.' Elisabeth Storrs, author of The Golden Dice
'A compulsive and convincing read.' Helen Hollick, author of historical fiction and historical adventure
'M.K. Tod's Unravelled beautifully evokes an era of heightened tension, in which her characters' decisions become all the more heart-rending.' Anne Easter Smith, author of A Rose for the Crown
'An engrossing historical saga.' Sarah Johnson, Historical Novel Society Book Review Editor and author of two historical fiction guides
~~~~~
M.K. Tod had a successful business career until a move to Hong Kong prompted an unexpected hiatus. Using that time to research her family history ultimately resulted in Unravelled and a new career as a writer. Beyond her debut novel, Mary has written two other novels with WWI settings. She blogs at awriterofhistory.com and is a book reviewer for the Historical Novel Society. In 2012, Mary conducted a unique international reader survey on the topic of historical fiction.
UNRAVELLED release date: September 19, 2013.
A book launch event for UNRAVELLED will be held on October 8, 2013 starting at 7 p.m. at the Duke of York at 39 Prince Arthur Avenue in Toronto, Canada.
Visit A Writer Of History for more information.
Unravelled is available in paperback and e-book formats from Amazon (US, Canada and elsewhere), Nook, Kobo, Google Play and iTunes.
CONNECT WITH M.K. TOD
Blog: A Writer Of History
Facebook Page: M.K. Tod Author
Twitter: @MKTodAuthor
GoodReads: M.K. Tod
If you like to win this book in your choice book or e-book form from the author and Bookalicious fill out this ballot following instructions.Contest runs from September 24, 2013 to October 1, 2013
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This blog is great and awesome stuff about world war 2 books I got lots of things from that thank so much...
ReplyDeleteI hope you'll give Unravelled a try! Feedback is always welcome
DeleteThe book sounds intriguing.
ReplyDeleteThanks Catherine ... I tried hard to make it intriguing :-)
DeleteI love books set in this time period of history. Find the story intriguing that it covers both world wars. Looking forward to reading it.
ReplyDeleteThanks Terry, I'm obsessed with this time period ... good luck with the contest!
ReplyDeleteI would like to read this book because I like romantic intrigue and it also has an historical aspect.
ReplyDeleteBonnie
Thanks for your interest, Bonnie.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteFind this story interesting because it's been awhile since I've read a novel with war as the theme and incorporating the historical facts of the two WW as well as bringing romance into the mix. Look forward to reading this novel.
ReplyDeleteBeen awhile since I've read a war themed story incorporating historical aspects into the novel as well as including a love, romantic touch to the story. I look forward to checking out this novel with a Canadian touch to it.
ReplyDelete