The author, Mackenzie Ford, has created a most original story about WWI titled Gifts of War.  It is hard to imagine anyone being able to say anything new about WWI.  That is the reason I use the term original.  Mr. Ford uses a point of view that I doubt has ever told the wide panoramic picture of this war.  He writes about scenes of raw trench fighting, civilians’ deprivations, medical breakthroughs, spy intrigues, suspense on the home front, on the war front and he most skillfully handles the terror of mental anguish caused by uncivilised acts.

The principal character, Henry Montgomery, tells his story in an honest confession style.  Hal, as he is called, has a secret that he alone knows all the parts and he keeps it until the end.  We know what the secret is but we do not know if, and/or when he might reveal it to the woman he loves.  It may seem strange that the major theme of a war story is a special kind of love story but so it is.  Don’t think that Mr. Ford skimps on the true ugliness of this war - no, he handles that in his almost documentation of events.
 

I liked this book very much.  It kept my interest without ever a lag or even a slow down of action.  I highly recommend this for historic accuracy and beautiful sensitivity in displaying love of country, family, wife, children, lovers and humanity.  I am looking forward to the next book from Mackenzie Ford.

Check out Gifts of War by Mackenzie Ford.

Book Review by Mary Lou Stein

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