A Novel of the Great War (P.S. (Paperback)) - The Care and Management of Lies

Thought Provoking Read! I love reading WWI British literature. This book gives an insightful look into the lives of those involved in WWI. While trying to uplift and maintain the spirits of loved ones on the battlefields of Europe and those remaining at home, the realities of life are carefully managed.

This book made me miss Maisie Dobbs more than ever. Characters were well drawn but, overall, the book was simply depressing. WWI England wasn't the happiest of places but doom and gloom is the order of the day in this book.

I have learned so much! Ms. Winspear has chronicled the horrors And also the mundaneness of war, how regular folks struggled on at home and women's place amongst it all. Wonderfully written, I found it hard to put down. Next; her new Maisie Dobbs book!

I love all of Jacqueline Winspear's books. She brings history to life and her characters, especially Maisie, let you face feelings that you might rather not look at and deal with. We all want to avoid painful feelings and going through them with the honesty she gives her characters helps you to deal with your own.

I enjoyed this book overall and appreciated the focus on the home front during the war, as well as various other issues that women faced at the time. However, the ending was extremely disappointing. It seemed to happen fast, as if the author was in a rush to finish, which was a rather unsatisfying and disappointing way to bring the story threads to a conclusion.

Jacqueline Winspear's writing is as always superb. The story, not a Maisie Dobbs series was well written and interesting sometimes somewhat like the early Maisie books, yet a whole different story and feeling. It was a gentle warm book yet very tragic and sad. I loved it.

Beautiful and iconic novel! Just lovely from beginning to end! Thank you, Jacqueline Winspear for all the pleasure you have given to me with your inspired writing and all you have taught me about the early 20th century. Is it possible that this stand-alone novel could also become a series? Am VERY interested to read more about the lovely and courageous Kezia Brissenden.

In the spirit of Jacqueline Winspear, this was classic. She continues to tell stories in a style that is so visible, one feels present in the story. The love and devotion expressed in this tale, was precious. I've given the book as a gift twice already.

As with al Winsppear books, it is well written, but I felt that the story line did not compare to her Maisie Dobbs books. I found that in spite of the horrific circumstances of World War I, I did not really care about the fate of the characters.

When I downloaded this book, I assumed it was part of the Maisie Dobbs series and was a little disappointed that it wasn't. Winspear has a talent for crafting a story, but this tale left me bewildered. The introduction has you bouncing from character to character and unfortunately, it never seems to gel. I kept hoping that this would somehow meld into a great piece of literature, It it never did.
That said, it is worth a read just for the historical insight, but don't expect to be entertained. I write cookbooks and I couldn't even stand the plethora of recipes that just didn't advance the plot. This is definitely the worst of her books.

Ms. Winspear's Massie Dodd series are an interesting read. The references to politics and related issues in addition to the "story line" of the characters lends another level of interest. As with her other Massie Dodd stories, it provides a quick read.

This is a lovely book, a wonderful evocation of life during the Great War. Winspear did a terrific job bringing to life time and place, and skillfully wove food descriptions into the plot, almost like another character. Highly recommended.

Sad, difficult read but so important to remind us of he horrors of war and the toll it takes on us and our humanity. It must have been hard to write but thank you JW for making Maisie Dobbs' world more real. Wish all the folks who make decisions on taking up arms could read this.