Ike and Kay - Hardcover

'A cracking wartime romance; sensitively and engagingly told' --Roger Moorhouse, author of Berlin at War

'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

'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

'This portrayal of the long relationship between Eisenhower and his driver Kay Summersby uncovers a corner of the war's emotional texture not found in the grand narratives of history. MacManus weaves a touching, involving story of duty and heartbreak' Annie Murray, author of War Babies, Chocolate Girls, and Sisters of Gold

'A wonderful love story about two people thrown together by war a story that is so much more involving and heart-wrenching for being a re-telling of a true secret history. I loved the drama of the setting and the fresh perspective on the momentous events leading up to the Allied assault on Nazi Germany; and I found Kay totally engaging, believed in her, wanted the best for her. Ike and Kay is an utterly compelling read' --Margaret Leroy, author of The Drowning Girl

PRAISE FOR PREVIOUS NOVEL MIDNIGHT IN BERLIN

'A lone-man-hunting-Hitler story... seething with intrigue and danger' The Times

'A gripping, atmospheric thriller... Fans of Philip Kerr and David Downing will love it' Roger Moorhouse, author of Berlin at War

'A cracking novel which totally grips' --Daily Mail

Acclaimed author and managing director of The Times Literary Supplement, James MacManus, creates a compelling historical novel that brings to life an unbelievable but true love story set during the Second World War. In 1942, Cork-born Kay Summersby's life is changed forever when she is tasked with driving General Eisenhower on his fact-finding visit to wartime London. Despite Eisenhower's marriage to Mamie, the pair takes an immediate liking to one another and he gifts Kay a rare wartime luxury: a box of chocolates. So begins a tumultuous relationship that against all military regulation sees Kay travelling with Eisenhower on missions to far flung places before the final assault on Nazi Germany. She becomes known as "Ike's shadow" and in letters Mamie bemoans his new obsession with 'Ireland'. That does not stop him from using his influence to grant Kay US citizenship and rank in the US army, drawing her closer when he returns to America. When the US authorities discover Eisenhower's plans to divorce from his wife they threaten the fragile but passionate affair and Kay is forced to take desperate measures to hold onto the man she loves...