The Care and Management of Lies

A Novel of the Great War

By: Jacqueline Winspear

Narrated by: Nicola Barber

Length: 9 hrs and 44 mins

Publisher's summary

The New York Times best-selling author of the Maisie Dobbs series turns her prodigious talents to this World War I standalone novel, a lyrical drama of love struggling to survive in a damaged, fractured world.

By July 1914, the ties between Kezia Marchant and Thea Brissenden, friends since girlhood, have become strained - by Thea's passionate embrace of women's suffrage, and by the imminent marriage of Kezia to Thea's brother, Tom, who runs the family farm. When Kezia and Tom wed, just a month before war is declared between Britain and Germany, Thea's gift to Kezia is a book on household management - a veiled criticism of the bride's prosaic life to come. Yet when Tom enlists to fight for his country and Thea is drawn reluctantly onto the battlefield, the farm becomes Kezia's responsibility. Each must find a way to endure the ensuing cataclysm and turmoil.

As Tom marches to the front lines, and Kezia battles to keep her ordered life from unraveling, they hide their despair in letters and cards filled with stories woven to bring comfort. Even Tom's fellow soldiers in the trenches enter and find solace in the dream world of Kezia's mouth-watering, albeit imaginary meals. But will well-intended lies and self-deception be of use when they come face to face with the enemy?

Published to coincide with the centennial of the Great War, The Care and Management of Lies paints a poignant picture of love and friendship strained by the pain of separation and the brutal chaos of battle. Ultimately, it raises profound questions about conflict, belief, and love that echo in our own time.

©2014 Jacqueline Winspear (P)2014 HarperCollins Publishers

Thoughtfully told experiences from many WWI participants

World War One had many lies. Many of the atrocities of the war were not told to the people. However life did go on as every day life does. What was it like for the wife left behind, the husband who was shamed into going, the sister who opposed the war and many others. You had to get on with life.

Beautiful story that reminds us of love in the middle of the cost of war.

I enjoyed this story. The narrative was done very well. I connected to each of the characters - very well written.

I love the meal preparation! I understand…

Although it took a little bit for me to get into the book, I loved it! I loved it's true to life nature. I had high hopes that it would end differently but I'm sure that is exactly what happened too many times. I loved the meal preparation! I understand. That is how I show my love for my family… Cooking for them. No, it's not Maisie Dobbs but it is good, very good.

LIke the story but want another Maisie Dobbs

It was a good listen,probably true to what those who lived through WWI experienced. I really hope, though, that we get more Maisie Dobbs stories from Ms. Winspear.

On the keeper shelf

I loved this story- it was an audio listen. Narration was wonderful and the story gripping. It takes place in WW1 and the sense of time and place is well set, the characters fleshed out and believable. I don't want to give anything away but will say I was surprised by the many twists and turns of the novel and moved the ending.

A Jaqueline Winspear Surprise!

This was unlike the other Winspear books I have read. There is no mystery or intrigue just a solid story about two young British girls who were best friends and came of age as WWI was unfolding. The character development is solid and the story melancholic. It's a well done "stand alone" in the way William Kent Krueger's stand Aline's stand out from his serial mysteries. It will make a nice Book Club choice.

A reminder of the truth of World War I

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

Not particularly, but I know enough history so that the book was not enlightening to me.I can imagine that someone who doesn't know much about World War I era history would find this more interesting. Also, I agree with the previous reviewer that the best part of the book for me was the description of life on a farm in Kent. I did like her characters too, but I didn't invest in them emotionally because of my knowledge of WWI.

If you’ve listened to books by Jacqueline Winspear before, how does this one compare?

I really, really like the Maisie Dobbs series, so this one doesn't come close for me, but it is well-written, it is just not a book I need to read/listen to.

What about Nicola Barber’s performance did you like?

She did a very good job. Her voices were well-differentiated and felt very real.

Could you see The Care and Management of Lies being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

No, there are much better portrayals of the so-called Great War.

Any additional comments?

The word matriculate is used incorrectly numerous times; it seems to be used as a synonym for graduation when in fact it means the opposite, the formal enrollment in a college or university (or school).

Acknowledge the 100th anniversary of WWI

Where does The Care and Management of Lies rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

One of the best of this year so far

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Care and Management of Lies?

Too many to choose

What about Nicola Barber’s performance did you like?

Good with voices but even better with "stiff upper lip" emotional restraint

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

While expecting it, the ending was so sad.

Equally Exquisite and compelling fiction

Winspear flawlessly weaves (dare I say, bakes) the narratives of four interconnected characters against the landscape of the war to end all wars. A must read/listen for anyone drawn to beautifully constructed passages and insight regarding what it means to be an individual confronted with the decisions that war demands.

great story

It is a great story with fully developed characters, definitely worth the listen.
was hoping for a mystery, but not disappointed