©2006 Barbara Cleverly; (P)2007 Soundings
"Fun Fictional History"
Tug of War is an entertaining period piece filled with clearly drawn characters and following an enjoyably mysterious plot. The reader is very good.
trying to see the world with my ears
"better than average Cleverly"
I listen to Cleverly's Sandilands mysteries for light listens as I go about my chores -Most contain pretty mundane mysteries but with bits of setting and history interest for fans of historical fiction, without the heavy violence of some of the genre. When Cleverly tries to direct her hero into romance, the results can be laughable (must have taken dialogue lessons form Ken Follet). Tug of War avoids the romance and, through memory and mystery, explores bits of the human and darker sides of WWI (like Jacqueline Winspear). She gets more respect as an author from me after this one.