Ike and Kay

By: James MacManus

Narrated by: Henrietta Meire

Length: 8 hrs and 35 mins

Publisher's summary

The sweeping love story at the heart of the Second World War, vividly reimagining General Eisenhower and Kay Summersby's infamous, star-crossed affair

In his latest historical novel Ike and Kay, acclaimed author James MacManus brings to life an unbelievably true and controversial romance and the poignant characters and personalities that shaped the course of world history.

In 1942, Kay Summersby's life is changed forever when she is conscripted to drive General Eisenhower on his fact-finding visit to wartime London. Despite Eisenhower's marriage to Mamie, the pair takes an immediate liking to each other, and he buys Kay a rare wartime luxury: a box of chocolates.

So begins a tumultuous relationship that, against all military regulation, sees Kay traveling with Eisenhower on missions to far-flung places before the final assault on Nazi Germany. The general does dangerously little to conceal his affair with the woman widely 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 citizenship and rank in the US army, drawing her closer still when he returns to America. When officials 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...

Based on the scandalous true story of General Eisenhower's secret World War II love affair, Ike and Kay is a compelling story of love, duty, sacrifice, and heartbreak set against the backdrop of the most tumultuous period of the 20th century.

©2018 James MacManus (P)2018 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

A historical insight

Very interesting for its historical context, but the narrator was somewhat irritating as repeated sentences took on the same rhythm and intonation.

I loved it!

Insights into the European theater of WWII that were very well narrated. So much that I was not aware of. Worth the time.

Easy to listen too

The narrator does a great job. Great story and very romantic. Adds another dimension to WW2.
SpacestationArk

Loved this listen.

As A Fan of WWII and political history, I couldn’t turn it off until done! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Fascinating

I loved the story. It was a bit soapy but it was a satisfying listen. Who knows how much truth there is here about how far the romance went but as historical fiction it was fun. I liked the narrator but I wish she had not made the male voices so flat and completely artificial sounding. That’s my only complaint.

Very interesting.

This book put you into the lives of or war leaders and sacrifices they made.

Excruciating

The problem with this book is the patriarchal, authoritarian subject matter. The unethical behavior of both, while understandable given the situation, does not inspire empathy. The way Kay Sommersby was treated by a supposed American “leader” is a good example of someone who doesn’t have a conscience.

Eisenhower’s best kept secret

The story of Ike and Kay reads like a novel, but is well researched historical fiction of Ike’s life while stationed in Europe. Beautifully narrated and interesting from start to finish, “Ike and Kay” reveals the human side of this 5 star General and the relationship that kept him grounded & focused helping him to succeed in winning the War. A personal peek into the private lives of Ike, Kay and the ever patient, Mrs. Eisenhower.

Touching

How many people can relate to this story. In a time when men held all the power. and women had to get what they could for themselves

Extremely interesting “other side of the story”.

I really enjoyed this book, and felt it was based on credible information. Most of us will never experience the intensity of war, and I found it entirely plausible that their relationship would have become deeply dependent and emotional. One can only imagine the stress Eisenhower endured during those years. No doubt that once the war ended, the outside pressures on Eisenhower made him realize his hope of a more permanent relationship with Kay was futile and anathema to his political ambitions.
I also enjoyed the narrator, and the story is very engrossing.