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.

Sexy Time for Ike! Wowsa!

I did not expect much from this book. The cover art was kind of predictable and mundane, but I grabbed it. Could not stop listening for the next 3 days. I don't care whether they were or were not lovers I just love a good tale well told and this was it. Terrific Narration. Deserves every one of these 5 stars.

DISHONEST IKE!

I very much disliked this story. I can’t believe there were positive reviews about this book. There was only one likable character is the whole story. That of course was Kay. Ike couldn’t have been a more demanding & ugly person.
I regret listening to this book. There was no love story here. Just an account of a pretty young woman being taken advantage of by her military superior/boss during the end of World II.
Tale as old as time & a man I would call slime.

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

TMI?

Maybe it’s because he is an historical figure who was alive during my childhood but I felt like a voyeur reading the sex scenes. It was uncomfortable - but maybe that’s my problem. When the protagonist lived well before you were born there is distance and elapsed time; it takes you out of the picture and somehow descriptions of physical intimacy are not cringe inducing the way this was. Henry VIII; ok. Eisenhower? Not so much.

good story

I loved this. I learned alot about troop movement. fun details about "The Boss"

Best read in a long time

I was not familiar with this story and the writing, narration, and timing struck just the right chord to rate my first all 5’s.

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.

Loved this listen.

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

Interesting!

Great narration. Interesting story. Great historical details and the extra characters in the book, mothers, friends, reporters etc. add to the quality of the story.