Over By Christmas is a breath of fresh air. At last, here is a book about life in the Great War from the Royal Navy's perspective. It is a "factional" novel in which the author uniquely brings to life many of the powerful, historical characters who were strutting the world stage at that time, making them integral to the fictional world he creates for the loves and lives of ordinary people both on the home front and at sea.
There is something for everyone here -- wonderfully descriptive accounts of explosive action at sea and on the beaches at Gallipoli, as well as strong characterisation, tender romance and a love triangle -- complete with betrayals -- on the home front. Over-arching all is the intriguing factual story of the British Prime Minister's obsessive love for a young society woman while his warlords are bickering among themselves and courting dire circumstances.
Over By Christmas is an absorbing read. I couldn't put it down and I highly recommend it to both male and female readers.
