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Wow! Simon Tolkien the Author of “No Man’s Land” has written a literary masterpiece and thought-provoking saga that explores the devastation of war, the disparity of class, and both good and evil in human beings. The Genres for this novel are Historical Fiction, Coming of Age, Military Historical Fiction, Friendship Fiction, Family Fiction with a touch of Romance. I am most fascinated by Simon Tolkien’s vivid descriptions of conditions in London 1910, and World War One, and the dramatic, colorful, complicated and complex characters. I appreciate the author’s extensive historical research and details in the various characters during the timely tragic events.
The Protagonist of the story Adam Raines, has been dealt a cruel hand from his childhood, when his mother was killed in an accident. Adam’s father believes in worker’s rights, and unions, and they move to a mining town, where the mines prove to be unsafe, dangerous and deadly. When Adam’s father is killed, Adam is given the opportunity to escape the poverty he has experienced, and is invited into the home of an Aristocrat, Sir John Scarsdale, who he helped during an uprising. Adam is able to attend a university, but there is danger and jealousy lurking at Sir John’s residence. Adam has some friends and relatives that he is close to from the time he was in the mine. His new benefactor is not at all pleased.
The author has woven a tapestry that connects emotional feeling such as betrayals, jealousy, greed, lies, deception, manipulation, hopelessness, and murder. I was left flabbergasted by the author’s description of how despair colored many of the soldiers’ actions during the war. I appreciate that the author discusses the importance of loyalty, communication, friends, family, love and hope. I highly recommend this memorable and thought-provoking novel.
Linda's Book Obsession: 