Over By Christmas

This well researched book describes life in the early years of WW1. It is not as you might think a boring history lesson but looks at life and conditions as they were during this period. There is a love story that illustrates all too clearly how little influence women of that time held, leading to Emmeline Pankhurst and her suffrage movement. The Coronel Disaster where two British battleships are sunk with no survivors by a superior German Fleet is brillantly told and must have the reader wondering how these great ships which look invincible when alongside in Portsmouth Dockyard are really nothing more than death traps. The Gallipoli campaign is well told, in particular the conversations at the British Admiralty between Asquith, Fisher, Churchill and others provide a valuable background and understanding as to why these disasters occur. There is much much more in this book which Bill writes in his convincing and easy to read style and the end came all too quickly. Congratulations on a great effort and put me on the list for OBC2.

Over By Christmas (1/1 people found this helpful)

For a first novel this is a riveting read. Written by an ex Naval Officer this well researched book brings fact and fiction together and I would suggest also his own naval experiences. The battle scenes are first class. I look forward to reading more and expect to see more books on the shelf from William Daysh

Brilliant story of love, political intrigue, and world war (0/0 people found this helpful)

At last, a magnificent work of romance and war by a British author who knows what he's writing about. Ex-Royal Navy officer William Daysh has captured the sweep and vastness of World War One sea battles, when the English Navy was supreme and Germany was determined to destroy it. His wonderfully-described scenes of thunderous naval duels are counterpoint to a story of unrequited (or is it?) love between the British Prime Minister and the young Venetia Stanley, an emotionally-ripping affair that caught him just as Britain was going to war in 1914. From the book: "The direction of Britain's war effort was...in the hands of decision makers wracked by divisive argument, led by a lovelorn Prime Minister plagued by emotional distractions."
It is the story also of a young Royal Navy gunner coming of age through intense tragedy and his own journey through life, love, and heart-breaking loss. Daysh's combat scenes on land and at sea are some of the very best I have ever read, the tender moments among the principals are lovely, and his gift for details and dialogue make "Over By Christmas" a splendid adventure. A grand tale such as this is the result of masterly talent and, without question, extensive research and dedication to crafting a terrific book. I won't give away the surprising ending but I cannot wait for "OBC II"! It's fun to imagine what actors will play which parts when "Over By Christmas" comes to the big screen, as it truly deserves.

A breath of fresh air !! (1/1 people found this helpful)

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.

William Daysh

Reader Reviews:

Mike Power (0/0 people found this helpful)