Unravelled
by M. K. Tod
In October 1935, Edward Jamieson’s memories of war and a passionate love affair resurface when an invitation to a WWI memorial ceremony arrives. Though reluctant to visit the scenes of horror he has spent years trying to forget, Edward succumbs to the unlikely possibility of discovering what happened to Helene Noisette, the woman he once pledged to marry. Travelling through the French countryside with his wife Ann, Edward sees nothing but reminders of war. After a chance encounter with Helene at the dedication ceremony, Edward’s past puts his present life in jeopardy. When WWII erupts a few years later, Edward is quickly caught up in the world of training espionage agents, while Ann counsels grieving women and copes with the daily threats facing those she loves. And once again, secrets and war threaten the bonds of marriage.
With events unfolding in France, England and Canada, Unravelled is a compelling novel of love, duty and sacrifice set amongst the turmoil of two world wars.
(Word count 110,00; available as ebook, print, and audiobook)
An absorbing story of marriage and war
by CarolB
Unravelled is the absorbing story of a marriage challenged by infidelity and the stresses of two world wars. Edward Jamieson fought in WWI. During that time, he had an affair with a woman he never stopped loving even though they lost contact after the war and he went home to Canada where he married Ann and they had two children. A reunion in France re-surfaces both Edward’s war memories and his former lover. As Edward and Ann address these problems, another World War compounds the challenges they face.
Author M.K. Tod’s meticulous research into the battles of both World Wars and the affects these wars had on soldiers and their families makes for reading that will satisfy any reader of historical fiction. We see the effect of Edward’s battle experiences vividly as Tod skillfully moves back and forth between Edward’s present life and his time in the trenches of the Great War. As World War II takes center stage, Edward must face his demons again. Meanwhile, his wife Ann sees the war from another side as she volunteers to work with grieving women and attempts to keep her family and herself together.
Tod shares both Edward and Ann’s points of view thoroughly and honestly. Another thing I particularly liked about this novel was how it delved into the impact of secrets on relationships. Secrets caused by infidelity. Secrets caused by war. The characters are complex and the author does not choose the easy way out for anyone. An excellent debut novel.
5.0 out of 5 Stars
by Maryline
I loved how ‘Unravelled’ showed you both sides of the war: the political, the fighting in the trenches (to story we all “know” best), but also the human side. The struggles that go on in their private lives. How the war effects their relationships, but also what effect it has on their family and loved ones. It was very emotional to read about the heartache those who got ‘left behind’ had the endure: the mothers, fathers, wives, sisters, sons, daughters. To me, M.K. Tod’s writing is a tribute to those ‘silent victims’ of the war. Those without memorial services or statues.
What a debut! It captivated me from the very first page until the very last and frequently moved me to tears.
