The Care and Management of Lies: A Great War Novel

The Maisie Dobbs series, a best-selling work by The New York Times author, has now turned its focus to a stand-alone novel set during World War I. This book is a lyrical exploration of love struggling to survive in a damaged, fractured world. The story revolves around the strained relationship between Kezia Marchant and Thea Brissenden, who have been friends since they were young girls. The source of tension between them is Thea's passionate support for women's suffrage and Kezia's upcoming marriage to Thea's brother, Tom, who oversees the family farm.

As war is declared between Britain and Germany in July 1914, Tom and Kezia hurry to get married, leaving Thea feeling alienated. Thea's wedding gift to Kezia is a book on household management, which serves as a thinly-veiled critique of the conventional life that awaits Kezia. When Tom enlists in the army and Thea is reluctantly pulled into the chaos of the battlefield, the responsibility of managing the farm falls on Kezia's shoulders. Each of them must find a way to endure the ensuing cataclysm and turmoil.

As Tom goes off to fight and Kezia struggles to maintain order in her life, they share their despair through letters and cards filled with stories designed to bring each other comfort. Kezia's imaginary descriptions of mouth-watering meals even provide solace to Tom's fellow soldiers in the trenches. However, the question remains: Will well-intentioned lies and self-deception hold any value when they are confronted with the enemy?

Published to coincide with the centennial of the Great War, The Care and Management of Lies offers a poignant portrayal of love and friendship strained by the anguish of separation and the brutal chaos of battle. Ultimately, it raises profound questions about conflict, belief, and love that continue to resonate in our own time.

product information: