Early One Morning

Morning, Noon And Night Trilogy #1

by Robert Ryan

In the flamboyant Twenties, Englishman William Grover-Williams and Frenchman Robert Benoist were fierce rivals racing their elegant Bugattis on the glittering European race circuits. Not only is the World Championship in their sights, but they have both fallen for the sensuous charms of the extravagantly beautiful Eve Aubicq.

But when war breaks out, everything changes. Paris is in the iron-grip of German occupation and Robert and William join the Special Operations Executive to help the French Resistance undermine the brutal occupying regime. Their missions involve utmost courage and daring in the face of the horrors of war. Based on a true story of British covert activity and the French Resistance during the Second World War, this is a gripping novel of heroism, self-sacrifice, love and betrayal.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, War, Thriller, World War II, France

343 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

About the author

aka Tom Neale

Robert Ryan was born in Liverpool but moved to London when he was eighteen to attend university. He lectured in natural sciences for several years before moving into journalism in the mid-1980s, first with The Face and then the Dylan Jones-edited Arena. During this time, he also wrote for The Daily Telegraph, US GQ, US Conde Nast Traveler, Esquire and The Sunday Times.

Robert Ryan lives in North London with his wife and three children.

Reviews

[Tony · Rating 3 out of 5]

Early One Morning is the “fictionalised” story of the two lives of William Grover-Williams. A successful English racing driver in the 1920’s and 30’s, living in France and racing his Bugatti under the name “Williams”, he won a number of Grand Prix including the inaugural race at Monaco in 1929. To this day, there’s a statue of him driving his Bugatti at the first corner of the circuit in Monaco. When WW2 broke out he joined up, eventually returning to France with the SOE, where he recruited equally successful racing drivers Robert Benoist and Jean-Pierre Wimillie.

I have a huge love for motorsports, especially pre-war. I also have a deep interest in WW2. So this should easily have been a five star read for me. Unfortunately not even my love of the subject could make up for the lack of depth, two dimensional characters, and the slightly cheesy, romanticised narrative.

[Elizabeth (Alaska) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This starts out well enough and then seems to hit a lull. I began to think I'd over-estimated my enthusiasm. But what I felt was a lull was necessary for me to feel the full import of what was to come.

The three main characters were real people. William Grover-Williams was a winning race car driver beginning in the late 1920s when he won the first ever Monaco Grand Prix. Robert Benoist was at first a competitor and then Williams' best friend. Eve Aubicq was the mistress of the painter Sir William Orpen, though that status would change.

The early parts about the cars and racing was interesting. I wanted to check Wikipedia and see photos of the cars. Then the war broke out and these three, living in France, get caught up in it. Although this is definitely a novel and Ryan says he played with some of the facts, that Benoist and Williams played their part is factual.

The writing is good enough. The characterizations are very well done. The plot, especially in the latter half, is enough for those who want a lot of plot. When I thought there was a lull, I questioned whether or not I would continue the series. I have no doubts I will, though when I'll find myself in front of The Blue Noon is an open question - only because I have just. so. many. books I want to read. If this isn't 5-stars it is very close, but I'll opt for just 4-stars today.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as a digital ARC from the publisher through Net Galley in return for an honest review.


This book is based on a true story three main characters: William Grover-Williams, a former driver for Sir William Orpen, Robert Benoist, a French Grand Prix motor racing driver, and Jean-Pierre Wimille, Benoist’s partner as a motor racing driver as well.


William Grover-Williams at the 1931 Grand Prix de Belgique

Together with Williams, they worked as special agents for the Special Operations Executive (SOE) in France.


Robert Benoist at the 1927 French Grand Prix

Both Williams and Robert fall in love with Eve Aubicq.

The author brilliantly describes the between wars period in France through the Grand Prix racetracks, showing the beginning of the 20’s decadence in Paris. Some historical personages are also mentioned into the narrative, such as Charles Chaplin and Maurice Chevalier.

The plot describes very well the underground work performed by the members of the Resistance, how they faced while captured by the Nazis and how they were betrayed to the Germans.

By using the flashback technique, moving the narrative back and forward to the present days, the author tries to elucidate the cause of the deaths of Williams and Benoist. Not all authors managed to use this technique without loosing track of the main plot. This was not the case with Robert Ryan.

This is one of the best books I’ve ever read on the French Resistance. Since this is the first book the Morning, Noon and Night series, I am planning to read its sequel, The Blue Noon.

Another two interesting books to be read on this subject:

A Life in Secrets: Vera Atkins and the Missing Agents of WWII by Sarah Helm

Is Paris Burning? by Larry Collins and Dominique Lapierre. I absolutely loved the movie made based on this book.

[LindyLouMac · Rating 4 out of 5]

http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/4...

If I had judged this title by the artwork on its cover or the blurb on the back cover I doubt that I would have chosen to read it. Based on my husband’s recommendation I decided to give it a try. I am so glad that I did as somewhat to my surprise I thoroughly enjoyed this story of the resistance movement in France during WWII.
What made it particularly intriguing was that this novel is based on real events and inspired by the protagonists of the story who were real people. William Grover, an Englishman and Robert Benoist both drove for Bugatti on the European Race Circuits and I believe that to this day trophies in their names are raced for. Eve Aubicq was the beautiful woman whose charms they both fell for. Their relationships and friendships are tested to the limits as these two brave men work for the British government behind enemy lines.
In 2001 a car that has remained submerged since WWII is retrieved from an Austrian Lake. We are then told the incredible story of the devotion and bravery leading up to this event.
At times Early One Morning is emotional and disturbing but it is certainly well worth reading.

[A Reader's Heaven · Rating 3 out of 5]

(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)

On a crisp autumn night in the twenty-first century, a car is pulled from the depths of an Austrian lake. A skeleton grips the wheel. Finally, an answer: William Grover-Williams, the premier English race-car driver of his generation and a hero of the French Resistance, met his end at the bottom of a mountain lake.
Or did he?
In the Roaring Twenties, Grover-Williams and Frenchman Robert Benoist were teammates and rivals on the Bugatti racing team. Locked in a fierce competition for the world championship, they also raced to win the heart of the gorgeous Eve Aubicq. Then the war changed everything—and nothing. As members of the British Special Operations Executive, Grover-Williams and Benoist dashed across France in support of the Resistance, but it wasn’t just the Nazis they had to watch out for. Double agents were everywhere, and friendship—or love, for that matter—was no guarantee of loyalty. Every morning, Will, Robert, and Eve had to look in the mirror and ask: Whom can I trust today? The wrong answer might just have spelled their doom.

*3.5 stars*

This one was a little hit or miss for me.

Let me start by saying that I was intrigued by the premise - a battle of two men for the affections of a woman, both in motorcars and then as spies in support of the Resistance. The double agents, espionage, friendships and romances were enough to ensure a hit novel, wasn't it?

Well, it was - for the most part. I was immediately impressed with the author's research. I could certainly sense that I was reading about the 1920's - and then WW2. It isn't easy to achieve that across the length of a book but, to his credit, the author has done that very well.

However, the middle third of the book really dragged on for me. It was like the premise was set, the plot was moving along, the ending decided...then let's have a break and waffle a bit. That was really disappointing as I was fully into the story by then.

But, in the authors defence, the last 75 pages or so were a cracking read and earned back a little bit of praise from me. I am no author but I do think that this could have been even better with a little more editing...


Paul
ARH

[Christopher Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was very good. Set mainly in the 1920's and then during wartime in France with a few chapters in 2001. Great story of two racing drivers who became involved with the Resistance during the war. I had no idea when I was reading it that the main characters were real people who had largely acted in the way described in the book. This is only explained in a brief chapter from the author at the end. If anything this makes the book more interesting. I have enjoyed Robert Ryan's books greatly and this is another to add. Definitely recommended.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well written and exciting story of three Grand Prix drivers who wind up working for the SOE in France during WW2. Partially fact and partially fiction, great characters and intriguing relationships. Ryan gives a brief account of fact and fiction in his Author's Notes at the back of this book. Great book for GP fans and WW2 fans.

Now to read "Grand Prix Saboteurs" by Joe Saward to see how much is fact and how much is fiction.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some of the things that real people accomplish in their lives so far surpass what we can imagine. William Grover-Williams went from rich kid to chauffeur to British spy-what a life he had!

We first meet William Grover-Williams as a young man trying to get out from under his parents thumb and getting into some trouble doing it. When we meet him again he’s working as a chauffeur for the famous portrait artist William Orpen; and he meets his mistress, the beautiful Eve. I would have liked more about Eve. According to Ryan’s story she became Orpen’s lover as a teenager and he alludes to the trauma she went through due to the Germans, but never really goes back to it. I think I would have enjoyed Eve even more throughout the book if she had been a more developed character.

That being said I did enjoy how Ryan wrote Grover-Williams and his friend/rival/mentor Robert Benoist. I enjoyed the tension that was between them as drivers as much as the admiration and the friendship. It was hard to become emotionally invested in these characters when the book begins with the car being pulled out of a lake, because I felt there was this looming tragedy coming but it was so worth it in the end. Obviously not everyone has a happy ending in any war story, but this was a really good story of friendship, love and hope. I was definitely caught up in the drama as they began working with the British Special Operations and the French Resistance.

For me, Ryan was a bit too technical with the details of the racing cars, however if this is something you’re into the detail might have been perfect. It was enough for me to imagine the beautiful old cars racing in Monte Carlo-I don’t care about the engines! The story moved a lot faster to me when we were past the racing. It was quite a contrast to read the life Williams and Eve were living with the glamour of working for Bugatti and then the harsh differences after the Nazis moved into Paris.

I actually found the afterword to be extremely interesting as well. I really like knowing who based on a real person and what kind of detail was true.

Definitely recommended for historical fiction and spy novel fans!

4 Stars!

Thank you Netgalley and Open Road Media for this advanced copy to review.

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

"with gear changes so smooth as to be almost sensual,precise,yet delicate."

Last year I read Ryan's After Midnight and although not completely entralled by it was at least willing to give him another go.

In this book Englishman William Grover-Williams and Frenchman Robert Benoist are successful motor racing drivers,they are fierce rivals not only on the track but off it over the affections of the beautiful Eve Aubicq in flambouyant 1920s France. Eventually both become drivers for Bugatti. When WWII starts Grover-Williams joins the SOE to help the French Resistance undermine the vicious invading Nazis. He is returned to France where he recruits Benoist to help in the fight. All seems pretty implausible right? Well actually the story is based on true life.

The early part of the book concentrates on the main protagonists racing around the tracks of Europe and the glamourous lifestyle that goes with it. We see the decadent Paris and they meey various 'celebrities' of the day. During the war we see how Paris falls from decadence to desperation as the occupiers become more and more brutal and life for the local populace becomes much harsher.

Despite the atmospheric depiction of wartime Paris the war section leaves a bit to be desired in that there is a lack of real action and daring-do but then this is a book more about love,friendship,betrayal and bravery in the face of adversity rather than just an out and out war story. In particular Williams incarceration was a little flat IMHO. Having read After Midnight I found the ending a little predictable but as no one really knows what happened to Williams that is OK.

Overall Ryan mixes fact with fiction in quite an imaginative way and I certainly enjoyed using Wikipedis etc to read the background information on the main characters real life afterwards.Like the quote about a Bugatti at the top of this review I thought that Ryan handled the gear changes rather well, using flashbacks from 2001, constantly making me want to turn the page over. An enjoyable read.

[Rob Kitchin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Early One Morning is a fictionalised account of the true story of William Grover-Williams, Eve Aubicq and Robert Benoist. Built around Williams, the tale covers from the mid-20s to the end of the war, with a separate thread tracing Williams’ SOE handler still seeking answers many years later. The main focus is the war years, especially Williams’ recruitment and training for SOE, his drop back into France and his work building a network with Benoist, and subsequent capture and internment in France and Sachsenhausen concentration camp. As with all such fictionalised accounts of real people and events there is always a question as to the extent to which the author has taken artistic license with history, and undoubtedly Ryan has filled in detail – speculating on dialogue and action, and altering timelines for dramatic effect. But the broad arc seems roughly faithful, detailing the daring lives of two racing drivers and one of their wives. A little bit of a slow burner, the book picks up pace, intrigue and emotional resonance as it progresses. Overall, an interesting and engaging read.

[Joe Stamber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Apparently based on a true story, Early One Morning is the story of a mysterious British chauffeur and a flamboyant French racing driver who become rivals then friends and have their world turned upside down by the outbreak of the Second World War. This is a period of history that I find fascinating and Ryan made it feel authentic, both before and during the war. The story goes from romance and racing cars to undercover agents and the horrors of Europe at war. Early One Morning is packed with action of one kind or another and moves along relentlessly with never a dull moment. A well-written and very enjoyable historical thriller with plenty of other stuff thrown in as well.

[Erica · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was ok. It was well written, but there was something that just didn't appeal to me. I think when a book is good you should have some feelings whether they be hatred, love, sympathy, or some attachment to at least one of the characters and that just didn't happen for me with this book. I found myself on page 200 realizing I didn't care what happened to any character. Perhaps it's due to the fact that the book moved very quickly through time and the characters were a bit cold. If you ask me, a book about friendship and World War 2 should stir some emotions in a person!

[Aliya Flare · Rating 5 out of 5]

it was a treat to read this one. I loved that it had it's fair share of fiction but everything you read was so believable that it could be regarded as a fact if you don't have background knowledge. I'm also very thankful to the author for translating the German words he used as not many are that considerate.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was a chance book that I picked up in a charity shop, and after reading the synopsis I decided to give it a try. I really enjoyed the stories of the characters and how they all intertwined, and it is based on true characters as well

[Benjamin]

Based on a true story, but imaginatively fictionalised, this centres on the life of William Grover Williams, an Englishman with French connections, and Robert Benoist, a cultured Frenchman. Both men made their mark in the world of motor racing, both eventually racing for Bugatti. The account leads up to their first meeting, plays on the competitiveness that existed between them on the race track, and later follows them as they become part of the French Resistance during WWII. Prior to their meeting Williams becomes involved with the beautiful Yvonne (Eve) Aubiqu, one time model and mistress of Sir William Orpen, and her charms will beguile Benoist.

It is a story of bravery and courage, a story of two men who cheat death on the race track and who seem to find a similar excitement in their attempts at harassing the German occupying forces in France. It is a story that reveals the horrors of war, the inhuman treatment handed out to many innocent people, and the treatment the Likes of Williams and Benoist can expect if captured.

The early part of the novel is peppered with the names of the famous giving an indication of the sort of circle Benoist moved in. But over the course of the story we see the glamour of Paris change to a city of desperation, a place where no one is sure who can be trusted, and where there are inevitable betrayals.

This is a very well written account and a worthy read, it plays well with the facts and offers some imaginative conjecture, so even if you think you know what happened to both Benoist and Williams you cannot be sure of their fate here until you reach the very last pages.

[Alan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Published in 2002 and well written historical fiction made more interesting given its link to actual characters such as William Grover-Williams, Robert Benoist and Jean-Pierre Wimille, and events.

We don't get to know the characters that well - more fly on the wall stuff watching events and experiences of the main characters, but nevertheless an effective work which highlights well the atmosphere and brutality of WW2 France during German occupation.

For those who enjoy 20th Century historical "fiction" and appreciating that there have been, between Faulkes, Uris, Follett, Wouk, etc, many novels written covering the period, this is a recommended read.

This is the only novel I have read from Robert Ryan but on the basis of this am persuaded to read its three sequals and others of his works, of which I understand 'Death on Ice' was strongly aclaimed.

Three stars but I would if I could give this three and a half - to give four requiring perhaps a little more development of the characters which hopefully is prevalant in Ryan's later works.

[Susanne Chatburn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book sat on my TBR pile for quite some time because I thought it wouldn’t really interest me. I suspected there would be far too much reference to motor racing which doesn’t interest me at all. I decided to give it 100 pages and DNF if I wasn’t gripped.
Yet here I am giving it 4 stars 🌟.
The author calls it a work of fiction based on a true story
but the main characters all existed, some with a name change. And the incredible bravery displayed in the face of sometimes terrible overwhelming odds is also true.
The story starts in fashionable, decadent 1920’s Paris, and via the glamorous racing circuits it takes us through the horrific tales of occupied France and the amazing men and women of the resistance.
Well worth reading

[John Copeland · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel became a must read after one page

The story grabbed me by the scruff of my neck and I had a tough time putting the book down for any length of time. Ranging from 1920's Ireland, to the continental racing circuit of the 1930's, to the secret war in France in the 1940's, you encounter several unforgettable characters and a fine love affair, not to mention deceit, bravery, violence and honor.
Based on actual events and people, the story propels the reader to figure out what happens next; and, who knows, maybe much of it did.

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Based on a true story, this is a vivid, fast-paced and exciting read of a couple of pre-war racing drivers who become involved in the Resistance in France in WWII. The main character is a chauffeur who settles down to an idyllic existence with his boss’ mistress racing Bugattis before War separates them. The impact of the War in France is convincingly described as are the terrors of the camps and totalitarianism.

[Huw Rhys · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book revolving around real characters and real historic events - and added to by a creative and imaginative author.

It follows the story of three racing drivers who become embroiled in the Resistance in France during the Second World War. Most of the story is true, but the embellishments only add to an all round, riveting read.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robert Ryan at his absolute best.

[Hannah M · Rating 3 out of 5]

schlocky but a fun romp

[Dorothy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting....based on fact but a novel. Whatever is fiction the fact is the SOE and the resistance fighters were extremely brave and so many gave their lives that we can be here today.

[Elliot Clayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

What’s brilliant book and a brilliant read!

[Penny Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent story based on real characters and events.

[Plio Cas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating and based on a real-life truth, this is a story that I would highly recommend.

[Alison Henrys · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent and exciting read. With a twist at the end.

[Debbie Robson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Early One Morning is seriously just what I respect in an historical research – a narrative that flows with diligent research that doesn’t scream out from you on the page and a story that wants you to read more on the subject. Ryan has chosen a fascinating but extremely tragic subject - the SOE (Special Operations Executive) agents. In this instance two of them who were former racing car drivers - Bill Williams and Robert Benoist. Caught up in all of this is one of the most beautiful women in the world - Eve Aubicq.
The SOE is obviously from Ryan’s author notes a part of history that has interested him for a long time now. He began his research early enough to speak to Vera Atkins, who worked for the SOE French section and looked after the welfare of female agents that she sent to France, even farewelling them before their plane trip and parachute drop. Some fell straight into enemy hands thanks to the work of double agent (some say triple) Henri Dericourt. After the war Atkins made it her business to discover the fates of over 100 agents. This is described in a book that I will be borrowing soon entitled Vera Atkins and the Lost Agents.
This book, of course, limits itself to a handful and what I found extremely interesting is how Ryan explains at the end what actually happened to the real people as opposed to the fictional versions but also very clearly articulates the liberties he took with the two main characters who retain real names. Were they fast enough to get away from the Germans? Well you will have to read this book to find out but luckily it is the first of four in a series on WW2 and I will definitely be reading the rest.

[Vulpecula Borealis · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a few books ago since I read this so I can't really give a detailed review. And I won't tell you anything which would give anything significant away :-)

The book takes you on a journey from 1920's Ireland (only a little) onto Paris in the roaring and vibrant 1920's all through to the end of the war. Then we move to Switzerland almost present day through flash forwards. To this you add in the romance of racing Bugattis, and ex race drivers joining the British Special Operations Executive, parachuting into occupied Paris to help the war effort.

Sound far fetched? Well it is based on a true story and characters who really lived. A few liberties are taken with regard to the real events, and the research isn't perfect - but it is a cracking read and gives you a three dimensional and very vivid account of those times.

I'd highly recommend it, but there are some scenes which aren't for the faint hearted.

[Ron Decaigny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a great book. As fiction it has all the great attributes but the fact that it is based largely in fact make it utterly amazing. It is painstakingly researched and full of snippets of historical colour that sent me scurrying to Google to find out that things and people were exactly as characterized. I could have probably read the book in half the time if I hadn't gone fact searching so much. This was a good thing as I had started to really love all of the characters and didn't want the story to end. I only had a problem with the author describing two of the1929 Bugatti race cars as 16 cylinders. An interesting fact is that one of the stars of the story a Bugatti Atlantic coupe just (May 2010) took the price record for a car $35-$40 Million.