Miłość i wojna

by Lesley Lokko, Urszula Smerecka (Translator)

Wspaniała opowieść o sile, zemście i prawdziwej przyjaźni.

Lexi Sturgis, dziennikarka telewizyjna, specjalizuje się w relacjonowaniu konfliktów zbrojnych. Jest nieustraszona, podąża wszędzie tam, gdzie dzieje się coś naprawdę ważnego. Przy tym jest skryta, nie lubi nawiązywać bliższych więzi. Kiedy w Egipcie podczas Arabskiej Wiosny tajna policja uprowadza młodą lekarkę pracującą dla organizacji Lekarze bez Granic, to własnie Lexi rusza na poszukiwania. Okazuje się, że z tą sprawą związane są skomplikowane losy kilku rodzin.

Genres: Fiction

416 pages, Paperback

First published June 19, 2014

About the author

LESLEY spent seven years training as an architect but always dreamed of writing a novel. Eight novels (and counting) later, and aside from building her own home in Ghana, she hasn’t looked back. She splits her time between Johannesburg, Accra and London, (although now she’s dreaming of a flat in Edinburgh) and counts the BA lounges at Heathrow amongst her favourite places in the world.

Reviews

[Pamela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oh what a disappointment! This book was heading for a solid four stars. It had an engaging plot, a feisty and independent heroine who was determined to give her all in her job as a war reporter, some interesting secondary characters and exciting scenes of conflict. Lesley Lokko writes in a pacy and engaging style - she raised some interesting questions about national loyalties and the uprising in Egypt, she developed her characters with sensitivity - and this really seemed to be something more than a flimsy beach read.

Then about 50 pages before the end, our heroine (a seasoned war reporter) suddenly jettisons her brain and all her self-respect. Forget international conflict, what really matters is which bloke you fancy. And it becomes a flimsy beach read after all. Gah!

[Sophie Narey (Bookreview- aholic) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Published: 26/02/2015 (first published 2014)
Author: Lesley Lokko
Recommended for: fans of books full of danger, secrets and lies

I received this book through GoodReads FirstReads competitions for free.

I thought that this was a truly great book that really captured my attention and kept hold of it throughout the novel, this is the first book that I have read by Lesley Lokko but I took to her writting style like a duck takes to water. Each of the characters that featured in the book had their own strong character which made it easy to identify who was talking without it getting all confusing. Even though I truly loved reading this book, I did think that maybe there could have been times when we found out more of the characters to give them more depth (perhaps Lesley Lokko did this because at the time it was set people had walls up around them and didnt want people to know what made them vulnerable) instead of some parts that didn't really add anything to the storyline or have much relevance too it. The end of the book was a little disappointing as I felt that there was so much more that could have been said, more to have found out, instead it kind of left me in a lurch.The book flowed very nicely throughout, with good descriptions. I would very much love to read more books by Lesley Lokko

[Monique · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a disappointing read. The main character was flawed to the point of being really hard to like. The author introduced plot points that remained unresolved at the end and therefore seemed irrelevant. And probably the worst part of the whole story was the weak, unsatisfying ending! Each book by Lesley Lokko after 'Sundowners' has gone downhill, I think with this one it has finally hit rock bottom for me - this may be the last Lokko novel I ever read.

[Hanni · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first exposure to Lesley Lokko and I thoroughly enjoyed her writing style - especially the way she divided the novel by locations and time frames across a past and present trajectory. On the other hand, I found that the book ended quite abruptly, leaving me feeling left in the lurch where I wanted to read more but then, there were also moments where I felt what I was reading really had no relevance to the overall story. At times, some things could have been left out and other times, there was too much left out .. I definitely wanted to get deeper revelations from the characters and really expose their vulnerabilities through their interactions but it felt like Lokko intentionally does this because the world of these particular characters is very blocked off, walls up. Overall, I would recommend it as a good read but with such an amazing storyline, it could have been pieced together better.

[Lenise · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'll start quickly by saying the only thing I didn't like about the book... The ending! I was expecting more of a dramatic jaw dropping ending. It was abit of an anti climax due to all the intense drama built up throughout the book.

Having said that... I thought this book was amazingly written. Imagery used was good, a real scene setting book! Nice! All the characters were interesting. The story was interesting and unraveled in a very clever way... The way the characters were bought together through out the book was clever. I really enjoyed reading this book, although I must say, at times it wasn't as much of a gripping read... It took over a week to read, and that's not usual for me.

If it wasn't for the simple ending of this intense dramatic novel I would probably have rated it a 4 star. Probably.

[Marty Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book on a goodreads giveaway. To be honest it is not my usual type of book to read but saying that I am sure I will check out some more of Lesley Lokko's books. I found the style of writing informative and easy to read, the characters were strong and identifiable. The overall story was interesting and kept me wanting to find out what was going to happen next. i enjoyed the unraveling of the back stories of the different characters and how they all became intertwined. an enjoyable book and i am glad i read it

[Katlady · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very unsatisfactory ending. Many loose ends which were not explained. I have love all of her earlier novels , this was a disappointment to say the least.

[Lara Swaab · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've read most of Lesley Lokko's novels and generally enjoy them, however like quite a few other reviews here i was left disappointed in the ending. After Mark and Lexi's separation in Tahir Square it felt as though the characters all abruptly changed from what we knew of them.

The plot moved along nicely but the some of the characters choices were hard to fathom, especially Lexi's decisions in the last 50 or so pages, made more so unbelievable by what we know of her character in the first half of the book- her boldness, braveness and honesty. For her to completely go against what we know of her nature (in her decision to withhold her own truth) was a really odd way to end the novel.

The central relationship of Lexi and Mark was built well but her relationship with Adnan seemed to spring suddenly from nowhere near the end of the story.

Similarly the other main characters story-lines were all rather abrupt at the end and nothing was left explained or resolved, especially Mark who's character was explained well for most of the book but at the end he became a stay at home dad? It seemed like the author got 1/2 way through this story and then decided to wrap things up without any intention on the characters behalf, which was really disappointing as i was enjoying this book.

It also seemed that some characters were given time just for the purpose of finishing the book- especially Niall who was introduced towards the end of the book, was in love with one of the other main characters, but whose story was never really developed but ended oddly with his introduction to Jane at the wedding.

All in all i felt really dissatisfied with the confusion of the characters, their decisions and the half- formed view we're given of them as a reader.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed Lesley Lokko's book "A Secret Summer" and was pleased to find this on my library shelves. But here I was outwith my usual comfort zone of family sagas. The early chapters introduce us to four key characters- Lexy, a hardened, independent Middle East journalist used to dealing with dangers and crises; her colleague at the news agency Jane at 37 years old, despairing of finding Mr. Right, Deena, a junior doctor of Egyptian background, and Mark, a photographer and private pilot working in the Middle East and Africa. All have secrets in their lives, which surface as their lives intertwine, as Egypt is in political turmoil with intrigue, rebellion and betrayals.

The research that has gone into the book is impressive. The theme is original (in no way hackneyed like so much of women's popular fiction) and the storylines complex, and I could appreciate the quality of the writing and the handling of the many characters and their situations. But the book was not for me - I put it down after a few chapters, but went back to it. I could not be bothered with Lexi's experiences and didn't find her particularly likeable; I had sympathies with Deena and her sister Inez, torn between two cultures; felt sorry for Mark at the final revelation; and identified best with Jane. Like many other reviewers, I found the ending/epilogue strange. It was hard to imagine Mark content to be a stay-at-home father - could he not have continued with a freelance photographic career in Britain? There was little lead up to Jane eventually finding happiness, and I liked Lexi even less over her reunion with Abdad- what happened next? However despite my reservations, I finished it - hence 3 stars.

[oliwia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bardzo ciągnąca się i zagmatwana książka. Końcówka (dosłownie ostatnie 30 stron) sporo lepsze, gdzie już czytelnik wie kto jest kim i o co w ogóle chodzi, również pod koniec nareszcie dzieje się coś ciekawego.

[Domi · Rating 1 out of 5]

1,5/5
Jestem skonfundowana. Pół gwiazdki za to, że z dwa razy się roześmiałam i kilka momentów było ciekawych. Czuję jakby nic nie zostało wyjaśnione i cała książka powstała dla prologu oraz epilogu 😆

[Anna Cyrnek · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bardzo lubię tą autorkę, ale ten tytuł czytało mi się ciężko.
Jak dla mnie zbyt pobieżne wyjaśnienie tła historycznego i politycznego (dla osoby która nic na ten temat nie wie).
Bardzo dużo niedomówień, przeskoków w czasie, gubiłam się w chronologii.

[Fabiana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tutto sommato un libro intrigante, ma che ha un grosso difetto : non ha un finale! Lettura gradevole che apre la mente a riflessioni sul mondo dei reportage di guerra.

[Natasha · Rating 2 out of 5]

struggled not to dnf

[Suze · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lexi is fearless, she's a war reporter and she goes wherever the story is. That means she constantly puts herself in danger. She's taking risks and often has to run for her life. She's brave, but also closed off. She isn't letting anyone in, it's safer that way. Until she meets someone who might have a chance. Lexi has one good friend, Jane. Jane is her boss who's desperate to be loved. She needs company and every time she tries to find someone things are going completely wrong. She needs a big idea, she needs it fast and Lexi is the one who's going to make it happen for her. Only what will be the price?

Deena is a medical student who has many secrets. She's found a job as MSF doctor and travels to Egypt to help the wounded. She wants to be where the action is, to save lives. Her sister Ines doesn't want her to go, but she can't convince her sister to stay safe. Deena in danger there and that is when Ines has to face the facts. Her family has kept many secrets from her, things she knew absolutely nothing about, and her sister is very much a part of it.

There is a moment when the paths of Lexi and Deena are going to cross. The inevitable has to happen and I wanted to find out more, I felt like I had to understand the situation. In Love and War is a thrilling read, a book filled with puzzles and questions. If you want everything answered this is not a novel you should pick up. I love it when there's room for me to fill in gaps and when my mind has to work hard to connect all the threads.

There are so many story lines and this isn't an easy read. The story is complex and at first there are people whose stories have nothing in common, but that has to change at some point. There's nothing predictable about this story, so I often wondered what was going to happen next and couldn't wait to find out. The ending is unique and it's fitting as this book is so unusual. It's a novel you have to work for and the result is very rewarding.

[Gary Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the character portreyals, the relationships and the trying situations they were placed in. Lokko has a good understanding of different locals and customs, scenes and the troubles in Egypt, Libya and the surrounding countries. In fact I would say Lokko has provided a deeper analysis of the fight for freedom and change in those countries, more so than any news broadcast.
Lexi and Jane are great well thoughtout characters, different, singular and yet adventurous in their differnt ways. It is good to read a book throwing women into such tense situations. I look forward to reading more by Lokko and other such authors.

Just one issue with the structure; page 236 and page 283 - we are led to believe that the time period is between July-August 2011 and July-September 2011 Part Nine and Part Eleven. In the space of three months Phineas Harman has aged two years. p.236 he is 'Twenty-four years old.' on p. 283 he is; 'Life with a twenty-six-year-old boyfriend was very different from life on her own.'

One grammatical error; page 312 'I know you who are,'

[Graham · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book in a goodreads giveaway.

The story covers war and the inability of people to fit in, each with a past event that causes the social awkwardness. There are three main plot lines, although Dr, I really can't recall her name, is only really used to get lexi from a dead end to the next area of the story.

The story was interesting, although the two side plots weren't really needed, and I did enjoy reading this. The issues were the awkward writing when there was any sexual contact. You could feel the authors embarrassment and you could tell they were out of there comfort zone. It's these occurrences that really cause me to drop the book from a 4 star to a 3 star.

[Alison Large · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting setting for the action in the story, the book brought the conflicting sides of the Egyptoan uprising to life. The weaving of the different storylines works well to bring the plot to its conclusion. I struggled to believe that Mark would be so accepting of Lexi's child by another man, and it wasn't completely clear to me whether he knew the truth. I found Lexi's manipulation of his adoration for her to allow her to pursue her career did not sit well with me, although his evident dissatisfaction with her disappearing into her work hints at the start of the potential disintegration of their relationship which did ring true.

[Sarah-Jayne Windridge-France · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most compelling read I've read for some time.

A fascinating and incredibly believable tale of modern war, politics, and inter-racial relations.

Edgy and raw, with a group of strong, inter-linked, female characters overcoming their own adversities at its core.

It was driven and ballsy with elements of romance - but offered so much more than the romantic novel both the title page and 'blurb' hinted at.

Fast-paced, expertly written and fascinating throughout, it was a real page-turner.

Lesley Lokko is most definitely on my radar now.

[Caz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having read quite a few of Lokko's books a few years ago I was happy to see one I hadn't read before. I love how she manages to weave really interesting characters together through long storylines, even if I often need to go back and check dates throughout the book!

But this one felt like it lost its way about 3/4 of the way through and many things I felt just weren't explained and the ending was a huge disappointment, almost like she got to the requisite number of pages and just penned something that didn't really wrap it up.

[Maxime · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book via Goodreads First reads Giveaways
This book is mainly focused on Lexi Sturgess a War Reporter however there are other women entwined in her life so also follows them.
The book is broken up into different locations & different periods of time but flows really well and at no time do you as a reader get lost.
I would recommend this book i think it will be a great summer read.
I spent happy an afternoon (when we had a good day weather wise) in the garden with this book!

[Clare Binge · Rating 2 out of 5]

I won this book through a goodreads giveaway. It is the story of middle east troubles and its impact on three women. I found the writing style good but there were so many characters and the story jumps from person to person and time quickly. The ending seemed quick and left room for more. I found it a quick read and different in a good way, but the flow wasn't quite right, that and the ending is why I only give it 2 stars.

[Gillian Ashton · Rating 1 out of 5]

I gave up half way in as I was like,whats actually going on here?
There seemed to be an awful lot of passing about and that's not my scene. Half way into the book I would have expected some action. Maybe it would have all come together if I had of stayed with it but when It doesn't grab me,It has to go.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

It took a while to get into, and I found it quite hard to keep track of the characters, especially in the early chapters, but I have to say I ended up really enjoying this book. If anything I think it could have done with tying up a few loose ends, like the Jane/Phin situation, but on the whole a decent read.

[Bernie Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a gift and a good read, although I did not relate well to any of the characters except perhaps Niall, the doctor. The main message I got from this story was that people come into our lives for varying reasons and that one's destiny can sometimes be postponed but never escaped completely.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I usually love Lesley's books and give them 4 or 5 stars, but this one fell a bit short. It didn't grip me like the others. It was also not as long as her usual epics and didn't really seem as "meaty".

[Helen Carolan · Rating 4 out of 5]

readable but disappoint. same as all her previous books. story line and plot the same, only the names changed. would have liked something different from Ms Lokko, but I guess if it ain't broken don't try and fix it.

[Kristen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I felt like this needed to be longer, just when I was started to get into it and felt like it was leading up to something it all ended rather anti climatically.

[Janine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was interesting but didn't really develop the characters and the relationships.

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5. Good writing style did not go anywhere however.