What do you think?
Rate this book
Best of Enemies: 1940, and a plot which will torpedo the special relationship
1940, Britain’s darkest hour and as young Naval Intelligence officer Tom Belvoir negotiates the hushed corridors of power behind the blackout curtains, he hears the murmured talk of surrender in shadowy corners.
Desperate times call for truly desperate measures, an extreme operation and the ultimate sacrifice, in a plot which will change the course of history.
Desperate times call for truly desperate measures, an extreme operation and the ultimate sacrifice, in a plot which will change the course of history.
203 pages, ebook
Published June 23, 2018
About the author
Iain Parke
27 books117 followersI import industrial quantities of class A drugs, kill people, and lie (a lot) - see my website for details.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
March 31, 2019
More Conspiracy Theory than AH.
While I understand what the author was going for this volume reads as the grandest of grand conspiracy theories even though it is supposed to be alternative history. If you are into those kind of belief systems this novel is right up your alley. It wasn't what I was looking for when I bought it based on the claim it is alternative history.
While I understand what the author was going for this volume reads as the grandest of grand conspiracy theories even though it is supposed to be alternative history. If you are into those kind of belief systems this novel is right up your alley. It wasn't what I was looking for when I bought it based on the claim it is alternative history.
August 7, 2018
Very interesting read about WWII. Highly gripping material for a readers that love this historical period. I enjoyed from the start till the end
November 6, 2018
To say this book is a page-turner is a bit of an understatement. The author very cleverly uravels the plot before you giving you just enough to want to read on a bit more.
Spanning two timelines, the same story is told/seen from different perspectives. This alone makes it an engaging read. Add to that the fact that the author is either a historian or has done an incredible amount of research makes you feel like you are reading something worthy of your time.
The lines between fact and fiction are wonderfully blurred. I would suggest that, unless you are an expert on the subject matter, you wouldn't know where those edges were. That, for me, was one of the more enjoyable aspects.
Once Pandora's Box has been opened and the plot begins to reveal itself it is a race between your brain and your eyes to reach the finish line, forever trying to guess where the story is going as you read along, adjusting those guesses en route.
As for the story itself - without giving anything away - it is clever, complex (yet easily understandable) and not out of the realms of belief. Poignant, as well.
I am knew to Iain Parke's writing (my interest in WW2 lured me into this) but will certainly be checking out the back catalogue.
Spanning two timelines, the same story is told/seen from different perspectives. This alone makes it an engaging read. Add to that the fact that the author is either a historian or has done an incredible amount of research makes you feel like you are reading something worthy of your time.
The lines between fact and fiction are wonderfully blurred. I would suggest that, unless you are an expert on the subject matter, you wouldn't know where those edges were. That, for me, was one of the more enjoyable aspects.
Once Pandora's Box has been opened and the plot begins to reveal itself it is a race between your brain and your eyes to reach the finish line, forever trying to guess where the story is going as you read along, adjusting those guesses en route.
As for the story itself - without giving anything away - it is clever, complex (yet easily understandable) and not out of the realms of belief. Poignant, as well.
I am knew to Iain Parke's writing (my interest in WW2 lured me into this) but will certainly be checking out the back catalogue.
September 27, 2023
More 3.75
This conspiracy theory/alternative history style story into the outbreak/early days of WW2 made fascinating reading. The style it was written in, the writings and research of a BBC TV researcher, although sometimes difficult to initially follow was very cleverly done.
Making use of the Iraq/Afghanistan wars as a background/paralleling the "Special Relationship" then & now was an another clever thread.
If you like conspiracy theories/alternative history this may well be your sort of book.
I only really deducted stars for the often difficult to follow, veering on Mrs Dalloway "stream of consciousness" style of writing. Had to really concentrate as it often flowed from one viewpoint to a flashback/document from someone else. Perhaps the final edit will make it easier to follow?
With thanks to The Pigeonhole and the author for the opportunity to read.
This conspiracy theory/alternative history style story into the outbreak/early days of WW2 made fascinating reading. The style it was written in, the writings and research of a BBC TV researcher, although sometimes difficult to initially follow was very cleverly done.
Making use of the Iraq/Afghanistan wars as a background/paralleling the "Special Relationship" then & now was an another clever thread.
If you like conspiracy theories/alternative history this may well be your sort of book.
I only really deducted stars for the often difficult to follow, veering on Mrs Dalloway "stream of consciousness" style of writing. Had to really concentrate as it often flowed from one viewpoint to a flashback/document from someone else. Perhaps the final edit will make it easier to follow?
With thanks to The Pigeonhole and the author for the opportunity to read.
April 24, 2019
I received a copy of this book in a goodreads giveaway in exchange for my honest review.
Best of Enemies is a fictional novel that re-imagines some of the key moments of WWII. It is told from 2 points of view-a present day researcher who is working on a BBC special and a 1940's British intelligence officer. The two narratives interchange, especially in the beginning half of the book, which I thought was interesting. I had mixed feelings overall though-I enjoyed the book, but initially, I preferred the 1940s version because I found the present day narrative a bit dry. But, it picked up in the final third or so.
Best of Enemies is a fictional novel that re-imagines some of the key moments of WWII. It is told from 2 points of view-a present day researcher who is working on a BBC special and a 1940's British intelligence officer. The two narratives interchange, especially in the beginning half of the book, which I thought was interesting. I had mixed feelings overall though-I enjoyed the book, but initially, I preferred the 1940s version because I found the present day narrative a bit dry. But, it picked up in the final third or so.
September 17, 2023
I read this through my online bookclub, Pigeonhole. It is a fictitious story interspersed with historical facts. At the center is the dictum
" Countries don't have friends, only interests". What if the history we've been taught is inaccurate? When an old man decides to speak up to an aspiring researcher and journalist will his anger and revelations rewrite history books and world relations? 'Did British actions sow the seeds of their own destruction and wake sleeping giants?' is the question asked.
Well written and one for those who enjoy conspiracy theories and setting a cat among the pigeons. 4 stars
" Countries don't have friends, only interests". What if the history we've been taught is inaccurate? When an old man decides to speak up to an aspiring researcher and journalist will his anger and revelations rewrite history books and world relations? 'Did British actions sow the seeds of their own destruction and wake sleeping giants?' is the question asked.
Well written and one for those who enjoy conspiracy theories and setting a cat among the pigeons. 4 stars
September 17, 2023
I read this through the online book club Pigeonhole.
They say that men get to a certain age and then have a favourite war, and for a lot of men this is WW2. And to be fair I am fairly partial to it. It still looms heavily over the politics and culture of the UK where I live.
I really enjoyed this very plausible alternative history story. The way the main mystery was unveiled was done at a good pace, and there were some nice touches in the motivations of those making decisions.
And the personal side of it kept it grounded and relevant. 4.5 stars
They say that men get to a certain age and then have a favourite war, and for a lot of men this is WW2. And to be fair I am fairly partial to it. It still looms heavily over the politics and culture of the UK where I live.
I really enjoyed this very plausible alternative history story. The way the main mystery was unveiled was done at a good pace, and there were some nice touches in the motivations of those making decisions.
And the personal side of it kept it grounded and relevant. 4.5 stars
June 7, 2018
Prepare to rethink everything you thought you knew about World War II.
1940, Britain’s darkest hour and as Naval Intelligence officer Tom Belvoir negotiates the corridors of power he hears the murmured talk of surrender.
Desperate times call for truly desperate measures, an extreme operation and the ultimate sacrifice, in a plot which will change the course of history.
Now, seventy years later, what secrets are still too dangerous to be talked about today?
1940, Britain’s darkest hour and as Naval Intelligence officer Tom Belvoir negotiates the corridors of power he hears the murmured talk of surrender.
Desperate times call for truly desperate measures, an extreme operation and the ultimate sacrifice, in a plot which will change the course of history.
Now, seventy years later, what secrets are still too dangerous to be talked about today?
February 1, 2021
I loved the concept behind the story, which was innovative. I personally found the back and forth history jumps difficult to follow at times, but others might be ok with it.
Ive read all of Ian Parke’s biker fiction, and enjoyed most of them.
This isn’t Ian’s best writing, but well worth the read, particularly as he is an independent author
Ive read all of Ian Parke’s biker fiction, and enjoyed most of them.
This isn’t Ian’s best writing, but well worth the read, particularly as he is an independent author
September 17, 2023
This isn't really my genre, but I read this through Pigeonhole, my online book club.
I applaud the work done by the author, writing a work of fiction which is mostly historically accurate, but I did find it a little dry at times, and must admit to skimming some parts.
Thanks to the author and Pigeonhole.
I applaud the work done by the author, writing a work of fiction which is mostly historically accurate, but I did find it a little dry at times, and must admit to skimming some parts.
Thanks to the author and Pigeonhole.
September 18, 2023
A completely credible version of what might have happened among the top brass during WW2. Some of it I can believe did happen, depends on where your heart lies. Couldn’t wait for the next instalment as I read it on @Pigeonhole, a really nice online book club.
Could do with a good edit and proof read but otherwise enthralling.
Could do with a good edit and proof read but otherwise enthralling.
March 13, 2019
I was initially (& still am) turned off by the writing style, but I'm glad I decided to continue because the content is worthwhile. There is also a section on sources & further readings to peak one's interest.
September 17, 2023
It's obvious that the author has carried out a lot of research into the events of WW2 and the result is an interesting mix of fact and fiction. Not my usual genre but I found it enjoyable nonetheless. Thanks to the Pigeonhole for the opportunity of reading this.
September 22, 2023
An interesting take on a story that we all think we know! Unfortunately, I didn't really enjoy the style of writing, so sometimes found myself skim reading.
Thanks to Pigeonhole and the author for the chance to read.
Thanks to Pigeonhole and the author for the chance to read.
December 23, 2019
A fairly enjoyable book but nothing special. None of the story stuck out to me and I doubt I will remember much of what happened by the end of the month.
February 3, 2020
WWII fact, fiction, politics & conspiracies - this book has it all. A believable story told between 2 time zones, 1940/41 & present day
February 23, 2020
Very captivating
Absolutely loved this book. I had to keep checking that it was fiction. Very well written and keeps you guessing
Absolutely loved this book. I had to keep checking that it was fiction. Very well written and keeps you guessing
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews