Zero Hour: A Novel of the Somme

by Iain Gale

The unforgettable story behind the most destructive day in British military history... June, 1916: The Great War is locked in stalemate, deep lines of trenches and barbed wire carved into the French countryside. Sitting in an occupied chateau, General von Soden knows that something cataclysmic is coming. The British have been shelling for days and he is badly under-resourced and outnumbered. A frontal assault is surely imminent, but he has spent two years building an extraordinary series of defences for just that day... Amidst the bombardment the British troops are preparing for the attack. Geoffrey Malins, with his cinematograph, Noel Hodgson writing poetry in his hut, Siegfried Sassoon observing the enemy, Sir Douglas Haig at HQ, waiting for the chance of glory... As the battle lines muster, the full ferocity of war will be unleashed. For those on the Front, as for those in the wider world, nothing will ever be the same again. Based on true stories, cinematic in scope and built around a huge cast, this is a blistering, unforgettable novel that brings home the brutality of war, perfect for fans of Rory Clements, Ben Macintyre and Robert Harris.

Genres: Historical

Paperback

Published January 31, 2021

About the author

Iain Gale has always had a passion for military history. He is the Editor of the National Trust for Scotland magazine and Art critic for Scotland on Sunday. He lives outside Edinburgh with his wife and children. His first novel, Four Days in June, is a stand-alone military adventure set on the battlefields of Waterloo.

He is also the writer of eleven non-fiction books.

Reviews

[Craig Pearson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had high hopes when this was started. A well researched historical military novel can be entertaining and educational. I could not finish this book after reading ony 25%. By that time the battle had not been joined. Except for senior officers there was now way to know if the characters were historical or figments of the imagination. The author spent too much time setting up the myriad characters and I knew I would not be able to keep them straight as the story progressed. Far too much personal detail and not enough action. Some may enjoy this but not for me.

[Kevin Wake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Iain Gale is a masterful storyteller. Well researched and composed. He is able to bring life to a time that few writers can capture with accuracy. This novel really brings the tragedy and heroism of WWI. Highly recommend this book.