What a true pleasure and luxury in the times of AI to read a so well written and structured book ! you can "hear" the human voice of the writer permanently, and the story telling is absolutely brilliant. The historical period though is so complex, so confusing and still so close to us that I was dubitative. I took the risk and don't regret the challenge to read and discover in details recent history with names I've heard of course, but to travel through time and read how all happened is fascinating. The main character, a brilliant journalist. He is attractive and does not fall in the caricature of the "alpha " male as sometimes it is the "cliché" used in the 1950s for first rank characters. The depicted context in Washington seems like the past but then we realise all the influences for today's world, quite chilling ... Still, all the pages are containing personal feelings of the main characters, it is not a school book about history. I am already recommanding the book, and will read the other books from the same author who is crafting his stories with such great Arts. Thank you to the author and publishers. All opinions are mine.

This is the third book in the Declan Shaw series - which I didn’t know when I started it and upon completing it I don’t think you need to read the first two to enjoy the third.

Declan Shaw is coming off reporting in Israel. WWII has ended and now things are winding down as the Israel mandate ends in May 1949. Declan is weary so when the Guardian sends him to America he’s excited. The period between 1950-1952 as written in this book is filled with the “who’s who” of American politics. While I was a little girl at the time, the name dropping (all good) done to tell Declan’s story was very nostalgic for me: Eisenhower, McCarthy, Kennedy to mention a few. Declan meets them all and interspersed between Declan’s story line are his reports to the Guardian which updates you on the history of that period.

This is a well written book. I liked the book’s structure - the intermixing of reporting with storyline. I think it added authenticity to Declan’s character - whom I really liked (I may need to read their first two books). The history is very accurate - which I know from experience and because I’m a bit of a history nerd. I also liked the book because it’s historical fiction, an important genre in my mind for allowing people to look back in time and reflect and learn. This is a book for historical fiction lovers who enjoy a character-driven story with a strong male character.I liked this book very much.

Thank you to NetGalley and Köehler Books for allowing me to read this ARC
#thepeoplegame
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★★★★★

The People Game by Jamie Kirkpatrick is a beautifully written and thoughtful story that really draws you in. The characters feel authentic and layered, and the emotional depth builds in a quiet, powerful way. I found myself completely absorbed in their lives and the choices they faced.

There is a richness to the storytelling that makes everything feel vivid and meaningful. It is reflective without being heavy, and heartfelt without being overdone. This is the kind of book that lingers in your mind long after you finish it.