28th July, 2025
Yours is the Earth
A thrilling fictionalised narrative based on the real-life exploits of three brothers caught up in the First World War. It was inspired by the life, and diaries, of a 98-year-old American, a good friend of the author, who had lived most of the story during the First World War.
The Men Who Inspired This Book
I have dedicated this book to two men, my grandfather James Cole MK, an extraordinary man from an exceptional generation and also to a very special American friend, Ector Orr Munn, who also fought in that war; the war to end all wars, as it was said at the time. Ector went on in 1918 to Russia, working for the American State Department liaising between Mr Church in their office in Paris and General Ironside, who was fighting against the Bolsheviks around Archangel.
Sadly my grandfather died when I was twelve so I rarely saw him, as he lived in Edinburgh and we were in Sussex. My father, who was captured with the 51st Highland Division at St. Valery in June 1940, a month before I was born, spent the rest of the war in various prison camps, ending up in Poland. He never spoke about his war or his father's, so it was only when I met Ector in Palm Beach in 1989 that I was given the bones on which to build my book.
What do people think?
Reviews for Yours is the Earth
a rip roaring read. The characterisation and interaction is intelligent and well observed. Tragedy and challenge are interwoven with glimpses of love and hope for the future. Give it a go, its good.
a sofa book, something comfortable to fall back into
palpable, thought provoking and very satisfying
an exquisite read
This is an absolutely epic historical novel. I cannot recommend it enough. The portrayal of the family is reminiscent of the best of Elizabeth Jane Howard.