"A mainstream novel that delivers"
In 1917, fraternal twins Angus and Gavin MacLeod fight
side by side in the trenches in France when a German
grenade strikes their foxhole. A badly wounded Gavin turns
to Angus for comfort, but his brother stands frozen a
mindless victim of battle fatigue syndrome. Angus is
transferred to a medac facility where he meets his
brother's fiancé Flora Finley, a nurse. A guilt-stricken
Angus informs Flora that Gavin died on the battlefield.
Not long afterward, Angus returns to Scotland to inform his
family of his twin's death. Angus and Flora marry, but
unbeknownst to both Gavin survives his ordeal, loathing his
brother for failing. Gavin goes to America without
informing anyone he lives. In the 1930's, a wealthy Gavin works to undermine
Hitler. However, revenge towards his sibling still eats at
his soul. When he sees Flora for the first in years, Gavin
knows he still loves her. He also worries that she or his
family will recognize him though two decades have passed
since everyone believed he died and compromise his mission. THE STOLEN YEARS is a deep historical relationship
drama that hooks the audience from the start due to the
divergent personalities of the MacLeod twins. Though the
novel spans most of the twentieth century and ends in the
nineties, the tale mostly takes place from World War I to
World War II with Gavin being the prime focus. The story
line is character-driven, but contains action to keep most
readers satisfied. A relatively newcomer, Fiona Hood-
Stewart provides a strong soul searching novel. Harriet Klausner
Reviewed by PNR Group Member
Posted November 10, 2001
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