Author publishes second historical novel, his third book since turning 84


Posted March 7, 2022 by mdaisley

Eric Forsyth's latest book is "A rousing, detailed RAF thriller that delivers an effective climax," according to Kirkus Reviews, and it is the author’s third book since turning 84.

 
Wings over the Channel is a new historical novel set in the 1930s, as the British Royal Air Force (RAF) worked frantically to develop an effective defense against bombers before the start of WWII. Great Britain was no longer an island—the English Channel had provided isolation from Europe’s wars for centuries, but now could be crossed in minutes by heavily laden bombers.

Kirkus Reviews calls this book, “A rousing, detailed RAF thriller that delivers an effective climax” and noted that “Forsyth writes all this with a quick, dialogue-driven tempo that will keep readers turning the pages, with the narrative concentrating on both the nuts and bolts of bomber life in the years leading up to WWII and the machinations of the Nazis in Europe and the pro-German forces in England. Forsyth’s portrayal of Chadwick is nicely textured—he’s a hero but a complex one.”

The author, a former RAF pilot himself, describes the story this way: “We see this development through the eyes of Allan Chadwick, a young pilot who flew Vimy bombers in my first novel, Wings over Iraq. Chadwick is deeply involved in staging mock attacks to train radar operators, but his activities catch the attention of German intelligence. British intelligence seeks to turn the tables by having Chadwick leak misleading reports, but this plan is jeopardized and Chadwick’s life put in danger when a German spy steals accurate data on the RAF exercises.” The story also follows the intrigue of an influential upper-class appeasement movement and Chadwick falling in love with an aristocratic older widow. As Kirkus Reviews notes, the story has a “sly undercurrent of humor” which “keeps the whole tale moving along briskly,” including “a running gag about Chadwick’s behemoth old Bentley.”

The story will appeal to a wide range of readers interested in the history of WWII, military flying in the pre-jet era, and the politics of the 1930s.

THE AUTHOR: Eric Forsyth, a longtime resident of Brookhaven, New York, is a former RAF fighter pilot who brings his intimate knowledge of flying state-of-the-art aircraft to the flying episodes when Chadwick deals with the idiosyncrasies of the early prototype Spitfires. Forsyth is also a highly experienced electrical engineer who can describe in realistic but understandable terms the problems of bringing a complicated, ground-breaking radar defense system on line for the first time. This is Eric’s third book. His first, An Inexplicable Attraction: My Fifty Years of Ocean Sailing, written when he was 84 years old, was awarded a starred review from Kirkus and listed among their 100 Best Memoirs of 2018.

REVIEW COPIES: Available through Mr. Forsyth’s editor, Peg Daisley ([email protected]). If you would like more information about Eric, visit his web site at www.yachtfiona.com, or send him an email at [email protected].

Wings Over the Channel is currently available in paperback ($21.99) and e-book formats ($6.99) through Amazon and other online outlets worldwide, and is also available through IngramSpark/LightningSource for wholesale and library orders.
-- END ---
Share Facebook Twitter
Print Friendly and PDF DisclaimerReport Abuse
Contact Email [email protected]
Issued By Yacht Fiona Books
Phone 917-847-7445
Country United States
Categories Arts
Tags book review , historical fiction , firsttime author over 65 , royal air force , wwii military history
Last Updated March 7, 2022