Iain Ord's gripping book "Allies" takes readers to the picturesque Devon town of Chalford in March 1943, when the arrival of the US 116th Infantry Regiment disrupts the town's local peace. This isn't just a tale of wartime bravery or love; it's a moving examination of moral and prejudice. As local woman Emily France embarks on an unlikely relationship with an American GI, the town is compelled to face a darker and more sinister crisis.

The tale tells of the vicious racism of the white American soldiers against their black fellow soldiers, putting the residents of Chalford in a challenging moral dilemma regarding segregation. The emotional stakes are heightened even further when Emily's war-torn boyfriend Tom returns and there is a tragedy, which serves as a trigger for the town to confront its own deep-seated prejudices.

"Allies" is a strong and engrossing story that constitutes a deep exploration of individual guilt and the dubious motivations of those who struggle for justice outside the country while abiding injustice in their own. It's a strong and timely reminder that the greatest wars are frequently the wars waged within us.

Ian Ord's eye for detail is evident throughout the pages of this book. Set in England during WW2, the historical detail is finely researched, giving this work of fiction an authentic feel.
The story of US troops stationed on British soil, and their interactions with local residents. Racial tensions and prejudice soon boils over.

Not your average WW2 fiction read. I loved this book.

A novel set set in WW2 England prior to D Day following the arrival of American troops to a sleepy Devon market town. I struggled with the characters and the narrative pace but the historical research was impeccable. More editing and fewer characters might have tightened the story.

this book has me gripped and gritting my teeth throughout. i handled a hard balance to get the tone of this type of book right. as it covers soooo much more than the world war we are usually used to reading. the race wasnt just regarding Jewish hate. the hate and Nazi occupation was at the forefront. but of course there is still the other prejudices and darker beliefs that must have been so hard to navigate at that time and i imagine made harder by often having to stand and fight, or know when to not. and also where morals need to outstrip fear of survival?
there is the deeper consequences of decisions made for our characters which are fleshed out really well.
the under current of beliefs back then must have made the war seem so much harder to navigate. i cant imagine being in a minority group at that time. i can barely stand attitudes we have now. never mind when fighting a war!
i think there is lots to be learnt from times back then. and how things can spiral. i think we all need to take a reality check to where we are now. and stop things before it turn to anything worse.(i know it cant get worse for alot of people right now either.)