We Must Be Brave

We Must Be Brave

Frances Liardet

Would you like a recommendation for a good story? This one's for you, then.

We Must Be Brave opens in late 1940, in the south of England just as the Germans bomb the coastal city of Southampton. A little girl becomes separated from her beloved mother and is found asleep, on a bus, by herself by newlywed Ellen Parr. Little Pamela is all by herself. What to do with her while there is a search for her family? 

During the course of the novel, we learn about Ellen's backstory, a time dating from the years following the Great War. Ellen's father makes a poor financial decision and his wealthy family is suddenly beset by poverty. To make matters worse, the father decides that life is no longer worth living and leaves his wife and two children to fend for themselves. 

"A story of courage and kindness, hardship and friendship, We Must Be Brave is a luminous and profoundly moving novel about the people we rescue and the ways in which they rescue us in return." (from the inside front cover)

I rocketed through this book, even though, just having read an essay in the Globe and Mail about reading more slowly and mindfully, I had intended to do just that. Didn't happen. 

I really enjoyed We Must Be Brave. This heartwarming debut novel from Frances Liardet was well-written, the characters were skillfully brought to life and were endearing. The time frame even extends into modern-day, which is hugely satisfying. If you decide to read this book, keep a tissue handy.

Highly recommended!