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When You Come Home
"Daphne Cavin's poignant story of love, loss and sacrifice was one of the most memorable I encountered in writing The Greatest Generation. Her daughter now completes the story with this very heartfelt book." - Tom Brokaw
The war claimed Daphne Kelley’s young husband’s life, but it couldn’t keep Raymond – and his abiding love – from being with her when she needed him most.
First glimpsed in Tom Brokaw’s landmark bestseller, The Greatest Generation, the true-life love story of Daphne and Raymond Kelley went far deeper than Brokaw’s feature could reveal. Now When You Come Home provides the complete account of what New York Times book reviewer Michael Lind cited as “perhaps the most compelling” love story in Brokaw’s book.
Taking its title from a poem newlywed Daphne sent her soldier husband during World War II, When You Come Home tells of their young love in the heartland at the brink of war, and of the crushing uncertainty and fear as they find themselves a world apart. And when the poem comes back to Daphne – blood-stained by Raymond’s mortal wounds – When You Come Home shares the extraordinary event that restores the grieving young widow’s faith in the transcendent power of love.
If you buy a new print edition of this book (or purchased one in the past), you can buy the Kindle edition for only $0.99 (Save 67%).
The war claimed Daphne Kelley’s young husband’s life, but it couldn’t keep Raymond – and his abiding love – from being with her when she needed him most.
First glimpsed in Tom Brokaw’s landmark bestseller, The Greatest Generation, the true-life love story of Daphne and Raymond Kelley went far deeper than Brokaw’s feature could reveal. Now When You Come Home provides the complete account of what New York Times book reviewer Michael Lind cited as “perhaps the most compelling” love story in Brokaw’s book.
Taking its title from a poem newlywed Daphne sent her soldier husband during World War II, When You Come Home tells of their young love in the heartland at the brink of war, and of the crushing uncertainty and fear as they find themselves a world apart. And when the poem comes back to Daphne – blood-stained by Raymond’s mortal wounds – When You Come Home shares the extraordinary event that restores the grieving young widow’s faith in the transcendent power of love.
If you buy a new print edition of this book (or purchased one in the past), you can buy the Kindle edition for only $0.99 (Save 67%).
244 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 29, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
November 11, 2011
I needed to read this and enjoyed it very much! I'm a bit preoccupied with death and mourning, having lost my oldest son on September 3, 2011. He would have been 29 on November 15 so I am having a difficult time right now.
That aside, this is well written and engaging. I got a first person perspective of what it was like to be a WWII war bride and, subsequently, war widow.
That aside, this is well written and engaging. I got a first person perspective of what it was like to be a WWII war bride and, subsequently, war widow.
August 27, 2012
As a reviewer on another site has said: 'You'd have to have a heart of solid granite not to be affected by this true story' Well, just call me Stony then, because although I was moved at the end, I really didn't 'feel' the characters in the way that perhaps others have. The story has been written in the third person focusing on the young Daphne as she meets and falls in love with Raymond, thus the scene is set for the romance and tragedy that is to follow.
I am really interested in stories set during wartime and I did enjoy the attention to detail that the author gave in providing a snapshot of life in 1940s America. However, sometimes, the detail was just so banal and unnecessary as to detract from the story altogether. Characters talking about what they had for tea and drawn out anecdotes of mildly amusing or tricky situations just left me feeling slightly bored and this had the effect of making me lose interest in the underlying thread.
Of course it is a sad story; no one would deny that the many lives lost and destroyed by war are cause for sympathy, but the pathos gets lost somewhere in the narrative and never quite regains itself by the time the tragedy occurs. There are also increasing frequent references to God later in the book and, although I respect others' faith, I cannot empathise that strongly and found myself skim-reading the paragraphs about prayer.
Overall, I wouldn't recommend this to someone who expressed an interest in war novels - it is far more suited to the romance genre, which is not something I tend to pick up. I also think anyone who has lost a loved one or whose faith is wavering will probably find a lot of peace from reading this book. Therefore I have given it a slightly higher rating than the one my initial reaction suggested, as I can appreciate its merits as a cathartic work.
I am really interested in stories set during wartime and I did enjoy the attention to detail that the author gave in providing a snapshot of life in 1940s America. However, sometimes, the detail was just so banal and unnecessary as to detract from the story altogether. Characters talking about what they had for tea and drawn out anecdotes of mildly amusing or tricky situations just left me feeling slightly bored and this had the effect of making me lose interest in the underlying thread.
Of course it is a sad story; no one would deny that the many lives lost and destroyed by war are cause for sympathy, but the pathos gets lost somewhere in the narrative and never quite regains itself by the time the tragedy occurs. There are also increasing frequent references to God later in the book and, although I respect others' faith, I cannot empathise that strongly and found myself skim-reading the paragraphs about prayer.
Overall, I wouldn't recommend this to someone who expressed an interest in war novels - it is far more suited to the romance genre, which is not something I tend to pick up. I also think anyone who has lost a loved one or whose faith is wavering will probably find a lot of peace from reading this book. Therefore I have given it a slightly higher rating than the one my initial reaction suggested, as I can appreciate its merits as a cathartic work.
December 20, 2016
It’s a biography that reads like a novel, almost too much like a novel to make a good biography. It’s full of dialog and inner thoughts. There are also many, many details. Not really details that add to the biography, but make it read more like a novel. The majority of it reads like any dime-a-dozen love story. Lots of the sweet nothings are written as if they could be remembered verbatim.
Then there is the weird supernatural twist... It’s especially sad because of the hints that these people really knew the truth. I can’t tell if the faith they talk of is True Gospel believing, save you from Hell faith in Jesus as the only Savior, or a more general faith in a rather general god. From hints in the daughters writing, I think they may have been truly saved. It’s just really hard to tell. Bible reading is mentioned as a comfort and strength, but it’s not really any more detailed than that. Now that’s how her daughter writes it. Whether that was how her mother would have told the story, is anyone’s guess.
It also really drug. That’s my opinion, but I got really tired of reading how much she loved her husband. Great. But three-quarters of this book is that. The last quarter deals with their experiences during the war. It makes for a sweet read for a bit, but this was overly sweet.
Then there is the weird supernatural twist... It’s especially sad because of the hints that these people really knew the truth. I can’t tell if the faith they talk of is True Gospel believing, save you from Hell faith in Jesus as the only Savior, or a more general faith in a rather general god. From hints in the daughters writing, I think they may have been truly saved. It’s just really hard to tell. Bible reading is mentioned as a comfort and strength, but it’s not really any more detailed than that. Now that’s how her daughter writes it. Whether that was how her mother would have told the story, is anyone’s guess.
It also really drug. That’s my opinion, but I got really tired of reading how much she loved her husband. Great. But three-quarters of this book is that. The last quarter deals with their experiences during the war. It makes for a sweet read for a bit, but this was overly sweet.
August 29, 2012
Admittedly, when I started reading this story I didn’t think I would finish. At times the writing had me wanting to bang my head on the wall. There were moments I would have to go back, during dialogue, to figure out who was speaking. However, as time passed the story took on a life of its own. I’ve decided this deserves a 4.5-star rating.
Though the writing itself was not perfect, the account moved me deeply. You’d have to have a heart of solid granite not to be affected by this true story. As you read of Daphne and Raymond’s love, you rejoice for the moments they have together, knowing full well what is to come. You journey with them as he is drafted and trains to serve. And then as he walks away for the last time, you just want to say, “Hold your wife a little longer. Tell her you love her and kiss her one more time. Don’t go!” But where would they have been without his great honor. I won’t lie there were moments I was sobbing with her. I could hardly see the words on my Kindle through the sheet of tears.
I can’t imagine how difficult the loss was to this family. I am filled with gratitude that most of my ancestors came home. However, there were a few who didn’t. As I read of Daphne’s loss, I couldn’t help thinking of my Great-Grandmother’s twin who never returned from WWI. I thought of my 5th Great-Grandfather who was present at the siege of Yorktown during the Revolutionary War. Two of his brothers were POW’s, one of which died while in captivity. My own family would have felt many of the same things as Daphne. Reading of her loss connected me with my own past.
This story helps you realize the cost of the precious freedoms that we enjoy. Each of us, if we look through our history will find family members whose lives were forever altered by war. This could be the story of every husband, father, son or brother that has served to save their family. This could be the story of every wife, mother, daughter, or sister who has watched those they love walk away never knowing if they would return. There is much for us to learn if we are to prevent history from repeating itself.
I'm grateful I had the privilege of reading Daphne and Raymond’s love story. Though heartbreaking, it is so worth reading.
Though the writing itself was not perfect, the account moved me deeply. You’d have to have a heart of solid granite not to be affected by this true story. As you read of Daphne and Raymond’s love, you rejoice for the moments they have together, knowing full well what is to come. You journey with them as he is drafted and trains to serve. And then as he walks away for the last time, you just want to say, “Hold your wife a little longer. Tell her you love her and kiss her one more time. Don’t go!” But where would they have been without his great honor. I won’t lie there were moments I was sobbing with her. I could hardly see the words on my Kindle through the sheet of tears.
I can’t imagine how difficult the loss was to this family. I am filled with gratitude that most of my ancestors came home. However, there were a few who didn’t. As I read of Daphne’s loss, I couldn’t help thinking of my Great-Grandmother’s twin who never returned from WWI. I thought of my 5th Great-Grandfather who was present at the siege of Yorktown during the Revolutionary War. Two of his brothers were POW’s, one of which died while in captivity. My own family would have felt many of the same things as Daphne. Reading of her loss connected me with my own past.
This story helps you realize the cost of the precious freedoms that we enjoy. Each of us, if we look through our history will find family members whose lives were forever altered by war. This could be the story of every husband, father, son or brother that has served to save their family. This could be the story of every wife, mother, daughter, or sister who has watched those they love walk away never knowing if they would return. There is much for us to learn if we are to prevent history from repeating itself.
I'm grateful I had the privilege of reading Daphne and Raymond’s love story. Though heartbreaking, it is so worth reading.
September 18, 2012
This book gets 4 stars simply because of the subject matter. I have an incredible soft spot for the people who sacrificed so much during WWII. Unfortunately, the writing was somewhat amateurish and read like a "B movie" from the 1940's...complete with "oh gosh" dialogue. I SO wanted this to be better than it was. The story is fascinating, and in the hands of a more accomplished writer, could have been moving and inspirational.
May 25, 2012
Excellent.
February 24, 2020
I loved this book just a simple sweet story of the last love of two people and their faith in God that helped to carry them through the hard times.
October 12, 2012
Made me cry but I loved it. Well written. So true to the time period.
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November 12, 2012loved this book, a beautiful love story...
December 26, 2012
Simply and beautifully written, it gives you a glimpse of how difficult things were during that time. Wonderful love story.
February 10, 2013
Excellent true story from WWII!
February 9, 2013
Very moving story.
April 18, 2013
Simply written and emotional to read. Thank goodness for our service people and the loved ones they leave behind.
May 29, 2013
I loved it
December 19, 2020
WAR TOOK DAPHNE KELLEY’S YOUNG HUSBAND FROM HER, BUT IT COULDN’T KEEP RAYMOND – AND HIS ABIDING LOVE – FROM BEING WITH HER WHEN SHE NEEDED HIM MOST.Taking its title from a poem Daphne sent her soldier-husband during World War II, When You Come Home tells of the couple's young love in the heartland of America on the brink of war, and of the crushing uncertainty and fear they feel as they find themselves a ripped apart.Through pain and worry, the grieving young wife finds that her faith provides hope and healing amidst the uncertainty of war.Daphne's story was featured in The Greatest Generation by Tom Brokaw.Daphne Abston Kelley Cavin was 21 and Raymond Kelley was 19 when mutual friend Mamie Gates introduced them at a Sunday school party in August 1941. They hit it off immediately, and began dating. Daphne was a beautician in Lebanon,IN. Raymond was working for Kingan Meat Co.in Indianapolis. Raymond was visiting her parents' home just south of Lebanon on December 7th 1941, when radio news came about the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.Despite an uncertain wartime future, Daphne and Raymond married in June 1942.Raymond was drafted in October and he left for training at Camp Shelby in Hattiesburg,MS.Daphne visited him there and also in Trenton, NJ, before he shipped out for North Africa.He was assigned to the 45th Infantry Division and participated in the Allied invasion of Italy,landing at Anzio.He was WIA and when he recovered back stateside,he returned to his unit in time for Operation Dragoon,in August,1944.Unfortunately,on September 10th,Raymond was KIA.Daphne had the contents of Raymond's wallet-her photo, his driver's license, social security card,poem"When You Come Home",and a lock of her bright red hair.Daphne then compiled a scrapbook of his belongings.She remarried to farmer Marvin Cavin in 1950 and had 4 children.She never discussed Raymond because she didn't want to hurt them.But after Marvin's death,they found out.Frequent communication is key,Keep them close even when they're far away,Have a plan to be physically near each other,You still must live your life and love loyally were the lessons I learnt from this book.
June 16, 2020
Daphne Meets Raymond at a party. She spills her drink on him. They talk and the next day he walks by her work. She is a hair dresser. The following day he goes to her home and asks her if she would like to go for a drive. The couple began to date. Their love grows and war looms in the background. You hear all about her feelings for him and her mishaps along the way, like when she wore a new skirt and came in from the outhouse washed up, she did a little twirl not knowing she showed off her under garments. Him being a gentleman never said a thing. You get to know Daphne And Raymond you see how much they love each other, their wedding. Then when a dark cloud when Raymond is drafted into service. The couple Deals with separation as he goes into training. Each grabbing a few days here and there to see each other.
When he is sent overseas Daphne learns that Raymond was hurt and prays he will be able to return soon, he heals and goes back into battle. Later he looses his life and Daphne has to go on. It talks about her struggles and how she can go on. I cried many times during this book, I had a few laughs also. The ending disappointed me some what. Due to the fact that Daphn was older in the start of the story and her daughter is mentioned. You can obviously put some things into prospective as she did remarry, I would have loved to knows how this happened. But the story leaves questions for the reader that simply aren’t answered.
Great story, even though the ending falls short.
When he is sent overseas Daphne learns that Raymond was hurt and prays he will be able to return soon, he heals and goes back into battle. Later he looses his life and Daphne has to go on. It talks about her struggles and how she can go on. I cried many times during this book, I had a few laughs also. The ending disappointed me some what. Due to the fact that Daphn was older in the start of the story and her daughter is mentioned. You can obviously put some things into prospective as she did remarry, I would have loved to knows how this happened. But the story leaves questions for the reader that simply aren’t answered.
Great story, even though the ending falls short.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 11, 2017
When i first heard about this book, I told my husband about it knowing he'd read the Brokaw book. He grabbed that book and read to me what Tom Brokaw had included. I felt it was a story I wanted to read. I'm glad Nancy wrote her mom's story down, and I'm sure it is most beneficial to the family to know a past love story. It gave me a glimpse of the sad reality many, many thousands of young women faced through the war. It's simply written, much like a simple transcription of her mom's words. At points it was almost boring because it was simply life in Indiana in the 40's. Again--we get a glimpse of life back in a more simple time. I did feel like it would have been a better short story since many details could have been left and some shortened. I know to the family and to Daphne herself, each and every memory is precious and important so I don't say anything critical--it's just a simply told story of a most difficult period of world history and it deserves to be told; however, I've read other memoirs that were better written. That said, I think we all need to read it--if nothing else, it will make you thankful for your spouse and sensitive to those who are widows.
July 14, 2025
When I first started this book, I was a little disappointed that it read like a novel in the third person. I had thought it would be more like a timeline with letters exchanged back and forth, but by the first 100 pages or so, I was really thankful for the way it was written. I really got to grow attached to the characters that way. It was an easy yet heartbreaking read. I almost cried countless times. Even though I knew the young husband didn't come back from the war, I felt as if the pain and loss the young wife felt were my own. Seeing the world during the time of the war and through the eyes of a young woman was also very insightful. This was a beautiful story of young love and the despair of a loved one lost.
January 4, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed the Audible version. Heart wrenching and very sweet love story. Shows classic Christianity lived out in the midst of tragedies. I enjoyed reading this book. What brave and strong people were those WWII war brides and their husbands! They were a different class of people than what we have now in today’s society. I don’t think our country could endure such losses today because we have no foundation in Jesus Christ and no hope as a nation since we have forsaken the faith of our fathers. What an inexpressible loss these people would feel, knowing they gave their lives for a country that is no more!!!
April 9, 2018
How did I even find this story!
I live 30 minutes away from Lebanon IN! My son taught school there. I recognized a lot of facts about the town. The Court House the name Ulen references to Lafayette. I sobbed the second Raymond died and cried until the end of the story! I was born on December 7 in 1937. I was 4 when the Pearl Harbor catastrophe happened! My dad was drafted in 1944 as were my uncles. I will read this story again soon. Thank you Nancy Cavin Pitts! Your Mother is a treasure!
I live 30 minutes away from Lebanon IN! My son taught school there. I recognized a lot of facts about the town. The Court House the name Ulen references to Lafayette. I sobbed the second Raymond died and cried until the end of the story! I was born on December 7 in 1937. I was 4 when the Pearl Harbor catastrophe happened! My dad was drafted in 1944 as were my uncles. I will read this story again soon. Thank you Nancy Cavin Pitts! Your Mother is a treasure!
June 29, 2018
This novel, like so many others, has failed to grab and captivate my attention. There are many different times that I can pick up a novel and cannot finish it at that time; however, I might be able to return to it at a later date. This is one of those, who knows, maybe next time it will be a game changer.
March 31, 2019
The return of the poem.
WWII left many widows. This heartfelt true story of Daphne and Raymond Kelly could be told more fully because of the scrapbook Daphne kept. The return of the poem she had sent Raymond, although bloodstained, gave her some of the courage she needed to move ahead with her life.
WWII left many widows. This heartfelt true story of Daphne and Raymond Kelly could be told more fully because of the scrapbook Daphne kept. The return of the poem she had sent Raymond, although bloodstained, gave her some of the courage she needed to move ahead with her life.
December 23, 2017
What a wonderful story
What a wonderful story. I laughed and I cried. Thank you for a story from the greatest generation. These men and their wives are true hero's. Thank you for a great time of reading.
What a wonderful story. I laughed and I cried. Thank you for a story from the greatest generation. These men and their wives are true hero's. Thank you for a great time of reading.
April 4, 2020
Setting is in the United States 1940 - through World War II and beyond. A young couple fell in love, married and was separated when Daphan's husband is send off to serve in the war. Daphan finds other wives to hang with while their husbands is gone.
This is an entertaining and interesting story about our history in America and around the World. It reflect on a time the whole World was broken but we all pulled together and we cane back stronger and rebuilt our America.
Each character came alive with personalities. This is a well written, fast paced book and the ending was outstanding. I enjoyed this clean historical, romance story. I recommend this book to every one.
This is an entertaining and interesting story about our history in America and around the World. It reflect on a time the whole World was broken but we all pulled together and we cane back stronger and rebuilt our America.
Each character came alive with personalities. This is a well written, fast paced book and the ending was outstanding. I enjoyed this clean historical, romance story. I recommend this book to every one.
May 19, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. You follow the love story from beginning to end. Very well written. Keeps your attention from beginning to end a real page turner. I have passed this book onto family and friends to read.
July 29, 2017
War story
Written well. Survival of the women left behind. The sadness of war. Brings out that there is a place in our hearts always for those we love. Enjoy reading.
Written well. Survival of the women left behind. The sadness of war. Brings out that there is a place in our hearts always for those we love. Enjoy reading.
August 2, 2020
Home is where love is.
A beautiful story of life and love before and during WW11. Emotionally charged and an intense trust in God. Joy and sorrow abound.
A beautiful story of life and love before and during WW11. Emotionally charged and an intense trust in God. Joy and sorrow abound.
March 10, 2017
One disadvantage of a book in Kindle format is that you don't always see the information in the first few pages of a book, before the story begins. I didn't realize until I looked at this book to write the review, and was flipping through the first few pages to the cover, that this is a true story! That makes it much more meaningful.
Daphne, at age 20, was working at a beauty salon when she met Raymond Kelley. The two were instantly attracted to each other, and spent as much time together as they could. Soon after World War II broke out, they got married and had a few happy months together before he was drafted.
I found this story quite engrossing, as Daphne and Raymond creatively found ways to keep their love fresh and alive through separations. I felt like crying with Daphne at the end, but cheered for her as she learned to live again in the very end of the story. This is a wonderful story of a young couple's deep love for each other. The only thing I did not appreciate was the frequent, veiled mentions of their nights together.
Daphne, at age 20, was working at a beauty salon when she met Raymond Kelley. The two were instantly attracted to each other, and spent as much time together as they could. Soon after World War II broke out, they got married and had a few happy months together before he was drafted.
I found this story quite engrossing, as Daphne and Raymond creatively found ways to keep their love fresh and alive through separations. I felt like crying with Daphne at the end, but cheered for her as she learned to live again in the very end of the story. This is a wonderful story of a young couple's deep love for each other. The only thing I did not appreciate was the frequent, veiled mentions of their nights together.
March 9, 2017
Love and loss
Heart breaking is the best way I can describe this story. Daphne and Raymond were a loving adorable couple. I wanted them to grow old together, but I knew that wasn't going to be the case. I felt the void left by his death....it was maddening. Without turing to God I don't see how Daphne could have survived, along with the love and support if loving family and friends. Then her friend endured the same faith.
I think of the families, friends and loved ones left behind and men and women are ordered into war and it brakes my heart to know the uncertainty that they live with full they return home. I really hope and pray for their safe return as they go off to war today knowing they face the same faith as Raymond and Daphne. I thank them from the bottom of my heart for their service. And for the families left behind, as well.
Heart breaking is the best way I can describe this story. Daphne and Raymond were a loving adorable couple. I wanted them to grow old together, but I knew that wasn't going to be the case. I felt the void left by his death....it was maddening. Without turing to God I don't see how Daphne could have survived, along with the love and support if loving family and friends. Then her friend endured the same faith.
I think of the families, friends and loved ones left behind and men and women are ordered into war and it brakes my heart to know the uncertainty that they live with full they return home. I really hope and pray for their safe return as they go off to war today knowing they face the same faith as Raymond and Daphne. I thank them from the bottom of my heart for their service. And for the families left behind, as well.
October 23, 2013
I have always been fascinated by the life of American war brides during WWII, so that did draw my interest. I very much enjoyed the "snapshot" of life in central Indiana in the 1940's; I am familiar with Lebanon, and it's interesting to consider how life there would have been at that time.
I was moved by Daphne's story, and honestly wish I had known about it years ago. I knew Daphne much later in her life and would have loved to have heard her tell her tale.
I had a hard time connecting with the different people featured, with the exception of Daphne (and that is probably because I did know her), as the character development was somewhat lacking. Most characters were portrayed fairly shallowly. This is also not the best written manuscript I've ever come across, but it is what it is...a daughter telling the story of her mother's first love and loss.
Thank you to all the war brides, past, present and future, for their sacrifices.
I was moved by Daphne's story, and honestly wish I had known about it years ago. I knew Daphne much later in her life and would have loved to have heard her tell her tale.
I had a hard time connecting with the different people featured, with the exception of Daphne (and that is probably because I did know her), as the character development was somewhat lacking. Most characters were portrayed fairly shallowly. This is also not the best written manuscript I've ever come across, but it is what it is...a daughter telling the story of her mother's first love and loss.
Thank you to all the war brides, past, present and future, for their sacrifices.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews