We Shall Pass

by Clifford Thurlow

1936. Spain erupts in civil war. The Republic forms an International Brigade and calls for volunteers to combat a Nationalist uprising led by General Franco. 
After his best friend Jimmy is killed by a police baton on a hunger march to London, Glaswegian Robbie Gillan has a fist fight with the mortician. The police are called and sympathetic nurse Alice Sheridan gives Robbie £5 when he tells her he wants to join the battle in Spain. 
Alice's twin brother Simon argues with his father over Spain and leaves on the night ferry for Paris where the volunteers are gathering. In a knife fight with Franco loyalists, Robbie Gillan saves Simon's life and the two men, opposites in class and temperament, cross France and climb the Pyrenees to Spain. Alice, drawn by emotions that are not entirely clear to her, soon follows with the Red Cross. 
The battle cry of the Spanish Republic was No pasarán. Pasaremos. They shall not pass. We Shall Pass – the defining spirit of this gripping novel that takes us into the heart of war and reveals the enduring power of love, hope and defiance as Robbie and Alice must overcome every obstacle to be together.

Genres: Survival, Inspirational, Nonfiction, Historical, Coming Of Age, Personal Growth, Military Fiction

322 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 1, 2025

Reviews

[Deacon Tom (Feeling Better) · Rating 4 out of 5]

An exceptionally well written book. I surprisingly, enjoyed every bit of it. I am not a history, boss of the Spanish Civil War, nor that period between World War I and World War II. However, this book drew me into the whole situation and all the dynamics that were happening and his wedding an appetite for me to dig deeper intosome historical books about the Spanish Civil War.

Well written book flowed very very smoothly and kept my attention throughout.

The characters are strong in particular I enjoyed Robbie. But they were easy to follow and understand why they made decisions.

It is a bit bloody, although not overly descriptive but in general, but I give it four stars because it is very very enjoyable.

I recommend this book to anyone with historical taste

.

[Fatguyreading · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well what can I say? Another great read from Luath Press, fast becoming one of my favourite publishers after reading some wonderful books from them recently, Including We Shall Pass.

Set during the Spanish Civil War in the 1930's, a subject I've never read anything on before, it really opened my eyes to that time period.

We follow three main characters, a brother and sister from a well connected family in London, and a Glaswegian docker. All moved for their own reasons to support the Republican cause in Spain, again the brutal General Franco and the Nationalist uprising, who were supported by Italian fascists and German Nazis.

So it's mainly centred around the British volunteers who supported the fledgling Republican government, and includes intricate and quite obviously well researched details of battles such as Jarama and the bombing of Guernica.

Incredibly well written, it flows along nicely and holds the attention, with characters that are believable and feel real.

I read this in two sittings one blustery autumn weekend.

4 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.

[Books With Demi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Completely obsessed with this story! The characters are fierce, the world building is detailed, and the tension never lets up. I loved the mix of rebellion, magic, and emotion. It all came together perfectly. Greenshaw’s writing is sharp and immersive, and the dialogue feels real. This is the kind of fantasy that reminds me why I love reading in the first place. Highly recommended if you like morally complex witches and high stakes storytelling.

[Ruth Siddall · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of three people’s experience in the International Brigade during the Spanish Civil War, two soldiers and a nurse whose lives are all interwoven. It was a grim and graphic read a lot of the time, but this was an exceptionally grim war. However there is a strong and far reaching story here and I would definitely recommend this book.

[Alan Lloyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another novel which uses events in Spain as the setting for its main characters, fairly accurately, and is to be welcomed. The first of these is tough Glaswegian, Robbie, who meets nurse Alice following a bout of police brutality at the conclusion of a hunger march in London. She gives him the money to make the trip to Spain.
By an incredible coincidence he bumps into her twin brother Simon in an alley in Paris, just in time to prevent him being stabbed by a couple of Franco supporting thugs, and the bonds of comradeship are thus forged. Simon is heading to Spain on something of a moral mission, escaping a career soldier/diplomat father who is on very friendly terms with German Ambassador Ribbentrop, who is angry that Simon is not finishing his degree and then joining “the regiment.”
They arrive as the British battalion is being formed and are then thrown into the carnage of the Battle of Jarama. Certainly, the author has captured the horror of that battle, as he also does later when describing the equally terrible Battle of Brunete.
A wound sustained in battle brings about a blissful reunion with nurse Alice, who has also decided to travel to Spain to do her bit for the cause. This gives the author a chance to highlight the terrible circumstances under which the medical aid personnel had to operate.
An unnecessary anti-communist bent to the story is highlighted after the village of Villanueva de la Cañada is taken, thanks to Lieutenant Robbie disobeying orders. He is then torn off a strip, in front of the Battalion, by his British Commanding Officer who is portrayed as a clueless Stalinist martinet.
The story concludes following events at Brunete – no spoilers here. Despite the unlikely plot twists, this makes for a nice easy read, especially taking into consideration the number of British Brigaders who did marry a nurse. It would make a good gift as a means to introduce someone to the events in Spain.

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

We Shall Pass is an unforgettable memoir that immerses readers in the raw reality of human endurance and resilience. Clifford Thurlow recounts experiences that are both harrowing and inspiring, painting a vivid picture of survival against overwhelming odds. The book goes beyond mere events it captures the emotional and psychological journey of individuals facing extreme challenges, showing how courage, hope, and sheer determination can carry a person through even the darkest moments.

Thurlow’s writing is candid and compelling, making each story feel immediate and personal. From moments of fear and uncertainty to instances of triumph and self-discovery, the narrative flows with authenticity and depth. What sets this memoir apart is its unflinching honesty; it doesn’t shy away from the brutal realities of life, yet it consistently emphasizes resilience, growth, and the transformative power of perseverance.

This is not just a book about survival it’s a testament to the strength of the human spirit, a reminder that even in the face of adversity, hope can prevail. We Shall Pass is essential reading for anyone seeking inspiration, insight into human courage, or a deeper understanding of the power of endurance.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book which opens with an intriguing mystery with General Sir Richard Sheridan flying to 1937 Salzburg to visit his friend the German Ambassador to London to ask a personal favour in finding out if his son and "the other man" are alive and if they are, to bring them back to England. Who is the other man and why is Sheridans daughter Alice in a state of melancholy?
The story revolves around three people, working class Glaswegian Robbie and Upper class General Sheridans son Simon and daughter Alice. Robbie and Alice meet briefly in 1936 in the aftermath of the horrific and violent police cavalry charge towards the men on the Hunger March from Glasgow when they get to London. Later Robbie and Simon both join the International Brigade to fight for the Republican cause against General Francos military uprising in Spain and Alice joins the cause as a nurse with the Red Cross.
I'm familiar with the world of the roaring 1920s - Charles Rennie McIntosh, Art Deco, Gatsby, Scott Fitzgerald and Jazz I know very little the 1930s. I've heard the words Spanish Civil War, General Franco and thought George Orwell and Laurie Lee had fought so this book was perfect for giving me some knowledge and understanding of this War and an interest in reading the books and poems mentioned in the story.
Simon, Robbie and Alice are vividly brought to life in this historical novel and you feel invested in their lives and their fates which we know are in question. The end of the book is a bit of an emotional roller coaster as you find out theirs and others such as the Jones brothers fates. The humour and comraderie of the soldiers shone through. Robbie was my favourite, I admired most of his character traits and his learning curve.
A well written historical novel of romance and friendship across and within the class divide within the context of war fighting "to build a better world where everyone gets a fair share of the whip - somewhere to live and the chance for a decent life"...... a continuing cause!

[Ruth Coulson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I chose to read this book largely because it dealt with the Spanish Civil War, a subject that has been absent from my reading for years. The author is a journalist and writer of considerable experience so I am assuming that his research on historical matters is good.

I cannot pretend that it is a comfortable book to read. It is far too graphic for that.

It deals with the International Brigade, a group of volunteers from all around the world, which helped fight against the Fascists in Spain before the Second World War. The chief characters, Robbie and Simon, see and do things that are virtually unendurable, but in a war context have to be endured anyway. Alice, Simon's sister and a Red Cross VAD nurse, has to try to heal or sometimes to calm the dying moments of the wounded. This, the reader understands, is the truth of war: of war as it has always been fought and always will be.

If you are not a pacifist already, read this book and you may become one.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Amanda Felton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you LBT for having me on this book review tour and for this gifted copy of the epub.

This was a really good read. I got into this book so so fast and I couldn’t believe how fast I read it.

I really loved all the characters it was a bomb cast of them. This book had so much to offer too. Like we had rebellion and so so much emotion and just was so good. The author has a really great way of just getting you involved In the story. I’m slowly becoming a history buff. Like I find it so interesting. This book especially and now I want to learn more about the Spanish war and dig deeper

We follow 3 main characters their lives are intertwined through hard times.

This book will keep you engaged the entire time and I love the romance that is woven through the story as well !!

Highly recommend if you enjoy historical fiction plus romance!!

[Tracey Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

We Shall Pass is an inspiring and educational read set in the time of the Spanish civil war, where we follow three main characters as their lives are interwoven together through a brutally gripping and heartbreaking time.

This was an eye-opening and interesting read that was easy to follow and made for an incredible storyline. The character development and world building throughout the book were both descriptive and had plenty of details to picture the scenes.

A well-written book with a storyline that keeps you interested throughout. if you enjoy reading historical/romance fiction then I highly recommend this book.

[P.N. Burrows · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moving and intimate, We Shall Pass follows Robbie Gillan, a Glasgow docker, and Alice Sheridan, an aristocratic nurse, who meet in the chaos of the International Brigades. On the battlefields of Spain they face not only Franco’s guns but the harsher forces of class and fate. Their love becomes a fragile, defiant flame — a promise of tenderness in a world determined to extinguish it.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up We Shall Pass during a period when I was thinking a lot about what pushes ordinary people to take extraordinary risks. I’ve had moments in my own life where anger, grief, or injustice forced a decision that couldn’t be postponed, and Robbie Gillan’s choice to go to Spain felt rooted in that same raw urgency.

The early scenes in Glasgow, especially the aftermath of Jimmy’s death, hit hard. They reminded me how political convictions often grow out of very personal losses. Robbie’s journey doesn’t feel romanticized; it feels impulsive, bruised, and emotionally driven, which made his transition from street violence to organized resistance feel believable.

What stayed with me most was the relationship between Robbie, Simon, and Alice. The contrast between class, temperament, and motivation added real tension, and Alice’s decision to follow her own uncertain pull toward Spain felt especially human. I’ve known that feeling, not fully understanding why you need to be somewhere, only knowing that staying behind would be worse.

The novel carries the spirit of defiance implied in its title without turning it into a slogan. Even in the midst of war, the story keeps returning to love, hope, and the stubborn refusal to give in. I finished the book thinking less about the outcome of the war and more about the courage it takes to act when the odds are stacked against you.

[Allison Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of We Shall Pass is deeply emotional, brimming with raw human experiences, particularly surrounding love, loss, and defiance amidst war. Robbie's grief and anger over his best friend’s death reveal his deep sense of injustice, motivating him to join the fight. Alice's motivations, initially unclear even to herself, represent the struggle to understand one's emotions during times of turmoil. Both Robbie and Alice, alongside Simon, experience moments of vulnerability, fear, and determination. Their journey across France and into the harsh realities of war showcases not just their individual desires, but their growth as humans, learning to navigate complex emotional terrain.

The historical backdrop of the Spanish Civil War infuses the novel with a sense of urgency and tragedy. The backdrop of "No pasarán" (They shall not pass) is a rallying cry that speaks to the resilience and unwavering hope in the face of overwhelming adversity. There is a clear sense of solidarity among the characters as they confront the reality of war, sacrifice, and love. The emotional core of the story is driven by their yearning to overcome these obstacles and find peace in a world full of violence.

[Aurevian Solthane · Rating 5 out of 5]

We Shall Pass is one of those rare historical novels that grips you quietly at first, then refuses to let go. Clifford Thurlow doesn’t romanticize war, nor does he drown the reader in dates and ideology. Instead, he gives us people bruised, hopeful, angry, loving, and drops them into a moment when the world was tearing itself apart.

Robbie Gillan’s journey from the streets of Glasgow to the battlefields of Spain is raw and believable. His grief, rage, and stubborn sense of justice feel painfully real. The contrast between Robbie and Simon, divided by class and temperament yet bound by survival, adds depth that lingers long after the pages turn. And Alice, brave, conflicted, quietly determined, brings a tenderness to the story that balances the brutality of war.

What stayed with me most is the spirit behind the title. No pasarán isn’t just a slogan here; it’s a heartbeat. This book captures defiance not as heroics, but as endurance, the decision to stand, love, and hope when everything says you shouldn’t.

Powerful, compassionate, and deeply human, We Shall Pass is historical fiction at its best. A moving reminder that even in the darkest moments, courage and love still find a way forward.

[Lucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

We Shall Pass is one of those books that stays with you long after you’ve turned the last page. Clifford Thurlow tells his story with honesty and heart, taking you into moments of struggle, fear, and resilience that feel utterly real. What struck me most was how he doesn’t just recount events, he shows the emotional toll, the small victories, and the inner strength it takes to keep going when everything seems against you.

Reading this felt like walking alongside someone who’s been through unimaginable challenges, yet never lost hope. There’s a rawness to Thurlow’s writing that makes the triumphs feel earned and the setbacks all the more poignant. It’s inspiring without being preachy, heartbreaking yet uplifting, and incredibly human.

If you’re looking for a memoir that explores the depth of courage, perseverance, and the human spirit, this book is a must-read. It’s a reminder that no matter how hard life gets, we really can pass through it and come out stronger on the other side.

[Daisy Hollands · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is fascinating. Clearly very well researched, it is educational and informative as well as being a thoroughly entertaining story, filled with enduring characters and themes of friendship and adversity. Set during the Spanish Civil War, this was a time period and historical event that I knew very little of, so I learned a lot from the narrative, which is solidly well written. If you are a historical fiction fan then this book is a must. I found it captivating and engaging and I’m very glad to have had the opportunity to read it. A striking, memorable read

[Rowland · Rating 5 out of 5]

We Shall Pass is a gripping and deeply moving memoir that shines a light on the resilience of the human spirit. Clifford Thurlow’s storytelling is raw and honest, taking readers through harrowing challenges and moments of profound courage. What stands out most is the way the narrative balances despair and hope, showing that even in the darkest times, perseverance and determination can prevail. This book isn’t just a memoir; it’s a testament to survival, strength, and the power of the human will. Highly recommended for anyone who appreciates real-life stories that inspire and awaken empathy.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

We Shall Pass is a powerful and emotionally charged novel that brings the Spanish Civil War to life through deeply human stories. What struck me most was how personal the conflict feels driven by grief, conviction, and love rather than abstract politics. Robbie and Alice’s journeys are filled with danger, courage, and longing, and the story captures both the brutality of war and the stubborn hope that refuses to die. This is a moving novel about defiance, sacrifice, and holding onto humanity when the world is falling apart.

[Paul Cunningham · Rating 1 out of 5]

Full of inaccuracies.