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Sheridans #3
We Will Remember
January 1946.
For some the Second World War is over, but for the Sheridan family, the battle continues.
David Sheridan, an RAF pilot scarred by Japanese torture, must make one last crucial visit to the Orient before he can marry and take over the family estate.
Vesta, his sister, the acclaimed war artist, is finding that peace does not bring inspiration and Marion, their mother, urges them to make a new future for themselves and leave the past behind.
But how can they, when its legacy surrounds them every day?
Elizabeth Darrell’s memorable and haunting portrait of the aftermath of war moves from a Dorset village, where the social order is breaking down, to the Far East, and finally to Germany and the Berlin airlift. It is an unerring depiction of the human spirit, which survives, triumphant against terrible odds.
'We Will Remember' is the third book in a trilogy which includes 'At the Going Down of the Sun' and 'And in the Morning'.
Praise for Elizabeth Darrell:
‘A wonderful story, compellingly told...the authenticity - both emotional and historical - really shines through’ - Sarah Harrison
Elizabeth Darrell is the penname of Emma Drummond, born in 1931. Her father was a member of the British Army stationed in Hong Kong, where Drummond spent the early years of her life. As well as writing books, she worked in the Women’s Royal Army Corps.
Endeavour Press is the UK's leading independent publisher of digital books.
For some the Second World War is over, but for the Sheridan family, the battle continues.
David Sheridan, an RAF pilot scarred by Japanese torture, must make one last crucial visit to the Orient before he can marry and take over the family estate.
Vesta, his sister, the acclaimed war artist, is finding that peace does not bring inspiration and Marion, their mother, urges them to make a new future for themselves and leave the past behind.
But how can they, when its legacy surrounds them every day?
Elizabeth Darrell’s memorable and haunting portrait of the aftermath of war moves from a Dorset village, where the social order is breaking down, to the Far East, and finally to Germany and the Berlin airlift. It is an unerring depiction of the human spirit, which survives, triumphant against terrible odds.
'We Will Remember' is the third book in a trilogy which includes 'At the Going Down of the Sun' and 'And in the Morning'.
Praise for Elizabeth Darrell:
‘A wonderful story, compellingly told...the authenticity - both emotional and historical - really shines through’ - Sarah Harrison
Elizabeth Darrell is the penname of Emma Drummond, born in 1931. Her father was a member of the British Army stationed in Hong Kong, where Drummond spent the early years of her life. As well as writing books, she worked in the Women’s Royal Army Corps.
Endeavour Press is the UK's leading independent publisher of digital books.
440 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1995
55 people are currently reading
112 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Darrell
39 books24 followersA pseudonym used by Edna Dawes and Emma Drummond.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
January 24, 2016
Excellent sequel to 'And in the morning' keeps the threads of the Sheridan family interwoven against the horror of WW1.
April 22, 2018
The conclusion of a great Trilogy.
I have learned a great deal about both WW1 and WW2 whilst following the wonderfully crafted story of the Sheridan family.
Initially and in fact literally from the first page; I began to think that the Author’s somewhat idyllic depiction of the fictional Dorset villages and of its pre WW1 society was far too “ Rosy” and “ Cheesy “
I then read on and became caught up in the Tale. The Author’s love and indeed knowledge of the era is infectious.
I began to yearn for a life in those times and in the Thatched Cottaged Villages that were typical of pre war rural England. Times when Cricket matches on the village Green and Tea parties were an integral part of life.
I would urge any reader to despatch their modern call to cynicism and simply savour the long lost times that were those in pre war times. Times that were to change dramatically within a very brief episode never to return.
The Author describes the transformation within those societies that War brought about and in particular the horrors of war. in part One of the Trilogy are particularly well researched and truly bring home the absolute waste and pointlessness of the exercise.
Apart from the details of the relevant wars of which the novel encompasses both, we have the main characters who are primarily The Sheridan family and close friends, all of whom are artfully crafted thus ensuring that the Reader really does care about them.
This is a Trilogy for all; with its skilful blend of drama and Romance that readers of all tastes should enjoy.
This is not a Trilogy about War it’s all about people and people that you will miss on finally turning the last page.
I have learned a great deal about both WW1 and WW2 whilst following the wonderfully crafted story of the Sheridan family.
Initially and in fact literally from the first page; I began to think that the Author’s somewhat idyllic depiction of the fictional Dorset villages and of its pre WW1 society was far too “ Rosy” and “ Cheesy “
I then read on and became caught up in the Tale. The Author’s love and indeed knowledge of the era is infectious.
I began to yearn for a life in those times and in the Thatched Cottaged Villages that were typical of pre war rural England. Times when Cricket matches on the village Green and Tea parties were an integral part of life.
I would urge any reader to despatch their modern call to cynicism and simply savour the long lost times that were those in pre war times. Times that were to change dramatically within a very brief episode never to return.
The Author describes the transformation within those societies that War brought about and in particular the horrors of war. in part One of the Trilogy are particularly well researched and truly bring home the absolute waste and pointlessness of the exercise.
Apart from the details of the relevant wars of which the novel encompasses both, we have the main characters who are primarily The Sheridan family and close friends, all of whom are artfully crafted thus ensuring that the Reader really does care about them.
This is a Trilogy for all; with its skilful blend of drama and Romance that readers of all tastes should enjoy.
This is not a Trilogy about War it’s all about people and people that you will miss on finally turning the last page.
February 16, 2025
Reviewing the entire trilogy at once
I could have reviewed each book separately, but it wouldn't really have made sense. It's a big overarching tale, kind of along the lines of Gone With the Wind, and about as long. It could even have been put into one volume, but then I suppose nobody at all would have read it, at least not nowadays; people just don't have that kind of attention span. However, I plowed through the whole thing, from the first volume through this one, without taking a break, and now I feel like I might be ready for War and Peace! This is the story of the Sheridan family and takes us from the beginning of WWI in 1914 to post WWII days, probably 1947 or so. It follows the fortunes and misfortunes first, of the brothers Roland, Rex, and Christopher through WWI, and then of the only survivor and his son through WWII, and also of the women in their lives. I could draw a number of parallels with Gone With the Wind, I suppose, although that dealt with the losing side and this doesn't. This also has some interesting sub-plots, including spies, illegitimate children, and whatnot. On the whole it kept my interest, but there was one thing that bothered me greatly, and I don't know whether it was intentional on the part of the author to show prejudices of the time, or whether it reflects her own prejudices, but there is an incredible amount of anti-Asian bigotry in this third volume that nearly spoiled it for me. If it had only been from one character, it would have been one thing, but it was from nearly everyone, and I found it abominable and extremely hard to swallow. If you are Asian yourself, be prepared for this. Otherwise, it's a fairly interesting series and possibly worth a read.
I could have reviewed each book separately, but it wouldn't really have made sense. It's a big overarching tale, kind of along the lines of Gone With the Wind, and about as long. It could even have been put into one volume, but then I suppose nobody at all would have read it, at least not nowadays; people just don't have that kind of attention span. However, I plowed through the whole thing, from the first volume through this one, without taking a break, and now I feel like I might be ready for War and Peace! This is the story of the Sheridan family and takes us from the beginning of WWI in 1914 to post WWII days, probably 1947 or so. It follows the fortunes and misfortunes first, of the brothers Roland, Rex, and Christopher through WWI, and then of the only survivor and his son through WWII, and also of the women in their lives. I could draw a number of parallels with Gone With the Wind, I suppose, although that dealt with the losing side and this doesn't. This also has some interesting sub-plots, including spies, illegitimate children, and whatnot. On the whole it kept my interest, but there was one thing that bothered me greatly, and I don't know whether it was intentional on the part of the author to show prejudices of the time, or whether it reflects her own prejudices, but there is an incredible amount of anti-Asian bigotry in this third volume that nearly spoiled it for me. If it had only been from one character, it would have been one thing, but it was from nearly everyone, and I found it abominable and extremely hard to swallow. If you are Asian yourself, be prepared for this. Otherwise, it's a fairly interesting series and possibly worth a read.
March 16, 2021
This novel follows the Sheridan family now that World War II has ended. David believes he's found peace and happiness until news from Singapore draws him back there. When he returns to England after the trip, he is more troubled by his past than he was before. Unable to reconcile himself to what lies ahead in marriage, he extends his military service and leaves England again to wrestle with his demons while continuing to fly.
Meanwhile, Vesta isn't certain whether her artistic career can be sustained once peace has been achieved, and her mother struggles to find purpose after the war as well.
This book was as enjoyable as the others in the series. The author's description of what it's like to be entirely consumed by artistic inspiration is one of the most accurate and perceptive I've read, and one I can relate to as a composer, writer, and musician.
Meanwhile, Vesta isn't certain whether her artistic career can be sustained once peace has been achieved, and her mother struggles to find purpose after the war as well.
This book was as enjoyable as the others in the series. The author's description of what it's like to be entirely consumed by artistic inspiration is one of the most accurate and perceptive I've read, and one I can relate to as a composer, writer, and musician.
February 1, 2019
A triumphal series ender!
What great writing! No foolin'!!!
Darrell brings life of post-WAR to life so vividly here. Intense situations; suspense; romance; adventure and man's inhumanity to man! It's all here! So many things I was unaware of with regard to the post-WAR era.
I read another review by someone who has read a previous book in this intelligent, beautiful series who lauds this author for writing from a woman 's viewpoint, but I don't see it from a feminine point of view. It just came good writing about a subject matter we usually read by a male writer who has done as much research.
A definite recommendation by me here. If you wish to read great historical fiction writing this is your author!
What great writing! No foolin'!!!
Darrell brings life of post-WAR to life so vividly here. Intense situations; suspense; romance; adventure and man's inhumanity to man! It's all here! So many things I was unaware of with regard to the post-WAR era.
I read another review by someone who has read a previous book in this intelligent, beautiful series who lauds this author for writing from a woman 's viewpoint, but I don't see it from a feminine point of view. It just came good writing about a subject matter we usually read by a male writer who has done as much research.
A definite recommendation by me here. If you wish to read great historical fiction writing this is your author!
February 4, 2021
This the third book in the story of the Sheridan family and follows the two children through their tragic lives after the war. A new character is introduced in this book; the love child of Chris Sheridan who had died earlier. When the child's mother is killed in a car accident, David brings her home and she becomes part of the family. Near the end of the story, the family becomes reconciled. I wish there were another book in the series as I would like to know what the youngest sister did with her life.
January 20, 2021
We Will Remember
This conclusion of the Sheridan trilogy was a fitting ending.As with the previous Sheridan books you are able to see how far someone can push themself. It is a poignant look at WW2 Europe & the Far East. I recommend reading this concluding chapter of the Sheridans.
This conclusion of the Sheridan trilogy was a fitting ending.As with the previous Sheridan books you are able to see how far someone can push themself. It is a poignant look at WW2 Europe & the Far East. I recommend reading this concluding chapter of the Sheridans.
January 30, 2021
The Sheridan Books
The Sheridan series by Elizabeth Darrell is one of the best series of books I have read. It reminded me of “The Clifton Chronicles”. I love following a family through many generations and historical events. If history books had been written this way, I would have enjoyed it much more while I was in school.
The Sheridan series by Elizabeth Darrell is one of the best series of books I have read. It reminded me of “The Clifton Chronicles”. I love following a family through many generations and historical events. If history books had been written this way, I would have enjoyed it much more while I was in school.
January 20, 2021
We will remember
A fitting ending to the Sheridan trilogy. Such a well a written book and I thoroughly enjoyed the historical events incorporated into the lives of the Characters in all three books.
A fitting ending to the Sheridan trilogy. Such a well a written book and I thoroughly enjoyed the historical events incorporated into the lives of the Characters in all three books.
October 26, 2020
Great book set during World War II. It covers the lives and loves of the Sheridan family in England. I love historical fiction.
January 26, 2021
Last of a three part series. I enjoyed all of them. Well written and will continue to read this author.
March 2, 2018
Oh dear, that awful empty feeling when a fabulous series as this one comes to an end.
WW2 may be officially over, but the struggle is now on to restore the countries so devastated by this war, and to lay old demons to rest.
A very compelling read.
WW2 may be officially over, but the struggle is now on to restore the countries so devastated by this war, and to lay old demons to rest.
A very compelling read.
May 11, 2015
I enjoyed the final chapter in the Sheridan family history. Covering the period just after WWII, the novel explores the difficulty of settling back in after the war. Life is not at all what the family planned as they each battle their personal demons. The only criticism is that the story lines all tied together a bit too neatly and almost everyone lives happily ever after. Not that I don't like happy endings but it was all just a bit too convenient after complex story lines through most of the series. We went from intricate historical novel to basic romance.
April 1, 2009
I saw a copy of this in a used bookstore today, and remembered that I liked the series, of which this is the third book. The others are "At the Going Down of the Sun" and "In the Morning." I do not remember them too well, so I have a rereading to look forward to. I do remember that I did not like it as well at the Cazalet series by Elizabeth Jane Howard.
February 13, 2016
Third in a trilogy of the Sheridan family through both world wars & beyond.
Surprised it's never been made into a film
Surprised it's never been made into a film
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews