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To So Few #1
To So Few - The Prelude
This is the second of a dozen books in Cap Parlier's To So Few series of historic novels. Brian Drummond becomes a fighter pilot in the RAF as World War II opens in Europe. It does not take long for him to demonstrate his skills with the best fighter airplane of its day. As with all bands of warrior brothers, the special kindred bonds forged in the heat of battle expand their lust for life. Just after his 18 th birthday, Brian Drummond leaves his Kansas home in the spring of 1939 during the last days of peace. He crosses the border into Canada and joins the Royal Air Force. The last vestiges of Brian's innocence are lost forever as he enters the crucible of war. With the help of one of Churchill's cousins and others, Brian completes his training and gains the assignment he seeks. He hones his skills with the elegant but deadly Spitfire Mark I during the Phony War - the lull before all of Europe was engulfed - and becomes a man. Brian struggles against his parents who use U.S. Federal law in a desperate attempt to force their son to return home before its too late; against his emotions boiling within personal conflict and the loss of his mentor; and against a sometimes not-so-subtle discrimination. Brian makes mistakes, falls victim to the foibles of young men unconstrained by any sense of accountability, and manages to become a valued member of that very small brotherhood of warriors.
352 pages, Paperback
First published September 29, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
April 8, 2020
A Fantastic Story
This gripping story captures vividly the days leading up to WW2, and all the doubts, disbelief and indecision that led up to it. It is told primarily through the eyes of Brian Drummond, just out of a Kansas high school, but with 800 flying hours, trained by WW1 flying ace. He is not one of the doubters; he defies his parents and leaves his girl friend to go Great Britain to be commissioned into the RAF, and ultimately be assigned to a Spitfire squadron.
The other POV is the high level politics of the war, with Neville Chamberlain, Winston Churchill, and military leaders like Hugh Dowding.
This story is told with such attention to detail that reader will ride the British trains of the Era, fly in the cockpit of a Spit, and feel all the fear and anxiety of the looming war that will soon engulf Britain.
This gripping story captures vividly the days leading up to WW2, and all the doubts, disbelief and indecision that led up to it. It is told primarily through the eyes of Brian Drummond, just out of a Kansas high school, but with 800 flying hours, trained by WW1 flying ace. He is not one of the doubters; he defies his parents and leaves his girl friend to go Great Britain to be commissioned into the RAF, and ultimately be assigned to a Spitfire squadron.
The other POV is the high level politics of the war, with Neville Chamberlain, Winston Churchill, and military leaders like Hugh Dowding.
This story is told with such attention to detail that reader will ride the British trains of the Era, fly in the cockpit of a Spit, and feel all the fear and anxiety of the looming war that will soon engulf Britain.
August 13, 2014
I got this book in a package with another book by this publisher when I ordered it. It is not my normal cup of tea, but I enjoyed it. It was a little short, but the story was complete, as far as it went, I assume more will come of this character in future books of this series.
This is historical fiction from the pre-WW II days, in the build-up to the war. All American boy decides to go to war before the rest of the country. Good characterization. I like the interspersing of history with the fiction plot.
Good book.
This is historical fiction from the pre-WW II days, in the build-up to the war. All American boy decides to go to war before the rest of the country. Good characterization. I like the interspersing of history with the fiction plot.
Good book.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews