Having joined the Air Ministry, Harry Brigandshaw is itching to fly but deemed too old. He has no alternative but to stay in London, working to keep his fevered mind at rest and running for shelter as the chilling air-raid sirens sound. To keep his wife and children out of insanity’s reach, Harry sends them to Cape Town. But from so far away, can he stop his boys from enlisting, whilst other younger men are fighting for their lives in the skies above London? For the beautiful film star, Genevieve, she has no choice but to watch from afar. She’s petrified she will lose her man even before their love has had a chance to flourish. Along with other indomitable pilots, will her darling survive the greatest fight of his life? Through the eyes of the Brigandshaws and their friends, Peter Rimmer yet again brings to life their lives and loves during the harrowing times of World War Two in Treason If You Lose , the thrilling sixth instalment of this historical fiction series.
Peter Rimmer was born in London, England, and grew up in the south of the city where he went to Cranleigh School. After the Second World War and at aged 18, Peter joined the Royal Air Force, reaching the rank of Pilot Officer before he was 19. Then at the end of his National Service and with the optimism of youth, he sailed for Africa with his older brother to grow tobacco in what was then Rhodesia, and the odyssey of his life began.
The years went by and Peter found himself in Johannesburg founding an insurance brokering company. Over 2% of the companies listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange were clients of Rimmer Associates. He opened companies in the United States of America, Australia and Hong Kong and travelled extensively between the branches.
His passion had always been writing books, which he started at a very early age, though running a business was a driving force too and a common thread throughout his books. By the 1990’s, he had written several novels about Africa and England, and his breakthrough came with Cry of the Fish Eagle published by HarperCollins, Zimbabwe. It was a bestseller, which was followed up with the release of Vultures in the Wind. However, during this time, Zimbabwe was going through its struggles and the books did not get their just international recognition.
Having lived a reclusive life on his beloved smallholding in Knysna, South Africa, for over 25 years, Peter passed away in July 2018. He has left an enormous legacy of unpublished work for his family to release over the coming years, and not only them but also his readers from around the world will sorely miss him. Peter Rimmer was 81 years old.
Once again, these books are, to me, amazing. This one made the reader appreciate the utter futility of war and how it affects all parts of society. I can’t wait for the next installment!
Another book about The Brigandshaw family, this one set in WWll. All the hopes and fears. One of Harry's children dies and friends meet their fates too.
Well done, of course. I favor the Africa/Rhodesia episodes more than the London and New York stories, but very well done tie-in to the War raging in Europe and Asia.
Another good read from this author not everyone survived and friendships are very strained. New friendships are made in advers times. Can recommend this book but you should read them all to understand the story.