We Must Be Brave

What a wonderful story this is. I read a lot of novels set domestically during WWII and, for me, this stands out as being truly different and all-encompassing. We first meet Ellen Parr when the village of Upton finds itself receiving busload after busload of people who have run from the bombing in Southampton. From our first introduction, it's obvious that the young Mrs Parr is someone to rely upon in a crisis. As the book progresses, we find out what has made Ellen this way, and where life takes her. This is a really poignant tale, and one which does not shy away from the harsh realities of war on the home front; the shortages, the evacuation and the prevailing attitude of making the best of what life throws in your path. Ellen Parr, like most, just keeps going, doing what needs to be done and in the best way she can manage. The disclosure of  how Ellen's childhood years were spent is, at times, quite harrowing and I freely admit to shedding a tear throughout this book. It's one that really gets under your skin, and is a truly magnificent tale. Such a well-crafted story with beautiful prose is such a delight to read, tears included. It's my introduction to this author's work, and I really hope to experience more in future. There is no doubt that this deserves a full five golden stars! My thanks to publisher Harper Collins UK for my copy via NetGalley. I chose to read this, and the opinions given here are entirely my own.