Remembrance Day by Leah Fleming

Leah Fleming is another author whose work I had not read before, and after having Remembrance Day passed onto me I gave her a shot.

The first part of the story is set just before and during the time of the First World War, in the quaint Yorkshire village of West Sharland. Selma, the daughter of a proud Blacksmith, and her brothers, and Guy and his twin brother Angus cross paths over a tragic accident, beginning an intertwined and life-long relationship. Not the usual love story of two lovers crossing the divides of society which were so much more pronounced in those days, but one of recklessness, deceit and heart-break.

Twin brother Angus, refused entry into the army on medical grounds, takes his opportunity to deceive the army and without his brother's knowledge, takes his place while Guy is home after an injury inflicted in battle. Meanwhile Selma, still in love with Guy is led to believe he is no longer interested.

Paths cross on the to her side of the channel and Angus (posing as Guy) does a wrong against Selma's brother Frank, who has saved his life many years before. As the village hundreds of miles away hear the rumors circulating they turn against Selma's family and she is forced by her parents to start a new life in America.

Part two of the book covers her American adventure and the link Selma and Guy still have through, believe it or not, their children who have both been posted to England in the second world war after America became involved.

If you want a realistic and likely tale, then this is probably a little far-fetched for your liking but if you love to curl up on a cold evening with the fire on and a hot drink and get absorbed in a gripping tale then you will love this. Narrated by Selma as an old woman finally witnessing the erection of a war memorial, disputed upon for so many years, her story unfolds.

This book illustrated not only a story of individuals and families torn apart by the devastation of war, but allowed us to enter into a past where community and strength, honor and grudges were tantamount to survival.

A must for anyone who enjoys a bit of a tear-jerking drama.

6/10 only marked down as it was a little slow-paced for my liking and a little far-fetched for my personal preference.