‘Until We Can Forgive’ by Rosemary Goodacre, who has recently passed away before she could see the publication of the final book in her Derwent Chronicles Trilogy.
(✟2020)
Although it is part of a series, it is possible to be read as a standalone. Major events from the first two books are mentioned in this one also so you have the grounding not to end up confused and thinking you have missed something. What I would say though is I enjoyed reading the others and I felt like I knew the characters so much better and really understood what they had previously experienced. This gave me more insight into their motivations. If you prefer to read your series with that knowledge, I would say maybe read the first two books then work your way to this.
The two other books were set in World War 1. We got to know Amy, Edmond and the members of their families. The parts they all individually played during that time. This book shows us what happens after the war.
Amy is revelling in her motherhood role with her daughter, still worrying about Edmond, who was badly injured in the war but is attempting to carve a career out for himself.
We see every member of their family and close friends all striving for happiness in their own way. It wouldn’t be a Rosemary Goodacre book if everything went smoothly though would it? A very emotional book at times, especially for me, as I jumped on this tour as soon as I discovered Rosemary had passed and wanted to honour her and her books by taking part in this final book of the trilogy. I read this after her passing so maybe a few extra tears were for Rosemary also.
A fitting end to a beautiful trilogy that allows us to delve into one family’s struggle throughout the first world war and beyond.
Many Thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources for allowing me to jump in and Rosemary’s publishers, Hera Books, for my copy of this lovely book to bring you my thoughts today.
sharonbeyondthebooks.uk 