JSC Rebbeck reviews We Shall Pass, published by Luath Press, Edinburgh.
Having recently read We Shall Pass, I wanted more. I wanted the story to continue. Like one of the volunteers, I found myself embedded in the hills looking on at the terror of war – I didn’t want more of that, for it was all too stark and terrifying.
Having read neither Ernest Hemingway’s ‘For Whom the Bell Tolls’ or George Orwell’s ‘Homage to Catalonia,’ I had not had a proper introduction to the Spanish Civil War. You could argue it is a genre in itself, such is its pivotal point in the 20thC between the two World Wars.
Indeed, Thurlow opens the story much like a black and white British war film, with recruits marching on London from Scotland and throwing us into scenes of civil unrest that ever so briefly bring our romantic leads together. In fact, if it had been a film made back then, you might have made the mistake of having seen it already, starring Celia Johnson and Trevor Howard, such is the period it invokes – of fleeting love, misty eyes and words unsaid.
But like a good Sunday afternoon weepy, Thurlow weaves together the threads, “like a basket so they could never be parted” (quote), but of course, like all good weepies (spoiler) they are.
With incisive insight of the bloody battles that took place, I found it both historically informative and graphically gripping. Descriptions of arriving in Spain burst the story into strong primary colours and of being thrown into fierce sunlight and intense heat that you couldn’t help but feel that by just going there, you were a hero.
Thurlow managed to capture that unlikely mix of odds and sods that cared so deeply about the threat of right-wing fascism that they were prepared to give their lives and enlist without any formal training.
This strikes a strong chord, for the same sentiment has crept back into our consciousness and consciences more recently – how like some evil dormant serpent, its ugly head can suddenly rear up and poison what we hold so precious and dear – a free, just and peaceful society for us all.
It is what makes We Shall Pass a timely read, and a poignant reminder to never take anything for granted. I for one, fell in love with Alice – a piece of prim and proper posh totty with a heart of gold, who I can picture on the big screen.
We Shall Look Forward To More.
WE SHALL PASS is available from indy publisher Luath Press – click HERE.
And all the Amazons – click HERE.
Nice accurate review from JSC Rebbeck.