March book of the month: Everyone Brave is Forgiven by Chris Cleave. Join author webchat on Monday 27 March, 9-10pm

[RachelMumsnet]

We’re delighted to announce March book of the month is Chris Cleave’s Everyone Brave is Forgiven. We have 50 free copies up for grabs and Chris Cleave will be joining us to discuss the book on Monday 27 March, 9-10pm.

Impeccably researched, Chris Cleave's latest novel shines a light on the untold stories of the second world war. He looks at the plight of the unwanted children who remain in London during the blitz, at a small community of black inhabitants, working in theatres in London throughout the war and he draws on the experiences of his own Grandfather when describing the plight of soldiers stationed in Malta, besieged by horrific attacks from both Italian and German troops.

These fascinating stories are explored through three characters, dealing with complexities of love, alongside the dangers of war. With emotion and humour Cleave looks at and their capacity for humility and courage both on and off the battle-field.

Find out more about the book and apply for a free copy before Monday 27 February and put the date in your diary to join the discussion and chat to Chris Cleave on this thread on 27 March.

[whensitmyturn]

Just applied this is massively exciting Chris cleave is my favourite ever author I've loved all his books so far!

[ParadiseCity]

Oooooooh I'm reading this at the minute, have to say it is excellent, hope I can still join in the chat despite not applying for a free copy.

[wrapsuperstar]

Have applied! I've read a few of Chris Cleave's other books and this sounds fascinating.

[Gardenbirdy]

I've applied! I remember Chris's column in the Guardian years ago about life with his young sons. Looking forward to the new book

[Nearlyadoctor]

I've applied - am halfway through Little Bea ( the other hand) ! Fingers crossed.

[Bestthingever]

I've been looking for a good read and this sounds great. I'm not sure if I can wait to see if I get a free book!

[Emmageddon]

Gosh, I like the sound of this! Date in diary for webchat duly noted.

[thenightmanageress]

Applied
Love these giveaways as often they open me to books I wouldn't pick up in a bookshop but end up enjoying

[RachelMumsnet]

@ParadiseCity

Oooooooh I'm reading this at the minute, have to say it is excellent, hope I can still join in the chat despite not applying for a free copy.

Absolutely! We'd love you to join us.

[RachelMumsnet]

The giveaway is now closed and we'll be notifying those who have been allocated books over the next couple of days. If you haven't been lucky this time, buy a copy and join us for the webchat at the end of March.

[gailforce1]

Just picked up my copy from the library and looking forward to getting started as there have been lots of great reviews!

[tmhun]

Received mine today. First time I applied for a free copy too!

[Clawdy]

Thank you, received my copy today, really looking forward to reading it.

[boo2410]

I've just finished reading my copy of the book, thank you so much for sending it to me. Never read a book by Chris Cleve but will definitely look out for more. I love stories set in wartime England and this one didn't disappoint. I Loved all the characters, and the way the book really pulled me into it. I was always wondering what was going to happen next which in my opinion is always a sign that the book is good. There is hope, dread and humour from the characters within. A bloomin good read! Thank you again.

[debwh142]

I've just finished my free copy and having never read a book by Chris Cleave before I was excited to try a new author
The book presented a different type of war story - not the usual one about bombings in London or Liverpool. The death of one of the main characters was unexpected and how lives changed afterwards. I never knew much about Malta being in the war so that was very interesting to read and this was an enjoyable book but not too slushy and presenting a rose tinted opinion of London or Malta in the war. I would throughly recommend it

[Shoulddobetta123]

I listened to it on Audible. Was a really different take on the second world war, not too sentimental or mushy and the storyline in Malta was hard to hear sometimes. I like the parallel stories, highly recommended considering I'm not a huge fan of fiction.

[Hygellig]

I confess I'd never heard of Chris Cleave so thank you to Mumsnet for offering me a free copy of this book. I found it a very moving and beautifully written novel.

My mum has some letters that my grandma (who was also called Mary and was serving in the army) wrote to my grandad (who was in a reserved occupation in London) during the war. They were 19/20 when the war broke out and married during the war. I must have another look at them again if I get the chance. I also regret not asking my grandparents more about their wartime experiences (they died 15 years ago).

It also made me think about how the parents of evacuated children must have felt - to send your children to live with strangers or keep them with you but risk being killed in the Blitz. My grandma said they had two boys from the East End living with them during the war, but they were not too far out of London so their parents were able to visit them regularly - for others who were evacuated further away or even to Canada that would not have been possible.

Will come back during the webchat with some questions.

[Amaksy]

Thanks for my copy - looking forward to the chat too.
I too haven't heard/ read any books by Chris Cleave so this was a difference. I liked the interesting take on the war - not boring might I add and truly engaging. Guess i'd want to know why writing about this now?

[StillNoFuckingEyeDeer]

Thank you for the opportunity to read this book. It's both funny and sad and much more than your standard wartime novel. I learned a lot, particularly about Malta and realised how superficial my understanding of this era and its events is/was. I found the racism uncomfortable to read, which I think helped to reinforce the fact that this was a different time with different values, which then highlighted how similar things still are.
This is a fantastic book and one I'll be passing on to friends.

[StillNoFuckingEyeDeer]

Is thus the thread for the webchat? Don't think I'll be able to be there when it's live, but I'd like to know if Chris got to talk to his grandfather a lot about his experiences or if he found out more by researching himself? (Also, thank you for a great book)

[boo2410]

I'm not sure that I will be around tonight so I'd like to know when Chris's next book will be out? I'm sure I read somewhere that he is researching it as we speak, has the title, it's following on from this book and it's going to be in 5 years. Now, I don't know whether I did read this as I can't remember where to check, or if in fact I dreamed about it!! Please could you put me out of my misery 😄. Thank you.

[mom2010]

Thanks so much for sending the book. I enjoyed it and have posted a review on my blog. Looking forward to the chat tonight.

onerightword.blogspot.co.uk/2017/03/everyone-brave-is-forgiven-chris-cleave.html

[todormirchev]

Thank you Mumsnet for the opportunity to read this wonderful book. I am a huge fan of historical novels, and "Everyone Brave Is Forgiven", meet my expectations on every level. I've previously read "The Other Hand" and although the books are set in different time, in both cases I found myself immersed in the story and unforgettable characters, created by Chris Cleave.
My question to Chris Cleave is - What are the challenges of writing historical novel?

[jish]

Absolutely unputdownable! Love this book.

[mom2010]

Hi mumsnet,

As mentioned earlier, I enjoyed the book and am glad to be able to put this question to the author.

My question is:

As an established writer, how do strike a balance between telling the story you want to say and the one that people want to read?