This Above All

This Above All is a World War II novel set in England during the Battle of Britain and early days of the Blitz. The story centers on the relationship between Clive Briggs, a working-class British Army private, and Prudence Cathaway, an upper-middle-class sergeant in the Women's Auxiliary Air Force. The narrative focuses on a period of leave when Clive and Prudence meet and spend time together on England's South Coast. Their romance develops against the backdrop of mounting tensions, both from the war itself and from their different social backgrounds. The book explores Clive's internal struggle as he grapples with his role in the war and questions the society he is fighting to preserve. His experiences at Dunkirk and observations of class inequality in British society force him to confront difficult choices about duty and personal conviction. This Above All, taking its title from Shakespeare's Hamlet, examines themes of social class, individual conscience, and the cost of staying true to oneself during times of national crisis. The novel bridges the personal and political as it portrays both a love story and a critical moment in British history.

Readers describe this 1941 wartime romance as an authentic portrayal of British civilian life during early WWII, capturing both the patriotic spirit and internal conflicts of the era. Many note its value as a historical snapshot of English society and class tensions during the Blitz. Readers appreciate: - Vivid descriptions of wartime London and countryside - Complex emotional depth of main characters - Realistic dialogue and British slang of the period - Balance of romance with serious themes Common criticisms: - Slow pacing in middle sections - Dated language and references - Abrupt ending - Some melodramatic scenes Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (147 ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (31 ratings) Several readers note the book feels more authentic than similar WWII romances written decades later. As one Goodreads reviewer states: "The immediacy of being written during the actual events gives this a rawness modern historical fiction can't match."

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★ The book's title "This Above All" comes from Shakespeare's Hamlet: "This above all: to thine own self be true," reflecting the protagonist's internal struggle with identity and duty. ★ Author Eric Knight is better known for creating the beloved character Lassie in his novel "Lassie Come-Home," published just a year after "This Above All" in 1942. ★ The 1942 film adaptation starred Tyrone Power and Joan Fontaine, winning Academy Awards for Best Art Direction and Best Cinematography in 1943. ★ Knight wrote the novel drawing from his own experiences as a Yorkshire-born soldier who served in both World Wars, lending authenticity to the military details. ★ Tragically, Eric Knight died in a plane crash in 1943 while serving as a Major in the U.S. Army Special Services, just two years after this book's publication.