Love Is a Durable Fire (Paladin Books)

Dive into the poignant and powerful world of Brian Burland's *Love Is a Durable Fire*, a moving tale of brotherhood, love, and loss set against the backdrop of World War II. This "forthright, tender, male-centered novel" (Reed Business Information, Inc.) explores the lives of James and Chris Berkeley, two brothers grappling with the immense changes and profound tragedies of the era. Experience the war through the eyes of young James, a schoolboy coming of age amidst the bombings and complex social dynamics of public school. His world is one of idolization and mourning, as he grapples with the absence and potential loss of his older brother, Chris. The novel delicately explores James' experiences, touching upon the brutalities of war and the often-hidden homoerotic undertones within the close-knit environment of a British boarding school during wartime. Burland doesn't shy away from the realities of adolescence during a period of immense upheaval, portraying the confusing mix of emotions and experiences that shape James's journey. Chris, an RAF fighter pilot, embodies the courage and sacrifice of a generation. His story unfolds in the skies over France, where he faces the constant threat of danger. His love for Piquette, a French-Jewish woman, adds another layer of complexity and urgency to his wartime experience. Their relationship becomes a symbol of hope amidst the darkness, a testament to the enduring power of love in the face of unimaginable adversity. When Piquette is seized by the Gestapo, Chris's world is shattered, and the reader is confronted with the brutal realities of Nazi occupation and persecution. The Berkeley family, members of the Bermuda branch of a proud English lineage, are also wrestling with their identity as "Colonial Wallahs." Their ancestral home, a splendid Georgian hall in Lincolnshire, represents the idealized "old England" they are fighting to protect. The verses by Sir Walter Raleigh carved into the hall's oak banisters provide the novel's title and serve as a constant reminder of the values and traditions they hold dear. The desecration of their home, its parks, and deer, symbolizes the wider destruction and loss brought about by the war. *Love Is a Durable Fire* is more than just a war story; it's an exploration of family, identity, and the enduring human spirit. Brian Burland's masterful storytelling weaves together multiple perspectives, creating a rich and immersive reading experience. The novel is the middle volume of Burland's acclaimed trilogy, offering a deeper understanding of the characters and themes explored in *A Fall from Aloft* and *A Few Flowers for St. George*. This New Edition paperback of *Love Is a Durable Fire* (Paladin Books) published by FLAMINGO in 1986, with 576 pages, offers a compelling journey through a pivotal moment in history. Rediscover this literary gem and delve into a world of courage, love, and resilience. Don't miss the opportunity to own this moving and thought-provoking novel by Brian Burland.