Rest Not These Dead

The Cellist Soldier trilogy's final part, Rest Not These Dead, explores the guilt of war and the complexities of love in post-war London. Ben is determined to win Pearl back, but a racial attack separates them. He takes up a job of body exhumation, hoping to reconcile the injustice done to his friend.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 03 October 2022
Publisher: The Conrad Press

In the concluding chapter of the Cellist Soldier trilogy, "Rest Not These Dead," the author delves into profound guilt stemming from the injustice of war. Overlaid upon this emotional landscape is a new era of love, albeit one fraught with challenges. As the end of World War One approaches, Ben and his Jamaican lover Pearl find themselves in post-war London, still grappling with the aftermath of the war. However, their hopes for peace are dashed when Pearl is subjected to a horrific racial attack, leaving her deeply grief-stricken and longing for her homeland. Determined to win Pearl back, Ben embarks on a mission fueled by a deeper sense of guilt over his failure to prevent the unjustified execution of his cello-playing soldier friend. Despite the harrowing task of body exhumation, he believes that collaborating with a journalist in Arras, France, may hold the key to reuniting with Pearl and reconciling the injustice done to his friend.

The novel unfolds as Ben delves into the treacherous world of body snatching, where he encounters individuals who exploit the remains of soldiers for profit. Through his work, he becomes increasingly aware of the systemic injustices perpetrated during the war, particularly against marginalized communities. As he interacts with the journalist in Arras, France, Ben grapples with the moral implications of his actions and the weight of his friend's sacrifice. The story explores themes of love, loss, resilience, and the pursuit of justice in a world marked by conflict and tragedy.

"Rest Not These Dead" is a powerful and thought-provoking conclusion to the Cellist Soldier trilogy, offering a poignant reflection on the human cost of war and the enduring power of love and compassion. Through its vivid storytelling and compelling characters, the novel invites readers to consider the complexities of morality, the value of remembrance, and the importance of seeking justice in the face of adversity.

Weight: 254g
Dimension: 129 x 197 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781914913945