This book completes the Daniel Pitt trilogy. Although the book picks up in the early stages of the Second World War, it does not focus on this but rather the ongoing friendships and relationships from the earlier books. Daniel has fractured relationships to try and repair but his one with his estranged wife is irreparable. Following her death he returns from abroad at extended families behest and attempts to reconnect with his son Bertie. The story follows his journey as he visits his older brothers' graves. They died in distant lands and then he makes one last bike ride with his old mate Oily Wragge across America. They both settle in Canada and build a business together. Following the death of his wife, Rose, he returns from abroad, at extended families behest and attempts to reconnect with his son Bertie.
The latter section of the book is beautifully handled as Daniel spends his retirement years with his sons young family and builds close bonds. There are many deaths of his peers and sisters-in-law, until Daniel is left alone with his cherished memories. ( )

This is the first review of Autumn of the Ace and I feel a great responsibility to do it justice.

I just finished reading this and the two other Daniel Pitt trilogy books - The Dust that Falls from Dreams and So Much Life Left to Live and I found it strange, inexplicable that the three are not marketed more clearly as a trilogy or, more to the point, one long book. In fact I read half of the middle book, So Much Life, before I realized this. I was finding So Much Life to be rather dull and random and, like others, I would have also given it two stars. But I stopped and started again from the first book, Dust, and unfortunately I knew what was coming for the characters. Nevertheless I persisted and have finished this one long book, divided into three, that I think is one of the loveliest novels I've read. I think that if you have read some of his other well known books like Captain Corelli's Mandolin, you will come away rewarded and satisfied again.

But they must be read in order or you will be disappointed.

No spoilers: The trilogy follows the life of Daniel Pitt from childhood through his life which included service in both world wars. It involves many colourful characters he connects with including his childhood friends and their families as they grow into adults. Louis de Bernieres, who I think is a superb writer, uses the platform to write incitefully and powerfully about war, ageing, heroism, love, family, religion, the list could go on.

I liked it very much and have given all three volumes five stars. Thanks to de Bernieres for a great read. ( )