The endorsements from Richard Dawkins, General Sir Jack Deverell, Nick Hewer, and Hugh Pym for Caroline Cecil Bose’s work speak about the book’s impact and significance
“We’ve All Life Before Us: A Love Story of the Second World War” is a poignant and meticulously crafted collection of letters and diaries that brings to life the tender and tragic love story of Bob Keddie and Diana Ladner during one of history’s darkest periods. This book, published by Fonthill, an imprint of Pen & Sword, in 2025, offers a unique and deeply personal glimpse into the lives of two young people whose love was intensified and ultimately thwarted by the Second World War.
Bob Keddie, a twenty-five-year-old RAF pilot, and Diana Ladner, a nineteen-year-old aspiring actress, met in London in 1940. Their whirlwind romance, captured in their letters and diaries, is a testament to the power of love in the face of overwhelming adversity. Their story is heartwarming and heartbreaking, as it unfolds against the backdrop of war, with Bob’s duties taking him far from home and Diana’s unwavering devotion keeping their love alive.
The book is divided into two main parts. The first charts Bob’s journey through the RAF, from his initial training during the Battle of Britain to his eventual command of a Catalina flying boat at RAF Sullom Voe in the Shetlands. The second part delves into the intimate and unguarded correspondence between Bob and Diana, revealing an innocent and intense love story. Their letters overflow with tenderness, humour, and a deep longing for a future together, free from the demands of war.
Caroline Cecil Bose, the editor of this remarkable collection, has done an extraordinary job of weaving together this story’s personal and historical elements. Her marketing and communications background is evident in how she presents the letters and diaries, making them accessible and engaging for a modern audience. Bose’s connection to the story—her godmother, Diana Keddie, was the wife of Bob Keddie—adds an extra layer of authenticity and emotional depth to the narrative.
The endorsements from notable figures such as Richard Dawkins, General Sir Jack Deverell, Nick Hewer, and Hugh Pym speak to the book’s impact and significance. Dawkins praises the book as a “remarkable, movingly authentic love story,” while Deverell highlights the “intensity of the love and affection expressed in the letters.” Nick Hewer, a member of the Silent Generation, reflects on the innocence and sacrifice of the characters, making the story particularly resonant for those who grew up in the shadow of the war.
One of the most striking aspects of “We’ve All Life Before Us” is the way it humanizes the war. The letters and diaries provide a detailed and intimate look at everyday life during wartime, both at home and in the military. Bob’s accounts of his training and missions are fascinating, offering a rare glimpse into the challenges and dangers faced by Coastal Command pilots. Meanwhile, Diana’s letters reveal the struggles and resilience of those left behind on the home front.
The book is beautifully presented, with 208 pages of hardback text, 37 photographs, and 25 sketches. The previously unpublished personal letters, diaries, sketches, and photographs add a unique and authentic dimension to the story, making it a valuable addition to any collection of World War II literature.
“We’ve All Life Before Us: A Love Story of the Second World War” is a powerful and moving tribute to the enduring power of love in the face of war. It is a book that will resonate with readers of all ages, offering a unique perspective on a pivotal moment in history. Caroline Cecil Bose has created a masterpiece that is both a historical document and a deeply personal love story, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the human side of war.
