Ann Seymour’s I’ve Always Loved You is a book everyone interested in writing historical memoir should read. It is a remarkable example in emphasizing how to sustain a narrative voice when history is a big part of the memoir.
Fascinating and heartbreaking are the first two words that come to mind after reading Ann Seymour’s beautiful tribute to her family, especially her father, as well as all those who served in WW2.
Seymour writes achingly beautiful prose as she gives us a view of WW2 through the eyes of an enchanting, gregarious child, who doesn’t understand why Daddy has gone to war and will never return. But the well woven story goes beyond the eyes and ears of a loving daughter. I’ve Always Loved You moves between the diaries and journals her parents kept and the actual documented words of the power brokers of Imperial Japan in such a way as to give anyone a more fully rounded picture of WW2, which is an accomplishment worthy of applause.
“Only an ephemeral wall separates the past from the present,” was observed by Seymour’s father when on the battlefield he awoke from a dream of being with his wife to the utter amazement that she wasn’t by his side – he was alone.
Pick up this book, read it, and better understand WW2 through a remarkable mix of memoir and facts.
I also published this review on Amazon where you can purchase Ann Seymour’s I’ve Always Loved You, if you’re not near an Indy book store like Book Passage.
Gentle Reminder: Do something great today. Pick up a pencil or belly-up to the keyboard and write your Mother Memoir like all TellTale Souls. Doing so may be the beginning of your book length project on family history.
How lucky am I? The most respected memoir analyst in the world as I know it likes my book. Lynn, herself, writes like an angel and reads like a psychic. Her ability to see what’s really being said and express it with economy and empathy staggers me. I will follow every recommendation she ever makes. With thanks and deep respect, X0, Ann
Ann, I do appreciate your kind words, but your flattery will give me a big head. I’m not a WW2 history buff, but no one needs to be one to love this book of yours. I wouldn’t be surprised to see it made into a movie – it’s that rich!