The Autumn of the Ace

By: Louis de Bernières

Narrated by: David Sibley

Brought to you by Penguin.

Louis de Bernières is the master of historical fiction which makes you both laugh and cry. This book follows an unforgettable family after the Second World War.

Daniel Pitt was an RAF fighter in the First World War and an espionage agent for the SOE in the Second. Now the conflicts he faces are closer to home.

Daniel's marriage has fractured beyond repair and Daniel's relationship with his son, Bertie, has been a failure since Bertie was a small boy. But after his brother Archie's death, Daniel is keen for new perspectives. He first travels to Peshawar to bury Archie in the place he loved best, and then finds himself in Canada, avoiding his family and friends back in England. But some bonds are hard to break. Daniel and Bertie's different experiences of war, although devastating, also bring with them the opportunity for the two to reconnect. If only they can find a way to move on from the past.

Louis de Bernieres' new novel is a moving account of an extraordinary life in extraordinary times. Daniel is a flawed but captivating hero, and this coming-of-old-age story illuminates both the effect of two World Wars on a generation and the irrepressible spirit and love that can connect people despite great obstacles.

© Louis de Bernières 2020 (P) Penguin Audio 2020

Critic reviews

De Bernieres is a singular, cherishable voice.

Louis de Bernieres is in the direct line that runs through Dickens and Evelyn Waugh... he has only to look into his world, one senses, for it to rush into reality, colours and touch and taste

[The Autumn of the Ace is] penned with de Bernières's quiet, deprecating humour and sharp observation (Vanessa Berridge)

Both heart-warming and heart-wrenching, this novel will captivate the senses and make you laugh as well as cry. Brimming with incredible, quirky characters and beautiful, lyrical writing, The Autumn of the Ace is the ideal book for lovers of historical fiction (Carmen Coetsee)

Most enjoyable book this year!

I really enjoyed reacquainting myself with Louis de Bernières a few years after reading Notwithstanding (and others in the more distant past). This book is not about major plot twists and shocking incidents, but rather about a Life. The protagonist is certainly not an unflawed hero and he makes various questionable decisions from a life of some privilege in a 'Blighty' (and other colonies...) in a time gone by.

There are memorable characters (human and animal) which all contribute to the context and De Bernières demonstrates a fascinating understanding of the human condition.

I really enjoyed the book - if only he hadn't been so dismissive of South Africa.....
(and describing seeing impala and a leopard on the road from Durban to Colenso - highly unlikely!)

wonderful trilogy

I got teary a few times. In a way I wanted more details and time with these characters. I think if there had been more I would have cared more. As it is I really enjoyed it. I loved the first book.

Wonderful Novel

Yet another marvelous novel by de Berniers. I, be read everything he’s written over the years. This is a wonderful end to the British trilogy. Thoroughly enjoyable audiobook, too. The reader was perfect in tone & pitch. Highly recommended.