In Jacqueline Winspear's novel "To Die but Once," the author reflects on the heavy emotional toll of young lives lost in war. The pain experienced by parents whose sons have died fighting is profound, as they grapple with grief and the need to find meaning in their loss. The notion that their son was “brave” offers little solace in the face of their overwhelming sorrow.

The parents are left to navigate a complex mix of pride and heartache, attempting to come to terms with their child’s sacrifice. This sentiment highlights the harsh realities of war, emphasizing that it is not just the soldiers who suffer, but families who endure lifelong consequences in the wake of tragedy.