Thanks, you lot!

So, in a fictional version of an oral history, if I used past perfect it would be more correct? I know this is in my head, somewhere as Mr. Grassfield and Mrs. Worcester (old teachers) made sure it was, BUT I do most of this without thinking. My new book is in the final stages of editing and I've asked my editor to watch out for all of the "hads" as it seems to me there are too many, but maybe not as most of the actions are indeed in the distant past, though the story is written as in its time...oh, now I am confusing myself. I may post an example, later today; my grandson is on his way over for now. Thank you all, very much!