Private Peaceful by Michael Morpurgo
This children's novel opens a door on the realities of the First World War. Thomas (Tommo) Peaceful is waiting for dawn, and thinking back on his life as a child in rural England.
We see the strong family ties he has, the difficulties faced by his family, particularly after his father's untimely death, and the social structures that existed. His love for his brothers: Big Joe, forever a child, and Charlie, a mentor and protector centers him.
Like many young men at the time, Tommo lied about his age to join up, wanting to stay with his brother. Barely sixteen, military life was a big change, particularly the powerless of individual soldiers, especially when they lacked good leaders.
The realities of war come to life, both the good and bad, the camaraderie and the deprivations. It asks the big question What is courage and shows the difficult decisions these young men faced.
A wonderful book.
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