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Private Peaceful, Michael Morpurgo
Collins
Reviewed by John Whelan (Courtesy of Taranaki Daily News)

Children's author Michael Morpurgo's latest novel follows the life of the young Thomas Peaceful. From his childhood in the English countryside to the battlefields of the First World War, from an idyllic time of innocence and sunshine to one of fear, mud and death.

Children, from about 11 upwards, I guess, will appreciate this story with its timeless depiction of classroom life, carefree childhood days and the first inklings of unrequited love. Children more than anyone will recognise the hypocrisy of adults. The advent of war intrudes suddenly into Thomas's way of life and overnight the boy is forced to become a man.

The story is cleverly told as a series of recollections. These memories are recounted by Thomas and are in complete contrast to his current situation as he counts down the hours in the dreadful conditions amid the trenches.

It is a simple, tragic story, effortlessly told, appealing to old and young alike, an apt reminder of how it must have been to live and die in the horror of war.