Book description
A stunning story from a master storyteller, published for the first
time in an adult edition.
Both a love story and a deeply moving account of the horrors of the
First World War, this book will reach everyone from 9 to 90.
Told in the voice of Private Tommo Peaceful, the story follows
twenty-four hours at the front, and captures his memories of his family
and his village life - by no means as tranquil as it appeared. Full of
vivid detail and engrossing atmosphere, and leading to a dramatic and
moving conclusion, Private Peaceful is both a compelling love story and
a deeply moving account of the First World War. 'Time and memory shape
this work…the style is simple and eloquent, the pace as gentle as it is
persistent and ominous…Nearly a century later, Morpurgo invites his
reader to enter a defining moment in history through the doorway of
individual experience. It is a humanizing and humane work, rooted in the
land of England and the wastelands of Europe. It brings alive the
holocaust of young men at the beginning of the twentieth century for
those who might not even be aware that the killing fields existed.' Guardian
'[Michael Morpurgo] writes here about events that should never be
forgotten nor forgiven, and does so most effectively.' Independent
'Full of warmth as well as grief, conveying vividly how precious it is
to be alive.' Sunday Times
'Written from the heart.' Observer
'A deeply moving portrayal of camaraderie and courage, innocence and
brutality. Deserves to last as an insight into the First World War in
the same way as Goodnight Mr Tom.' Telegraph
'A poignant, elegiac novel.' Daily Mail Michael Morpurgo was the third
Children's Laureate, and is one of the most well-known and best-loved of
children's authors. He has written over ninety books, short stories,
screenplays and two musicals, and has won many prizes, both here and in
Europe, including the Whitbread Award for The Wreck of the Zanzibar, the
Children's Book Award for Kensuke's Kingdom, and the Writers' Guild
Award and the Smarties Prize for The Butterfly Lion.
