This book was a very enjoyable read. It is a classic tale of a story told in first person by a soldier in the First World War trenches, telling the roller-coaster tale of his childhood.

The book is based upon the memories of Tommo, the traumatised child, after having held what he thinks to be a dark secret for so much of his life. It tells of his first day at school and how he fell in love with a girl: but this love could never happen because of unforeseen circumstances. The first half of the book is based upon his childhood adventures with his brother Charlie and the love of his life, Molly. They encounter several sticky situations along the way and Mother is at hand all the way.

The second half of the book is based on life in the trenches and France with his brother Charlie. He goes through the heartache of the war seeing dead bodies, and muddy rat-ridden trenches. His life in the trenches is spent with his old friends, and foes, from his old school.

The story comes to an abrupt end when he loses one he loves.

I feel that this book is a worthwhile read and people from the age of 10+ may read and enjoy the highs and lows of Tommo’s life. I strongly recommend this book, as adults as well as children may also read it.

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