"...every moment of it will be far too precious..." (Private Peaceful - Michael Morpurgo)

Member Name: MI9to5

Product:	Private Peaceful - Michael Morpurgo
Date:	06/05/08 (123 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Will make you laugh...

Disadvantages: ...and cry

Private Peaceful is without a doubt the best book I have ever read. It is a book that will make you laugh and cry but is certainly not a book you will forget in a hurry.

It begins with eighteen-year-old Private Thomas Peaceful on the battlefields of the First World War looking back over his countryside childhood. These memories are fond ones of his life back at home with his mother, father, brothers 'Big Joe' and Charlie and best friend Molly. As you read through these memories you will become lost in the innocence of youth and the happiness of friendship.

The story however isn't quite what it seems, as the First World War breaks out Thomas and Charlie join up and fight side by side in the trenches. It is here that you realise that as the clock ticks by and Thomas remembers how things used to be another moment is passing as structurally each chapter of the book brings Thomas and the reader closer to the present. A present where something will change his life forever and make him realise the uncertainty of his own future.

I won't tell you what the ending is; all I'll say is that a box of tissues might come in handy. When I first read this book I was about 14 years old and remember being engrossed completely in the story from beginning to end and then crying my heart out once I'd finished. I re-read the book a couple of weeks ago, I'm now 18, and it had exactly the same effect. Maybe I'm soft or maybe the fact that the book is written with such tenderness and love and highlights the epitome of life, the power of friendship, will simply melt the heart of anyone that reads it.

The novel is written for children but should be read by everyone. Michael Morpurgo's style suits the story being told perfectly and allows the story of Private Peaceful to infiltrate your very soul.

"Tonight, more than any other night of my life, I want to feel alive"

In short the book is one you'll never want to put down. The tale, one you'll never want to let go.

BINDING - PAPERBACK
PAGES - 185
PRICE - £5.99

Summary: Innocence and Love, courage and cowardice