Possibly Ben Elton's best book (The First Casualty - Ben Elton)

Member Name: JohnC1977

Product:	The First Casualty - Ben Elton
Date:	26/07/08 (112 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: A powerful moral dilemma, told surprisingly well

Disadvantages: Still not sure about the end

Ben Elton normally writes a story in a very witty way with a serious important message behind it. The First Casualty is an exception to this rule. Not that there isn't an important message behind the writing. Quite the opposite, in fact. But this time Ben Elton isn't writing for laughs. This is a serious book from start to finish - the only humour contained in it's pages is gallows humour. The main protagonist is anti war and is arrested for his refusal to participate. However he gets a chance of redemption when he is given the opportunity to investigate a murder case. The twist is that the man who is accused of the crime faces the death penalty. However, if he is cleared of all charges then he gets his freedom - the freedom to return to active duty and to be killed in the name of his country. A complex moral dilemma, delivered surprisingly well by an author not renowned for non comedy writing.

Summary: If you are ever going to read one Ben Elton book it should be this one