Stunning and unputdownable. For me, this is the best book I’ve read in a long, long while and I did so in a single sitting. Although, Michael Morpurgo is one of the UK’s best known children’s authors he has that cross-over appeal to the adult market and if you have yet to be introduced to his writing then Private Peaceful is the one to do it with. Morpurgo’s skill at getting you caught up in the world in which he writes is truly outstanding. No one does it better. It’s a story that will make your heart ache as much for the sadness as for the joy. I could go on about it but I won’t. What I can guarantee is that whatever your age you will find it blindingly brilliant and you will reflect on it for some time afterwards too.
Private Peaceful relives the life of Private Tommo Peaceful, a young First World War soldier awaiting the firing squad at dawn. During the night he looks back at his short but joyful past growing up in rural Devon: his exciting first days at school; the accident in the forest that killed his father; his adventures with Molly, the love of his life; and the battles and injustices of war that brought him to the front line. Winner of the Blue Peter Book of the Year, Private Peaceful is by the third Children's Laureate, Michael Morpurgo, award-winning author of War Horse. His inspiration came from a visit to Ypres where he was shocked to discover how many young soldiers were court-martialled and shot for cowardice during the First World War. This edition also includes introductory essays by Michael Morpurgo, Associate Director of Private Peaceful production Mark Leipacher, as well as an essay from Simon Reade, adaptor & director of this stage adaptation of Private Peaceful.
