Private Peaceful
Ratings10
Average rating4.3
15
Ratings10
Average rating4.3
When Thomas Peaceful's older brother is forced to join the British Army, Thomas decides to sign up as well, although he is only fourteen years old, to prove himself to his country, his family, his childhood love, Molly, and himself.
Reviews with the most likes.
I don't think we who have not been in military combat have much notion of what a war is like. Private Peaceful is a very powerful story. We in America seem to have the belief that Vietnam was a uniquely horrific war experience, that other wars were somehow “purer” wars. I don't think a person could read this book and continue to think so.
I grew up in the sixties, a time of hope and optimism about the world. I had expected that by this century people would have developed ways to solve conflict without resorting to sending young people to kill other young people.
I wonder if the stories of war, however brilliantly written, are not always much less horrific than actual combat....
And for anyone who enjoyed Private Peaceful and wants to read more, I suggest The Things They Carried.
