This book is haunting in the way it draws you into this boy's life before and during World War I. There is definitely an unexpected twist in the story, and it leaves you feeling a bit sad. An interesting read, but not really a feel-good one.

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I gave this book exactly half the stars you can give it because I did not LOVE this book, but I didn't HATE it either.
This is a terribly sad book about two brothers (there is a third one, but he is not really a MAIN character) growing up in pre-war England. There are several things I did not like about the first part of the book:
1. The aunt is unreasonable, the perfect villian, but she is too mean to the third brother even for a villian.
2. The relationship between the two boys and one girl (the older brother and girl in particular, as things happen that shouldn't)
3. I can't remember off the top of my head what else I did not like, though I won't be reading the book again.

What I DID like about the book is how much the brothers love eachother throughout the story. They stand up for eachother, and even risk their lives for the sake of the other. I won't give away the end of the book.... but it was the saddest part of all, 90% of the reason I won't read it again.

If you like tearjerkers and don't mind a few weird things, by all means, order this book and enjoy!

However, to the rest of you.... I don't recommend this book.

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A very good, well written story. It takes a while to get to the war part of the book, as the first 100 pages in the book are about him at home. It is a definite must read to readers who like the world war era. But be prepared, it has a very sudden ending that you would not expect. It leaves you at a big cliffhanger in the end. Overall though, it is a very good story.

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