An injured WW1 officer returns to the front to find his battalion completely unrecognisable. He meets his genuine opposite in a naive and outgoing subaltern called David Barton. John Hilliard learns new things about friends and family through this unexpected relationship, while Barton slowly comes to terms with his new life at the front.

I suppose people who are studying WW1 literature, as I was, or have an interest is this area.

It was a very gentle but persuasive book. I was upset at what Barton encountered and also felt for Hilliard's withdrawn, embattled nature. I think the title of the book (from Wilfred Owen's Poem) suits the story, and also prepares us for the touching relationship ahead.

These two are officers so you don't quite get the full gritty realism of maybe 'All Quiet on the Western Front' and this was written in 1974. You do get more sense of the quiet tragedy of that war, and the uneasy alliances made between all types of people.

read more of Susan Hill's books, but I just might settle for the London stage show.

It is good, if not a little predictable.

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Created Dec 17, 2004 at 7:21am • Submit your own review...