BOOK REVIEW

The Trenches, Billy stevens, Western Front 1914-1918, by Jim Eldridge.

This is a historical novel in the "My Story" series, which is based on the real events of WWI.
It is the story of two best friends who lied about their age in an endeavour to enlist with the army because they were eager not to appear cowardly and to experience the excitement and adventure of fighting for their country.

One boy specialized in communications, the other was sent to the front line. This was a huge "wake up" call for both boys who had never travelled more than 30ks from their home town. Their almost "glamorized" picture of war was soon dispelled when all too soon they were faced with seeing half their regiment killed in front of them.

I chose to review this book as it had been issued only twice since being accessioned in 2003.
although fiction it gives a realistic account of life in the trenches, the experiences, hardships, disillusionment and the realization of what war means, in an easy-to-read novel.
I really enjoyed it, but I doubt whether the subject would appeal to a primary school child.
When compared with books such as "Harry Potter" etc. I can understand its lack of appeal (unless perhaps it was read to them), or they were doing a specific topic on war. Consequently I think this book would be more suitable to an older age group - 12 yrs and over.
Annette s