Title: Private Peaceful
Author: Michael Morpurgo
First published January 1, 2003
202 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780439636483 (ISBN10: 0439636485)
Rating: 4.16
Overview
In Michael Morpurgo’s poignant novel, Private Peaceful, a young boy finds himself on the front lines of the First World War. As he stands watch at night, memories of his idyllic childhood in the countryside flood his mind.
With his loved ones far away, Private Peaceful reminisces about his mother, Charlie, Big Joe, and Molly, the girl who captured his heart. Too young to join the war, he followed his brother into battle, and every moment spent reflecting on his past brings him closer to the dangers of war.
This novel is a stunning portrayal of the human experience during a tumultuous time in history.
About the Author
Meet Sir Michael Andrew Morpurgo, a children’s book author who has brought many stories to life. He has even had five of his works adapted into films.
In addition to writing books, he is also skilled in creating screenplays and libretti for opera. Sir Michael was born in St Albans, Hertfordshire, in 1943.
During the final years of World War II, he was evacuated to Cumberland but later returned to London before moving to Essex. After a brief and unsuccessful stint in the army, he pursued teaching and began writing.
Eventually, he left teaching after ten years to establish ‘Farms for City Children’ with his wife. This program, which provides inner-city school children with the opportunity to stay and work with animals on farms in Devon, Wales, and Gloucestershire, earned him and his wife the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) award in 1999 for their outstanding contributions to youth.
He was later promoted to Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2003 and awarded a Fellowship of the Royal Society of Literature (FRSL) in 2004. In 2018, he was knighted for his literary and charitable contributions.
As a father and grandfather, Sir Michael has always had a soft spot for children, and every year he and his family spend time in the Scilly Isles, which served as inspiration for three of his books.
Editoral Review
Michael Morpurgo’s “Private Peaceful” is a poignant and compelling novel that explores the horrors of war and the enduring power of love and loyalty. First published in 2003, the book has since become a classic in young adult literature, captivating readers with its evocative prose and vivid characters.
As one of the most prolific authors of children’s books in the UK, Morpurgo brings his exceptional storytelling to “Private Peaceful.” Through the eyes of its protagonist, Tommo Peaceful, the book portrays the life of a young soldier fighting on the front line during World War I. The novel is written in a diary format that spans a single day, with Tommo reflecting on his life and the moments that have defined it.
The book takes place in a small, rural village in England, where Tommo and his brother Charlie grew up alongside their beloved friend Molly. The three of them share a close friendship that is tested when Charlie joins the army and heads off to war.
Tommo soon follows in his brother’s footsteps, enlisting in the army as well. The book takes us through their training as soldiers and their experiences on the battlefield, culminating in a heart-wrenching and devastating conclusion.
Morpurgo’s writing is both lyrical and straightforward, using precise language that conveys intense emotions and vivid imagery. The characters are developed with care, with each one possessing their own unique personality that brings depth and complexity to the narrative.
The setting is also richly detailed, reminding readers of the idyllic English countryside that would soon be forever changed by the atrocities of war. “Private Peaceful” addresses crucial questions about the futility of war, the impact of class and societal hierarchy, and the human cost of conflict.
The novel speaks to contemporary concerns about the effects of war on individuals and societies, making it a timely and relevant read for people of all ages. The book is not without its flaws, however.
The diary format of the book, while effective at providing a sense of intimacy and immediacy, can sometimes be limiting in terms of plot development. The pacing of the story may also appear slow at times, although this ultimately contributes to the emotional weight of the book’s themes.
Ultimately, “Private Peaceful” is a beautifully written and moving novel that deserves the attention of both young adults and adults alike. It offers a poignant and humane portrayal of war and its toll on the human spirit, leaving readers with a sense of compassion and understanding for the sacrifices made by soldiers and their families.
I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a deeply affecting and thought-provoking read. Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars.
