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Three Brave Hearts: Traces of my uncles in the Great War
In the powerful non-fiction book “Three Brave Hearts,” author Liz Middleton takes us on an extraordinary journey through the profound impact of war on her own family. With meticulous research and heartfelt storytelling, Liz unveils the captivating and untold stories of her three uncles who valiantly contributed to the First World War.
Through their experiences, we witness the harrowing consequences of conflict and the lasting effects on the soldiers and their families. From severe shell shock to fatal gassing, each uncle’s path reveals the immense sacrifices made in the name of duty and honour.
Her exploration goes beyond the personal narratives, shedding light on the broader implications of war trauma. Drawing from the realms of psychosomatic medicine and historical studies, she examines the evolving understanding of psychological trauma since the First World War, emphasising the interconnectedness of physical and emotional well-being.
“Three Brave Hearts” is a deeply moving account that delves into the enduring legacies of war and its long-term consequences. It offers a compassionate and reflective perspective, exploring the profound effects on soldiers and their families. With a focus on the unbreakable bonds of love and the resilience of the human spirit, this unique book is an exploration of duty, faith, and the silent struggles faced in the wake of pain.
Through beautifully crafted storytelling and meticulous research, “Three Brave Hearts” invites readers to reflect on the complexities of war, the sacrifices made, and the indomitable spirit that carries us through even the darkest of times.
Through their experiences, we witness the harrowing consequences of conflict and the lasting effects on the soldiers and their families. From severe shell shock to fatal gassing, each uncle’s path reveals the immense sacrifices made in the name of duty and honour.
Her exploration goes beyond the personal narratives, shedding light on the broader implications of war trauma. Drawing from the realms of psychosomatic medicine and historical studies, she examines the evolving understanding of psychological trauma since the First World War, emphasising the interconnectedness of physical and emotional well-being.
“Three Brave Hearts” is a deeply moving account that delves into the enduring legacies of war and its long-term consequences. It offers a compassionate and reflective perspective, exploring the profound effects on soldiers and their families. With a focus on the unbreakable bonds of love and the resilience of the human spirit, this unique book is an exploration of duty, faith, and the silent struggles faced in the wake of pain.
Through beautifully crafted storytelling and meticulous research, “Three Brave Hearts” invites readers to reflect on the complexities of war, the sacrifices made, and the indomitable spirit that carries us through even the darkest of times.
203 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 10, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
April 15, 2024
Absolutely fascinating!
This book says its the story of "my uncles in the Great War" but it so much more than that! I have learned a bit about Robert Louis Stevenson, Princess Louise and her husband, J.R.R Tolkien and the First World War in general.
I found the information about vision and how it can be affected by MH fascinating. The accounts of how this,and shell shock in general, were treated were horrific. So much damage was done to so many. But now we know better, we can do better. I was pleased to see the recognition of intergenerational trauma that is only really beginning to be recognised now.
The book itself is wonderfully written, and interspersed with pictures and poems, some I knew, some were new to me. The research is all backed up with references AND joy of joys... there is a glossary where the Scots, French and German terms are translated!
Thank you so much to Liz for sharing this amazing family history. I think Sir Winston Churchill summed it up when he said "Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few" (and yes, he said that in WW2, but I think it applies to all soldiers.)
This book says its the story of "my uncles in the Great War" but it so much more than that! I have learned a bit about Robert Louis Stevenson, Princess Louise and her husband, J.R.R Tolkien and the First World War in general.
I found the information about vision and how it can be affected by MH fascinating. The accounts of how this,and shell shock in general, were treated were horrific. So much damage was done to so many. But now we know better, we can do better. I was pleased to see the recognition of intergenerational trauma that is only really beginning to be recognised now.
The book itself is wonderfully written, and interspersed with pictures and poems, some I knew, some were new to me. The research is all backed up with references AND joy of joys... there is a glossary where the Scots, French and German terms are translated!
Thank you so much to Liz for sharing this amazing family history. I think Sir Winston Churchill summed it up when he said "Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few" (and yes, he said that in WW2, but I think it applies to all soldiers.)
August 13, 2024
I met the author Liz Middleton on a biography writing course. We were given homework each week and were asked to read out what we had written so that our teacher Nick Murray and the rest of the class could make comments. Liz’s story of her three uncles involved in the First World War was fascinating. Her style of writing was compassionate and kept us engrossed and wanting to hear more. The book has now been published. I was gripped throughout. I have learnt a lot from all the meticulous research that Liz has done. The photographs are so interesting. Each chapter starts with a relevant quote. Liz and her family are Scottish and there is a glossary to help with some of the Scottish terms but the terms do not stop the book flowing well. They make it even more interesting. Liz talks a lot about shell shock and mental health and how trauma can be passed down the generations. This subject has been well researched too. Food for thought. On a lighter note, one uncle is possibly the son of a member of the Royal family. Fascinating! This book should be in all school libraries to educate the young on the tragedy of war.
April 16, 2024
To be honest, I was always more interested in World War I than the second. It's not so "popular" if I may say, here in Poland as it is in the UK. Of course it's obvious why, it changed the life of the British people, especially the aristocracy, forever. Poland didn't even exist until the end of the war in 1918. I'm a huge Downton Abbey fan and I loved how it was portrayed there, those changes.
In 'Three Brave Hearts' the author Lizz Middleton writes about her uncles who lived during this time and were taking part in World War. One of them died, one spent the rest of his life in hospital and one lived happily to old age. It's an amazing story not just about those brave men but about how horrible times it was, how it affected mental health. There's also a lot of interesting facts, for example about Princess Louise and the Royal Family...
It is such an amazing book full of great stories and photos. I really loved it and recommend it for everyone who likes history.
In 'Three Brave Hearts' the author Lizz Middleton writes about her uncles who lived during this time and were taking part in World War. One of them died, one spent the rest of his life in hospital and one lived happily to old age. It's an amazing story not just about those brave men but about how horrible times it was, how it affected mental health. There's also a lot of interesting facts, for example about Princess Louise and the Royal Family...
It is such an amazing book full of great stories and photos. I really loved it and recommend it for everyone who likes history.
April 19, 2024
Three Brave Hearts: Traces of my uncles in the great war
By @liz_middleton_author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was a fascinating read about the authors three uncles, who fought in the great war and the effects it had after.
The authors style of writing was powerful and so full of compassion and kept me interested.
The added touches throughout the book of the amazing photos and poems were a really lovely added touch.
Thank you, liz Middleton, for this very moving and respectful read of your family's history.
By @liz_middleton_author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was a fascinating read about the authors three uncles, who fought in the great war and the effects it had after.
The authors style of writing was powerful and so full of compassion and kept me interested.
The added touches throughout the book of the amazing photos and poems were a really lovely added touch.
Thank you, liz Middleton, for this very moving and respectful read of your family's history.
April 18, 2024
I have always found anything to do with WWI and WWII and stories of survivors/family members incredibly interesting, so I was looking forward to reading Liz and her uncles’ stories from The Great War.
Each uncle’s story is told in great detail, and is devastating in it’s own way. Although their experiences were very different from each other, there will have been many men that shared very similar experiences to each of their stories. The pain and suffering, as well as honour and duty was something that lived within everyone during this time, and connected every story, regardless of their personal experience.
The high level of research that went into this book, not only of the author’s family members, but of subjects surrounding the time and other relevant people is very clear throughout the book, and the number of picture references to go alongside the information is extremely helpful for the reader.
What I found particularly interesting about this book was the way it explains how the trauma of war can be transferred down to younger generations, and how many of us today may be suffering from the effects of such trauma without even realising it. The understanding that trauma can become genetic, and actually be part of our DNA is mind-blowing to me, and it’s certainly something I’d like to research more into.
A story that dives into family history, but also deep into the ramifications that the war has had on following generations, this book had a lot more to it than I had expected. It’s definitely an interesting read, which I would recommend to anyone who is interested in this period of time and how it has effected us ever since.
Each uncle’s story is told in great detail, and is devastating in it’s own way. Although their experiences were very different from each other, there will have been many men that shared very similar experiences to each of their stories. The pain and suffering, as well as honour and duty was something that lived within everyone during this time, and connected every story, regardless of their personal experience.
The high level of research that went into this book, not only of the author’s family members, but of subjects surrounding the time and other relevant people is very clear throughout the book, and the number of picture references to go alongside the information is extremely helpful for the reader.
What I found particularly interesting about this book was the way it explains how the trauma of war can be transferred down to younger generations, and how many of us today may be suffering from the effects of such trauma without even realising it. The understanding that trauma can become genetic, and actually be part of our DNA is mind-blowing to me, and it’s certainly something I’d like to research more into.
A story that dives into family history, but also deep into the ramifications that the war has had on following generations, this book had a lot more to it than I had expected. It’s definitely an interesting read, which I would recommend to anyone who is interested in this period of time and how it has effected us ever since.
April 15, 2024
This was a very moving and respectful tribute to Liz Middleton's family and she handled the tough subject matter. You can truly see the bonds which were in place during war time and how people were let down when the war was over and they are deeply suffering. I could actually visualize some of the places and locations in the UK as I am familiar with due to family being located there. This has made me want to research my family from my grandparents back as I don't know how and if they suffered. Thank you for this book.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews