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The Fires of Gallipoli
A deeply moving story of courage, resilience and self-discovery, set during the Gallipoli campaign of 1915-16
342 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 13, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
December 28, 2024
The story of two young men, Salter and Thorne who form a strong bond of friendship during the Great War. While this oftentimes was horrific in the descriptions of men who were killed during battle and the brutality of survival at all costs there was also eloquence to the storyline and quiet strength between these two brave young men who were faced with the horrors and their fears in the midst of a tragic war.
April 8, 2025
The Fires of Gallipoli
by Barney Campbell provided me my first read of this failed campaign of the Allied troops during WWI. Fought on the long peninsula of Gallipoli, bounded by Gulf of Saros to the west and the Dardanelles to the east, the story begins and ends with the bonds of human friendship forged and risked through brutal combat, judgment, and personal sacrifice. Written with more explicit detail on gore and destruction than I usually tolerate, I stayed in nonetheless, my interest in the outcome of this tale keeping me open-minded. There was a tone of restraint in the telling of all other elements, ones I would have preferred to have explored with at least some level of the same enthusiasm devoted to body parts and effluvia in battle and military life.
The friendship of the two men (Edward and Theo) was inspiring and refreshing.
All in all, a good introduction to a new subject for me, and a writer from who I'll be interested to read more.
*A sincere thank you to Barney Campbell, Elliott & Thompson, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.* 25|52:52a
The friendship of the two men (Edward and Theo) was inspiring and refreshing.
All in all, a good introduction to a new subject for me, and a writer from who I'll be interested to read more.
*A sincere thank you to Barney Campbell, Elliott & Thompson, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.* 25|52:52a
February 17, 2025
Superbly written by someone who clearly knows his stuff. The story flowed easily and the characters were very well drawn. Atmospheric, informative and poignant; amusing in places and overwhelmingly sad in others. The expectation to serve King and country without considering personal cost give pause for thought.
A heartfelt story of love and loss.
A heartfelt story of love and loss.
Read
April 4, 20263.5 ⭐
This feels like a very well written and researched book.
It brings home both the brutality of the war, and of the bond the men fighting share.
Following one particular friendship for years, as the war takes them down different paths.
I was very much invested, and wishing every time there were casualties, that it wasn't one of these two.
A good read
This feels like a very well written and researched book.
It brings home both the brutality of the war, and of the bond the men fighting share.
Following one particular friendship for years, as the war takes them down different paths.
I was very much invested, and wishing every time there were casualties, that it wasn't one of these two.
A good read
January 22, 2025
Review copy, all views are my own. Review written for Aspects of History magazine.
The Fires of Gallipoli explores resilience, self-discovery, fortitude and friendship during, and in the aftermath, of the Gallipoli Campaign. This book follows Edward Salter, a shy 25-year-old solicitor whose life is changed by the outbreak of the First World War and his unexpected friendship with the charming Theodore Thorne.
Malta, 1915. On his way to fight in the Gallipoli Campaign, Edward is introduced to Thorne, whose charisma quickly dispels any awkwardness and facilitates the beginnings of the most significant friendship of Edward’s life. Readers follow their harrowing journey on the Peninsula, their brief shared leave from the frontline where Edward becomes enamoured with Thorne’s sister Miranda, and the consequences of Edward’s promotion to the relative safety of the War Office as a member of Lord Kitchener’s staff whilst Thorne returns to the frontlines.
It is clear that Campbell has used his own military experiences to imbue this novel with hauntingly accurate descriptions of the sights, sounds, scents and sentiments of wartime life. This novel is filled with visceral and evocative details that make readers feel as though they are side by side with Edward, Thorne and the rest of their unit in the trenches and heading into battle. It shows the importance of unity of purpose, camaraderie, and the ways men let off steam. The Fires of Gallipoli reflects the variety of coping mechanisms and superstitions that troops had, and the way that an individual can become a talisman or boost morale: this is particularly evidenced with Baffle’s character and their visit by Lord Kitchener.
This novel explores so many fascinating topics: the concept of military pilgrimage and the different experiences and emotions that it can evoke in individuals; how ideas of youth in the military were less about age and more about experience; how troops viewed themselves either as having surrendered to a higher power or as being the higher power in order to come to terms with the fragility of their lives; and how, for Edward, meeting parents who had lost their sons in war felt harder than watching so many men around him die.
In this book, Campbell writes that one should ‘never underestimate the capacity for men to transfer their concept of home from houses and fields and family onto their comrades’: this novel is an exploration of this transference of ‘home’ and the bonds that are forged in a wartime climate. It shows the brutality of survival at all costs and the surprising moments of beauty that enabled Edward to survive without the loss of his humanity. It was particularly poignant to read that Edward’s fear of loneliness exceeded his fear of dying, after a brief separation from Thorne.
The Fires of Gallipoli is more than just a wartime history, it is a tale of epic friendship and its trials and joys. It reflects the ancient epics that Edward and Thorne ostensibly ridicule, but ultimately fixate on, throughout their friendship. It is a tale of a friendship forged in Hell(es), and the struggle to sustain it outside of such a hellscape.
The Fires of Gallipoli explores resilience, self-discovery, fortitude and friendship during, and in the aftermath, of the Gallipoli Campaign. This book follows Edward Salter, a shy 25-year-old solicitor whose life is changed by the outbreak of the First World War and his unexpected friendship with the charming Theodore Thorne.
Malta, 1915. On his way to fight in the Gallipoli Campaign, Edward is introduced to Thorne, whose charisma quickly dispels any awkwardness and facilitates the beginnings of the most significant friendship of Edward’s life. Readers follow their harrowing journey on the Peninsula, their brief shared leave from the frontline where Edward becomes enamoured with Thorne’s sister Miranda, and the consequences of Edward’s promotion to the relative safety of the War Office as a member of Lord Kitchener’s staff whilst Thorne returns to the frontlines.
It is clear that Campbell has used his own military experiences to imbue this novel with hauntingly accurate descriptions of the sights, sounds, scents and sentiments of wartime life. This novel is filled with visceral and evocative details that make readers feel as though they are side by side with Edward, Thorne and the rest of their unit in the trenches and heading into battle. It shows the importance of unity of purpose, camaraderie, and the ways men let off steam. The Fires of Gallipoli reflects the variety of coping mechanisms and superstitions that troops had, and the way that an individual can become a talisman or boost morale: this is particularly evidenced with Baffle’s character and their visit by Lord Kitchener.
This novel explores so many fascinating topics: the concept of military pilgrimage and the different experiences and emotions that it can evoke in individuals; how ideas of youth in the military were less about age and more about experience; how troops viewed themselves either as having surrendered to a higher power or as being the higher power in order to come to terms with the fragility of their lives; and how, for Edward, meeting parents who had lost their sons in war felt harder than watching so many men around him die.
In this book, Campbell writes that one should ‘never underestimate the capacity for men to transfer their concept of home from houses and fields and family onto their comrades’: this novel is an exploration of this transference of ‘home’ and the bonds that are forged in a wartime climate. It shows the brutality of survival at all costs and the surprising moments of beauty that enabled Edward to survive without the loss of his humanity. It was particularly poignant to read that Edward’s fear of loneliness exceeded his fear of dying, after a brief separation from Thorne.
The Fires of Gallipoli is more than just a wartime history, it is a tale of epic friendship and its trials and joys. It reflects the ancient epics that Edward and Thorne ostensibly ridicule, but ultimately fixate on, throughout their friendship. It is a tale of a friendship forged in Hell(es), and the struggle to sustain it outside of such a hellscape.
February 1, 2025
Campbell's Convincing Portrait of War: A Review of "The Fires of Gallipoli"
Barney Campbell's "The Fires of Gallipoli" offers a compelling exploration of World War I through the lens of the Gallipoli campaign. This novel, set against one of the war's most costly operations, combines meticulous historical research with engaging fictional narrative.
Campbell skillfully intertwines the lives of these fictional characters with actual historical figures such as General Sir Ian Hamilton and Lord Kitchener, grounding the narrative in historical authenticity. Through Edward Salter, a young solicitor turned soldier, and his comrades Bruce Haynes-Mattingly and Theodore "Theo" Thorne, the reader gains insight into both the strategic challenges and human costs of the campaign.
Campbell focuses on friendship, loss, and the futility of war. Through Edward's eyes, we experience the initial excitement and the harrowing reality of the battlefield. The character development is convincing, with each figure drawn with depth and nuance. Edward's transformation from a naïve lawyer to a battle-hardened officer reflects the journey many young men of his era underwent. Meanwhile, Theo's progression from charm to disillusionment captures the psychological toll of relentless conflict.
Campbell's narrative skill is evident in his handling of multiple perspectives and timelines. His detailed descriptions bring the muddy trenches, smoky battlefields, and tense military meetings to life. While authentic to the period, the language remains accessible to modern readers, effectively bridging the century-old gap.
The novel occasionally slows under the weight of its historical scope, and some secondary characters could be more fully developed. However, these are minor blemishes in an otherwise accomplished work.
"The Fires of Gallipoli" demonstrates the power of historical fiction to examine both the past and human nature. It makes a significant contribution to war literature, honoring those who served at Gallipoli while prompting readers to consider how the impact of war resonates through generations. Campbell's novel invites us to reflect on conflict's human toll and the enduring bonds forged in its crucible.
This review is of an advance reader copy provided by NetGalley and Elliott & Thompson Limited. It is currently scheduled for release on February 13, 2025.
Barney Campbell's "The Fires of Gallipoli" offers a compelling exploration of World War I through the lens of the Gallipoli campaign. This novel, set against one of the war's most costly operations, combines meticulous historical research with engaging fictional narrative.
Campbell skillfully intertwines the lives of these fictional characters with actual historical figures such as General Sir Ian Hamilton and Lord Kitchener, grounding the narrative in historical authenticity. Through Edward Salter, a young solicitor turned soldier, and his comrades Bruce Haynes-Mattingly and Theodore "Theo" Thorne, the reader gains insight into both the strategic challenges and human costs of the campaign.
Campbell focuses on friendship, loss, and the futility of war. Through Edward's eyes, we experience the initial excitement and the harrowing reality of the battlefield. The character development is convincing, with each figure drawn with depth and nuance. Edward's transformation from a naïve lawyer to a battle-hardened officer reflects the journey many young men of his era underwent. Meanwhile, Theo's progression from charm to disillusionment captures the psychological toll of relentless conflict.
Campbell's narrative skill is evident in his handling of multiple perspectives and timelines. His detailed descriptions bring the muddy trenches, smoky battlefields, and tense military meetings to life. While authentic to the period, the language remains accessible to modern readers, effectively bridging the century-old gap.
The novel occasionally slows under the weight of its historical scope, and some secondary characters could be more fully developed. However, these are minor blemishes in an otherwise accomplished work.
"The Fires of Gallipoli" demonstrates the power of historical fiction to examine both the past and human nature. It makes a significant contribution to war literature, honoring those who served at Gallipoli while prompting readers to consider how the impact of war resonates through generations. Campbell's novel invites us to reflect on conflict's human toll and the enduring bonds forged in its crucible.
This review is of an advance reader copy provided by NetGalley and Elliott & Thompson Limited. It is currently scheduled for release on February 13, 2025.
January 3, 2025
Barney Campbell’s “The Fires of Gallipoli,” with its depiction of the ghastliness of trench warfare, is as absorbing an account of that particular charnel house as I’ve ever read.
Among its horrors: A soldier remarking of another soldier that got caught on the wire that Jesus probably looked better on the cross. This after another soldier is blinded by an incoming mortar as he attempts an extrication.
And along with the carnage, some just plain bizarre bits, as when Lord Kitchener, he of “Your Country Needs You” poster fame, gets drawn into a conversation about knitting, or, in a departure from his usual taskmaster image, he guffaws at a front-line soldier’s comment that they’ve finally sent a decent recruit. And the seemingly odd circumstances of the field marshal’s death, detailed in both the novel’s text and an afterword, make for engaging speculation.
Not so engaging for me, though, was a post-Gallipoli interval in Constantinople having to do with efforts against Bolshevism which, while not irrelevant to the book’s action, struck me as a bit much for the novel to try to fit comfortably under its umbrella along with Gallipoli.
About Gallipoli, though, the book is magnificent, with its registration of the effects of the campaign on the novel’s two principals, one of whom gets involved with the other's sister in a romance I'd have liked to have seen more of.
History the way it should be depicted, in short, Campbell’s fine novel.
Among its horrors: A soldier remarking of another soldier that got caught on the wire that Jesus probably looked better on the cross. This after another soldier is blinded by an incoming mortar as he attempts an extrication.
And along with the carnage, some just plain bizarre bits, as when Lord Kitchener, he of “Your Country Needs You” poster fame, gets drawn into a conversation about knitting, or, in a departure from his usual taskmaster image, he guffaws at a front-line soldier’s comment that they’ve finally sent a decent recruit. And the seemingly odd circumstances of the field marshal’s death, detailed in both the novel’s text and an afterword, make for engaging speculation.
Not so engaging for me, though, was a post-Gallipoli interval in Constantinople having to do with efforts against Bolshevism which, while not irrelevant to the book’s action, struck me as a bit much for the novel to try to fit comfortably under its umbrella along with Gallipoli.
About Gallipoli, though, the book is magnificent, with its registration of the effects of the campaign on the novel’s two principals, one of whom gets involved with the other's sister in a romance I'd have liked to have seen more of.
History the way it should be depicted, in short, Campbell’s fine novel.
March 23, 2026
I picked this up by chance in my local library as I have a long-standing interest, since my university days, in World War 1.
It is always a matter of wonder how young men survived mentally,never mind physically,in this most terrible of all wars.
The battle scenes in the book seemed realistic although that is hard to assess at this distance.
Most of all though this is a story about male friendship,and unusual in that.I was pleased to see the author did not try to imbue this with some sort of latent homosexuality as no doubt plenty of modern writers would have done.
One small interesting point:"It was the greatest confidence trick any of them had ever seen pulled:Baffle described it as playing a game of poker with a hand of a two,a three a six and a pair of jokers". Well,in fact such a hand would give you a straight flush,the highest hand in poker!
A work like this calls into question what would happen should Britain's youth be called in to such terrible action today.It would seem impossible at time when such huge numbers (over 1 million I think) of young men refuse to work on the basis of bipolar disorder,PTSD,depression,anxiety or whatever.
Perhaps it would be salutary for them to read a book such as this and realise how fortunate they are.
It is always a matter of wonder how young men survived mentally,never mind physically,in this most terrible of all wars.
The battle scenes in the book seemed realistic although that is hard to assess at this distance.
Most of all though this is a story about male friendship,and unusual in that.I was pleased to see the author did not try to imbue this with some sort of latent homosexuality as no doubt plenty of modern writers would have done.
One small interesting point:"It was the greatest confidence trick any of them had ever seen pulled:Baffle described it as playing a game of poker with a hand of a two,a three a six and a pair of jokers". Well,in fact such a hand would give you a straight flush,the highest hand in poker!
A work like this calls into question what would happen should Britain's youth be called in to such terrible action today.It would seem impossible at time when such huge numbers (over 1 million I think) of young men refuse to work on the basis of bipolar disorder,PTSD,depression,anxiety or whatever.
Perhaps it would be salutary for them to read a book such as this and realise how fortunate they are.
April 27, 2026
“Edward knew that the law of averages, the law of war and the law of sheer bloody obviousness all demanded that this would be the last time this exact group would ever be together. Still, however, some sprite of a hope jumped in his head that they might all survive unscathed, might all gather in the same arrangement for a second time in a few months.”
Edward and Theo are both officers serving on the frontline of the Gallipoli campaign and together forge a bond despite the chaos and desolation around them. It tells of the camaraderie of men, as well as telling the story of the horrors of the Gallipoli campaign from lack of resources and men freezing to death, to the painful withdrawal from the land. The story follows the men on the return to the UK and shows how Edward is taken into military intelligence and how being split up from Theo creates a distance between them.
Eventually the pair are reunited but neither are the same after what they have witnessed and been part of.
A very moving book to read whilst in Çanakkale to attend the remembrance services. It’s not an element of WW1 I knew a lot about and I found it both informative and moving.
Edward and Theo are both officers serving on the frontline of the Gallipoli campaign and together forge a bond despite the chaos and desolation around them. It tells of the camaraderie of men, as well as telling the story of the horrors of the Gallipoli campaign from lack of resources and men freezing to death, to the painful withdrawal from the land. The story follows the men on the return to the UK and shows how Edward is taken into military intelligence and how being split up from Theo creates a distance between them.
Eventually the pair are reunited but neither are the same after what they have witnessed and been part of.
A very moving book to read whilst in Çanakkale to attend the remembrance services. It’s not an element of WW1 I knew a lot about and I found it both informative and moving.
March 6, 2026
The Fires of Gallipoli is a compelling and emotional story of Salter and Thorne, soldiers whose bond became like that of brothers in the Campaign at Gallipoli. Throughout the pages, you are faced with the brutality of war. Campbell didn't sugarcoat the battles; rather shows their true brutality in quite graphic content, staying true to what war is like and the horrors that follow many soldiers during and after their time fighting.
The story, and even the characters, felt very genuine. I enjoyed the narrative and found myself really absorbed in the later chapters with Salter and Thorne, especially in how their relationship has developed.
The Fires of Gallipoli is a well-written book, and I can recommend this to anyone who enjoys reading stories of war, as well as the friendship that develop and the trials and tribulations that follow.
Thank you NetGallery for a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The story, and even the characters, felt very genuine. I enjoyed the narrative and found myself really absorbed in the later chapters with Salter and Thorne, especially in how their relationship has developed.
The Fires of Gallipoli is a well-written book, and I can recommend this to anyone who enjoys reading stories of war, as well as the friendship that develop and the trials and tribulations that follow.
Thank you NetGallery for a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 30, 2026
*Thank you to Net Galley, Elliott & Thompson and Barney Campbell for a digital ARC of this book*
This is a story of friendship forged in unimaginable horror. Set against the backdrop of WW1, this doesn’t hold back on the destructiveness of that war and what it did to those who fought in it physically, emotionally and psychologically. It is a harsh depiction of the reality that millions faced.
I was rooting for the protagonist all the way through and the other main character as well and every time it looked like there was a possibility of one or both or them being killed I was praying hard. The book depicts how fragile life was - that one moment you’d be smoking a cigarette with your mate and the next they’d be gone. It is heart wrenching and explicit and doesn’t hold back on the physical injuries and the mental ones too.
Interweaved with some historical figures from that time (Kitchener), there’s also a touch of mystery around Kitchener and what actually happened to him. I thought this was a clever plot point and worked well within the wider context of the story and was well researched.
If you like historical fiction, then this is one you will want to pick up.
This is a story of friendship forged in unimaginable horror. Set against the backdrop of WW1, this doesn’t hold back on the destructiveness of that war and what it did to those who fought in it physically, emotionally and psychologically. It is a harsh depiction of the reality that millions faced.
I was rooting for the protagonist all the way through and the other main character as well and every time it looked like there was a possibility of one or both or them being killed I was praying hard. The book depicts how fragile life was - that one moment you’d be smoking a cigarette with your mate and the next they’d be gone. It is heart wrenching and explicit and doesn’t hold back on the physical injuries and the mental ones too.
Interweaved with some historical figures from that time (Kitchener), there’s also a touch of mystery around Kitchener and what actually happened to him. I thought this was a clever plot point and worked well within the wider context of the story and was well researched.
If you like historical fiction, then this is one you will want to pick up.
February 28, 2025
An interesting book, that left me slightly confused. The first portion of the book really grabbed and held my attention. The depiction of the events at Gallipoli were truly riveting. The story and action were fast paced and gave you real insight to the trials and tribulations so many went through in the war. You really could bond with the two main characters. That said, the second half of the book, after the war left me disappointed. I wanted more than what the author gave us. Some of the events felt strained and the love interest between one of the men and his friend's sister felt incomplete. That said, I enjoyed the book overall.
Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
February 4, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and Elliott & Thompson for an early Kindle copy of this book.
I enjoyed this more than I expected, It was a vibrant tale of male friendship, forged in war but, refreshingly for books with male characters, weighing deep on the vulnerabilities and struggles of maintaining a friendship through exceedingly tough times. Barney Campbell drew me into the trenches with his descriptions of warfare and the atrocious weather suffered by troops.
This is a recommended read, but perhaps not for the faint-hearted, as some descriptions were brutally realistic.
I enjoyed this more than I expected, It was a vibrant tale of male friendship, forged in war but, refreshingly for books with male characters, weighing deep on the vulnerabilities and struggles of maintaining a friendship through exceedingly tough times. Barney Campbell drew me into the trenches with his descriptions of warfare and the atrocious weather suffered by troops.
This is a recommended read, but perhaps not for the faint-hearted, as some descriptions were brutally realistic.
January 7, 2025
The story of a company of soldiers fighting in Gallipoli during the First World War. The horrifying account of the conditions they endured and the life changing injuries and loss of life.
This book is also about comradely, friendship and bravery.
Thank you to NetGalley and Elliot & Thompson for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
This book is also about comradely, friendship and bravery.
Thank you to NetGalley and Elliot & Thompson for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 20, 2025
second book just as amazing as the first
An amazing and harrowing portrayal of war intertwined with a fabulous story about friendship and love. Having adored Rain I wondered how Barney Campbell could do better but he has.
An amazing and harrowing portrayal of war intertwined with a fabulous story about friendship and love. Having adored Rain I wondered how Barney Campbell could do better but he has.
April 8, 2025
3.5-4 stars.
This book follows the young officers Edward Salter and Theo Thorne, as they command their men during the Gallipoli campaign of WWI. I would like to thank NetGalley for this eARC, and all opinions are my own.
The story starts off relatively benign, with the men nervously awaiting their turn on the front lines. And then, we are deep in the trenches with Edward. The mud, the stench, the loss, and the flies are vividly described by the author, and you can feel like you are there. The misery of the trenches was very well written.
I enjoyed that Edward and Thorne admitted that they didn't know it all and that they respected their NCOs and junior enlisted. This is what made them good leaders and trusted by their men. It is also what bonded them during the war. I did feel as though Edward didn't really come into himself until the second half of the book, though.
I did not find the second half of the book to be as riviting as the first, and at times, it felt as though I was reading a completely different book. I actually think that Edward and Thorne's characters should have switched roles for the post-Gallipoli section. But, I still enjoyed it and gave it 3.5-4 stars (the second half of the book being the reason for the lower rating).
This book follows the young officers Edward Salter and Theo Thorne, as they command their men during the Gallipoli campaign of WWI. I would like to thank NetGalley for this eARC, and all opinions are my own.
The story starts off relatively benign, with the men nervously awaiting their turn on the front lines. And then, we are deep in the trenches with Edward. The mud, the stench, the loss, and the flies are vividly described by the author, and you can feel like you are there. The misery of the trenches was very well written.
I enjoyed that Edward and Thorne admitted that they didn't know it all and that they respected their NCOs and junior enlisted. This is what made them good leaders and trusted by their men. It is also what bonded them during the war. I did feel as though Edward didn't really come into himself until the second half of the book, though.
I did not find the second half of the book to be as riviting as the first, and at times, it felt as though I was reading a completely different book. I actually think that Edward and Thorne's characters should have switched roles for the post-Gallipoli section. But, I still enjoyed it and gave it 3.5-4 stars (the second half of the book being the reason for the lower rating).
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