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The Deadly Playground: 1914
The year is 1912. Two Oxford men are members of the same college, but they could not be more different. The first, Stanley Walker, son of a shopkeeper, is studying engineering. The second, Jimmy Barrington, son of Britain's wealthiest banker, owns a fast car. They become friends.
Jimmy's birthday picnic at Port Meadow turns into a grand gathering, attended by the cream of London society, who sip champagne served by the family's butler and enjoy the late summer sunshine. Stanley is introduced to Theda, Jimmy's headstrong sister, and the other members of the Barrington clan. None of them knows — though some suspect — that their world is about to change forever.
When war breaks out, Jimmy decides to join the Royal Flying Corps, and he persuades Stanley Walker to come with him. Soon they are embroiled in a new kind of war which starts with the German invasion of Belgium. Not all goes according to plan, however, and while Stanley sticks to his guns, Jimmy's fate takes a turn that leads him to an even stranger battlefield.
The Deadly Playground is the first volume of a series that recounts the story of the prestigious Barrington family during the Great War. A tale of espionage, romance and a portrait of power and influence moving behind the scenes as the curtain rises on the first act of a Century of tumultuous conflict.
Hallmarked by attention to historical detail, this novel comes with a guarantee — that the reader will find a story that will make him or her regard the Great War in a completely new light. It is unlike any other story that has been told.
Jimmy's birthday picnic at Port Meadow turns into a grand gathering, attended by the cream of London society, who sip champagne served by the family's butler and enjoy the late summer sunshine. Stanley is introduced to Theda, Jimmy's headstrong sister, and the other members of the Barrington clan. None of them knows — though some suspect — that their world is about to change forever.
When war breaks out, Jimmy decides to join the Royal Flying Corps, and he persuades Stanley Walker to come with him. Soon they are embroiled in a new kind of war which starts with the German invasion of Belgium. Not all goes according to plan, however, and while Stanley sticks to his guns, Jimmy's fate takes a turn that leads him to an even stranger battlefield.
The Deadly Playground is the first volume of a series that recounts the story of the prestigious Barrington family during the Great War. A tale of espionage, romance and a portrait of power and influence moving behind the scenes as the curtain rises on the first act of a Century of tumultuous conflict.
Hallmarked by attention to historical detail, this novel comes with a guarantee — that the reader will find a story that will make him or her regard the Great War in a completely new light. It is unlike any other story that has been told.
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First published April 10, 2014
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525 people want to read
About the author
Robert Carter
13 books193 followersI was born in Staffordshire, near Etruria, the place made famous by Josiah Wedgwood, but was brought up in Sydney, Australia and later in Lancashire, England. I studied astrophysics at Newcastle University, where I started the student science fiction society. Writing novels has always played a part in my life, and I've tried to see the world enough to be able to write fiction with the help of personal experience.
After university, the US oil industry was booming so I went to Dallas, Texas, later on I worked on rigs in various parts of the Middle East and the war-torn heart of Africa. I was aboard the Ron Tappmeyer, a rig that blew out in the Persian Gulf, killing 19 men. It was dangerous work, but well-paid, and it took me to places that outsiders rarely see, like the Rub-al-Khali of Arabia and hard-to-reach parts of equatorial Africa.
When I left the oilfields, I spent time on travel, first to East Berlin and Warsaw, then to Moscow and Leningrad. From there I took the Trans-Siberian railway to Japan. In Hong Kong, I worked on a road survey, took tea with the heir of the last king of Upper Burma near Mandalay, and on the path to Everest base camp just happened to run into Sir Edmund Hillary. After traveling around most of India, Sri Lanka and Indonesia, I returned home and took up a job with the BBC. Four years later, I left BBC TV to write. I finally settled in London, but I still like to head off to interesting parts when time allows.
After university, the US oil industry was booming so I went to Dallas, Texas, later on I worked on rigs in various parts of the Middle East and the war-torn heart of Africa. I was aboard the Ron Tappmeyer, a rig that blew out in the Persian Gulf, killing 19 men. It was dangerous work, but well-paid, and it took me to places that outsiders rarely see, like the Rub-al-Khali of Arabia and hard-to-reach parts of equatorial Africa.
When I left the oilfields, I spent time on travel, first to East Berlin and Warsaw, then to Moscow and Leningrad. From there I took the Trans-Siberian railway to Japan. In Hong Kong, I worked on a road survey, took tea with the heir of the last king of Upper Burma near Mandalay, and on the path to Everest base camp just happened to run into Sir Edmund Hillary. After traveling around most of India, Sri Lanka and Indonesia, I returned home and took up a job with the BBC. Four years later, I left BBC TV to write. I finally settled in London, but I still like to head off to interesting parts when time allows.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
June 7, 2014
One of my favorite writers, Robert Carter, is back.
And he’s back with a vengeance.
Those of you familiar with Mr. Carter’s work will remember that he has already delivered outstanding historical fiction set in a wide variety of settings including; revolutionary France, India, and China among others.
Mr. Carter’s latest book, The Deadly Playground, is the first installment in what I hope will be a long run of terrific books about a British family of means, the Barrington’s, and their extended circle of friends and acquaintances. Set in 1912 against the backdrop of the impending World War, the book focuses primarily Jimmy Barrington, the free-spirited son, and his friend, Stanley Walker, a young man of humble background and modest means. When war breaks out with the German invasion of Belgium, Jimmy and Stanley decide to join the Royal Flying Corps. During their initial training their fates take different paths and their days as carefree youths soon become fodder for fond memories and late-night pub tales.
As I was reading, I was struck by the relatively low-tech of warfare in the early 1900s and reminded that it’s only been just over 100 years since aircraft have been available for use in war. Mr. Carter deftly takes us back to those early days when pilots and their gunners were using pistols and rifles to shoot at enemy aircraft. And that’s the sort of thing that Mr. Carter does. He takes on big ideas – in this case, the uncertainty of one’s place in and ability to positively contribute to a world at a tipping point and battered by war – and weaves an intricate narrative using real, and, quite often, the small moments of daily life that resonate and give flesh and bone to his central theme. And Mr. Carter is so gifted at handling these moments, as readers, we find ourselves there, in the moment, with the sights and sounds of canvas wings and barking artillery surrounding us while, as an author, several times I was forced to reread a paragraph and left to wonder, “How the hell did he do that?”
When reading a book these days there is a tendency for us to gravitate to what sort of film, or in the case of The Deadly Playground, , miniseries would the book make. That’s all well and good because I can already visualize what this material could look like on screen as well as name a wide variety of potential cast members. But that degree of visualization is only possible because the book is so well written. And the talent required to write a book like this is rare and needs to be appreciated, honored and, yes, even savored.
Mr. Carter’s attention to detail, grounded in meticulous research, is one of his hallmarks. The care and feeding his gives his craft is a trait I greatly admire and all of his fans, a growing group I’m a proud member of, need to thank him again for delivering such a strong work of historical fiction. At times his work with detailed description reminds me of Tom Clancy. It’s not easy making aircraft and weaponry both educational and entertaining. Yet Mr. Carter does a terrific job in these areas because he obviously knows what he’s talking about and he works very hard to get it right.
But there is another writer that Mr. Carter’s work reminds me of. Taylor Caldwell also told grand tales filled with small moments on an epic scale. I have no idea if she is someone Mr. Carter enjoys reading or whether he will find this comparison flattering or worthy of disdain. All I do know is that if he is able to continue developing this series in the manner he has unfurled it in this first volume, I sincerely believe that The Deadly Playground, has the potential to become Mr. Carter’s The Captain and the Kings.
Big themes, small moments, great writing.
Don’t miss this one and the ones that follow.
And he’s back with a vengeance.
Those of you familiar with Mr. Carter’s work will remember that he has already delivered outstanding historical fiction set in a wide variety of settings including; revolutionary France, India, and China among others.
Mr. Carter’s latest book, The Deadly Playground, is the first installment in what I hope will be a long run of terrific books about a British family of means, the Barrington’s, and their extended circle of friends and acquaintances. Set in 1912 against the backdrop of the impending World War, the book focuses primarily Jimmy Barrington, the free-spirited son, and his friend, Stanley Walker, a young man of humble background and modest means. When war breaks out with the German invasion of Belgium, Jimmy and Stanley decide to join the Royal Flying Corps. During their initial training their fates take different paths and their days as carefree youths soon become fodder for fond memories and late-night pub tales.
As I was reading, I was struck by the relatively low-tech of warfare in the early 1900s and reminded that it’s only been just over 100 years since aircraft have been available for use in war. Mr. Carter deftly takes us back to those early days when pilots and their gunners were using pistols and rifles to shoot at enemy aircraft. And that’s the sort of thing that Mr. Carter does. He takes on big ideas – in this case, the uncertainty of one’s place in and ability to positively contribute to a world at a tipping point and battered by war – and weaves an intricate narrative using real, and, quite often, the small moments of daily life that resonate and give flesh and bone to his central theme. And Mr. Carter is so gifted at handling these moments, as readers, we find ourselves there, in the moment, with the sights and sounds of canvas wings and barking artillery surrounding us while, as an author, several times I was forced to reread a paragraph and left to wonder, “How the hell did he do that?”
When reading a book these days there is a tendency for us to gravitate to what sort of film, or in the case of The Deadly Playground, , miniseries would the book make. That’s all well and good because I can already visualize what this material could look like on screen as well as name a wide variety of potential cast members. But that degree of visualization is only possible because the book is so well written. And the talent required to write a book like this is rare and needs to be appreciated, honored and, yes, even savored.
Mr. Carter’s attention to detail, grounded in meticulous research, is one of his hallmarks. The care and feeding his gives his craft is a trait I greatly admire and all of his fans, a growing group I’m a proud member of, need to thank him again for delivering such a strong work of historical fiction. At times his work with detailed description reminds me of Tom Clancy. It’s not easy making aircraft and weaponry both educational and entertaining. Yet Mr. Carter does a terrific job in these areas because he obviously knows what he’s talking about and he works very hard to get it right.
But there is another writer that Mr. Carter’s work reminds me of. Taylor Caldwell also told grand tales filled with small moments on an epic scale. I have no idea if she is someone Mr. Carter enjoys reading or whether he will find this comparison flattering or worthy of disdain. All I do know is that if he is able to continue developing this series in the manner he has unfurled it in this first volume, I sincerely believe that The Deadly Playground, has the potential to become Mr. Carter’s The Captain and the Kings.
Big themes, small moments, great writing.
Don’t miss this one and the ones that follow.
May 2, 2014
It's 1914, and the wealthy and influential Barrington family of Britain, with its 5 sons and two daughters, must set aside its frivolous ways because war has been declared. Germany is about to take over poor little Belgium in an effort to get at France and take over France as well.
The first section, an introduction to the various members of Barrington family, is told through the eyes of Stanley Walker, a former classmate of the youngest Barrington, Jimmy. Stanley comes from a working class family, and managed to scrape by to attend university, has a knack with motors, and stays connected with Jimmy as he works on Jimmy's motorcars.
When the war effort begins, Jimmy coerces Stanley to join the nascent air corps as pilots the fact that neither had ever even been in an airplane, let alone flown one, notwithstanding. With Jimmy's connections, he is able to get them a certificate, which gets them into classes.
The remainder of the book is the story of how the piloting effort goes, and the different directions and interconnections in the European war zone the lives of the two main characters take, Stanley as an ace pilot, and Jimmy in 'Intelligence'.
I believe this is the first of a planned series about the Barringtons, although this one is primarily about the war in 1914, and is completely a stand-alone book.
This book is obviously extremely well researched, and the historical period is integral to the story, not just window dressing for it. I am really looking forward to future volumes.
The first section, an introduction to the various members of Barrington family, is told through the eyes of Stanley Walker, a former classmate of the youngest Barrington, Jimmy. Stanley comes from a working class family, and managed to scrape by to attend university, has a knack with motors, and stays connected with Jimmy as he works on Jimmy's motorcars.
When the war effort begins, Jimmy coerces Stanley to join the nascent air corps as pilots the fact that neither had ever even been in an airplane, let alone flown one, notwithstanding. With Jimmy's connections, he is able to get them a certificate, which gets them into classes.
The remainder of the book is the story of how the piloting effort goes, and the different directions and interconnections in the European war zone the lives of the two main characters take, Stanley as an ace pilot, and Jimmy in 'Intelligence'.
I believe this is the first of a planned series about the Barringtons, although this one is primarily about the war in 1914, and is completely a stand-alone book.
This book is obviously extremely well researched, and the historical period is integral to the story, not just window dressing for it. I am really looking forward to future volumes.
July 6, 2014
An interesting and intriguing book taking place during WWI through the eyes of the affluent and politically powerful and a middle class airman. There is history, romance, and intrigue in trying to figure out what will happen to the main characters.
August 3, 2014
This is the first book by Robert Carter that I’ve read, but it won’t be the last. He’s a great writer. I really enjoyed the development of the characters in this novel about a wealthy family, a close family friend and the historical and fictional people they meet during WW1. Not only are the characters interesting and people we would want to know but they are also people we can cheer for and sympathize with.
I haven’t read much about WW1 but the details of the beginning of the war ring true. It’s interesting to learn about the war from the vantage point of one of the first pilots flying one of the first aeroplanes. At this time most of the aeroplanes were used for reconnaissance and not for actual battles. The details of flying some of these craft were fascinating.
The author states that this is the first in a five volume series. I’m assuming that this means one volume for each year of the war. I’m looking forward to the second volume which is to be released in 2015.
I haven’t read much about WW1 but the details of the beginning of the war ring true. It’s interesting to learn about the war from the vantage point of one of the first pilots flying one of the first aeroplanes. At this time most of the aeroplanes were used for reconnaissance and not for actual battles. The details of flying some of these craft were fascinating.
The author states that this is the first in a five volume series. I’m assuming that this means one volume for each year of the war. I’m looking forward to the second volume which is to be released in 2015.
July 30, 2014
I really enjoyed this book for the characters and the history and it should receive 4 stars, however, the editing is not up to par. There are so many errors in this book that they detracted from the enjoyment.
If you buy a product, you want it to be free of defects. This book is full of defects. Hopefully the second installment will be read more carefully before it goes out to the paying public.
If you buy a product, you want it to be free of defects. This book is full of defects. Hopefully the second installment will be read more carefully before it goes out to the paying public.
October 30, 2017
Aviation, adventure and history.
August 1, 2014
I received this ebook as a free gift from the author to read and review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
This ebook is listed on Amazon as being The Barrington Quintet Volume I. I am assuming that the author is planning to release each volume to reflect one year of the Great War. This particular volume focuses on the events of 1914 as they relate to Stanley Walker & Jimmy Barrington. Stanley comes from a working class background but has becomes close friends with Jimmy, a member of the elite Barrington family, through school connections.
The story begins at a party at the Barrington Home where we learn that the Barrington family is an extremely large one. I found this section a little overwhelming as I wasn’t clear on who was who and many names were being introduced. I think as part of a series which is to focus on the Barrington’s it would be helpful to have some sort of character list or family tree. It took me a little while to get into the story, but once I did, there were many fascinating parts and it was very clear that the author has researched this time period extensively and knows how to write in such a way that he sets you right there in the time period.
Both Walker and Jimmy Barrington end up trying to train as pilots, mostly through machinations on Jimmy’s part. As it happens, Stanley Walker succeeds brilliantly, while Jimmy doesn’t quite have what it takes and ends up following a different wartime path.
I loved reading the section where Stanley had his first flight. To quote: “Walker knew that he was not the same man he had been just half an hour ago. He had experienced a sort of magic, and that magic had changed him.”
I found myself having to use my kindle dictionary several times to find out what the author was referring to. This is not a bad thing in and of itself but some elements such as “Theosophy” didn’t really have an important part in the story and I felt did not add to the flow of events.
The story alternates between the perspective of the two men and occasionally their paths do cross as the year plays out. The ending to me came very abruptly and I would rather have continued on directly to the next part. All in all, this is well researched and well-written and when all five parts are read together will no doubt be a very moving read.
This ebook is listed on Amazon as being The Barrington Quintet Volume I. I am assuming that the author is planning to release each volume to reflect one year of the Great War. This particular volume focuses on the events of 1914 as they relate to Stanley Walker & Jimmy Barrington. Stanley comes from a working class background but has becomes close friends with Jimmy, a member of the elite Barrington family, through school connections.
The story begins at a party at the Barrington Home where we learn that the Barrington family is an extremely large one. I found this section a little overwhelming as I wasn’t clear on who was who and many names were being introduced. I think as part of a series which is to focus on the Barrington’s it would be helpful to have some sort of character list or family tree. It took me a little while to get into the story, but once I did, there were many fascinating parts and it was very clear that the author has researched this time period extensively and knows how to write in such a way that he sets you right there in the time period.
Both Walker and Jimmy Barrington end up trying to train as pilots, mostly through machinations on Jimmy’s part. As it happens, Stanley Walker succeeds brilliantly, while Jimmy doesn’t quite have what it takes and ends up following a different wartime path.
I loved reading the section where Stanley had his first flight. To quote: “Walker knew that he was not the same man he had been just half an hour ago. He had experienced a sort of magic, and that magic had changed him.”
I found myself having to use my kindle dictionary several times to find out what the author was referring to. This is not a bad thing in and of itself but some elements such as “Theosophy” didn’t really have an important part in the story and I felt did not add to the flow of events.
The story alternates between the perspective of the two men and occasionally their paths do cross as the year plays out. The ending to me came very abruptly and I would rather have continued on directly to the next part. All in all, this is well researched and well-written and when all five parts are read together will no doubt be a very moving read.
August 25, 2014
I have just spent the last year reading every historical fiction and non-fiction book I could find that was written about World War I. This was because I was going with my husband to visit the French and Belgium battlefields about which I knew absolutely nothing.
"The Deadly Playground, 1914" certainly is not a long, drawn out book full of historical facts and events. It is, however, a well researched and presented story about the trials and triumphs that two men face in the first year of the war. I was thoroughly taken in by the foibles of the main characters as they attempted to become pilots in the Royal Flying Corps. As the war progresses, it is amazing to see how the pioneers of air war use their ingenuity to strap bombs on wood and cloth airplanes. They also use their skills to shoot at the enemy with pistols and guns while swooping down on them. Not to mention, crash landings, leaking engines, and freezing cold flights which are all amazing feats for 1914.
I am looking forward to the next volume to see where the author, Robert Carter takes us.
"The Deadly Playground, 1914" certainly is not a long, drawn out book full of historical facts and events. It is, however, a well researched and presented story about the trials and triumphs that two men face in the first year of the war. I was thoroughly taken in by the foibles of the main characters as they attempted to become pilots in the Royal Flying Corps. As the war progresses, it is amazing to see how the pioneers of air war use their ingenuity to strap bombs on wood and cloth airplanes. They also use their skills to shoot at the enemy with pistols and guns while swooping down on them. Not to mention, crash landings, leaking engines, and freezing cold flights which are all amazing feats for 1914.
I am looking forward to the next volume to see where the author, Robert Carter takes us.
December 28, 2014
I received this book as a free gift from the author to read and review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
This is the type of book I love to read - good historical fiction about WWI from the British side. Main characters Jimmy Barrington and Stanley Walker are friends who decide to join up to be RAF pilot. Stanley's love of flying and his unapproved jaunts for the war effort add some humor and drama to the story!
I am happy to see this will be the 1st installment of the Barrington saga - I am looking forward to Book 2 (and maybe a mini-series??!!).
This is the type of book I love to read - good historical fiction about WWI from the British side. Main characters Jimmy Barrington and Stanley Walker are friends who decide to join up to be RAF pilot. Stanley's love of flying and his unapproved jaunts for the war effort add some humor and drama to the story!
I am happy to see this will be the 1st installment of the Barrington saga - I am looking forward to Book 2 (and maybe a mini-series??!!).
November 26, 2014
I am currently reading this book and I love it. It is beautifully written and the characters are true to the era that is being aimed for. The author did an amazing job with this book.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews