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The Great War #1
The Shadow of War
The Shadow of War is the first novel in Stewart Binns's new series which will see a book release for each year of the First World War.
June 1914.
The beginning of another long, prosperous summer for Britain. But beneath the clear skies, all is not as it seem - as the chill wind of social discontent swirls around this sceptred isle.
Shots ring out in a distant European land - the assassination of a foreign aristocrat. From that moment the entire world is propelled into a conflict unlike any seen before.
This is the story of five British communities, their circumstances very different, but who will all share in the tragedy that is to come. All that they have known will be changed for ever by the catastrophic events of the Great War.
This is a story of love and comradeship, of hatred and tragedy - this is the story of the Great War.
The Shadow of War, the first novel in The Great War series from Stewart Binns, is a thrilling read and perfect for those who enjoy the writing of Conn Iggulden and Bernard Cornwell.
June 1914.
The beginning of another long, prosperous summer for Britain. But beneath the clear skies, all is not as it seem - as the chill wind of social discontent swirls around this sceptred isle.
Shots ring out in a distant European land - the assassination of a foreign aristocrat. From that moment the entire world is propelled into a conflict unlike any seen before.
This is the story of five British communities, their circumstances very different, but who will all share in the tragedy that is to come. All that they have known will be changed for ever by the catastrophic events of the Great War.
This is a story of love and comradeship, of hatred and tragedy - this is the story of the Great War.
The Shadow of War, the first novel in The Great War series from Stewart Binns, is a thrilling read and perfect for those who enjoy the writing of Conn Iggulden and Bernard Cornwell.
560 pages, Hardcover
First published July 17, 2014
18 people are currently reading
404 people want to read
About the author
Stewart Binns
18 books35 followersStewart Binns began his professional life as an academic. He then pursued several adventures, including a stint at the BBC, before settling into a career as a schoolteacher, specializing in history. Later in life, a lucky break took him back to the BBC, which was the beginning of a successful career in television. He has won a BAFTA, a Grierson, an RTS and a Peabody for his documentaries. Stewart's passion is English history, especially its origins and folklore. Conquest is his first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
March 2, 2015
felt this book had too much detail as was split if he was writing a history book or historical fiction. felt could of narrowed down the amount of characters in this book.
August 2, 2014
Shadow of War, is the start of The Great War series of books by this author which will see a new book for each year of the duration of the war. The story opens as the unrest in Europe starts to escalate and during the summer of 1914, five British communities, are about to discover that the order of the old routine is about to change forever.
With his usual skilful style of recounting history, the author has succeeded in giving a realistic portrayal of the effects of the first few months of the war and shows just how the different social groups adapted to living in uncertain times. The ever changing tidal wave of political unrest is juxtaposed against the uncertainty of an increasingly difficult social situation and the communal feelings of both fear and insecurity acts as a palpable reminder of the uncertainty of impending war.
The book initially gets off to rather a slow start, not because the book is uninteresting, far from it, but more because as with any new series there are people and places to get to know. However, as the individual stories start to coalesce, the narrative starts to both educate and entertain and a feeling of rapport with the characters starts to emerge.
Of all the many books published in this centenary year of the start of World War One, it is difficult to know which one to choose. My thoughts are, if you would like something that will take you gradually through the conflict year by year, then this book with its solid beginning is a good a place as any, to start.
With his usual skilful style of recounting history, the author has succeeded in giving a realistic portrayal of the effects of the first few months of the war and shows just how the different social groups adapted to living in uncertain times. The ever changing tidal wave of political unrest is juxtaposed against the uncertainty of an increasingly difficult social situation and the communal feelings of both fear and insecurity acts as a palpable reminder of the uncertainty of impending war.
The book initially gets off to rather a slow start, not because the book is uninteresting, far from it, but more because as with any new series there are people and places to get to know. However, as the individual stories start to coalesce, the narrative starts to both educate and entertain and a feeling of rapport with the characters starts to emerge.
Of all the many books published in this centenary year of the start of World War One, it is difficult to know which one to choose. My thoughts are, if you would like something that will take you gradually through the conflict year by year, then this book with its solid beginning is a good a place as any, to start.
July 26, 2014
The Shadow of War is Stewart Binn’s newest novel, the first of several that will cover the years that span World War I as it pertains to Britain. It takes place in a relatively short time frame, from June to December 1914, the months leading up to the start of the Great War. In this opening novel, Binns introduces the reader to several characters of diverse social ranks, roles, and genders, and some of the key politicians of the era. In the author’s usual easy style of writing, he relays the facts that led up to the conflict, so this is very much a story of the war as experienced by his main characters.
He has written a very factual fictionalized tale that gave me a glimpse into the era and how the war affected those directly or indirectly involved. It took me several chapters to “get into” the book, but then it truly caught and held my interest. It is truly a book that educates while entertaining, a talent of this bestselling author.
For those who would love to learn more about the Great War, and Britain’s role in it, then this is a good book to start with. Very interesting and definitely recommended!
He has written a very factual fictionalized tale that gave me a glimpse into the era and how the war affected those directly or indirectly involved. It took me several chapters to “get into” the book, but then it truly caught and held my interest. It is truly a book that educates while entertaining, a talent of this bestselling author.
For those who would love to learn more about the Great War, and Britain’s role in it, then this is a good book to start with. Very interesting and definitely recommended!
March 3, 2019
I was VERY interested to read the reviews on this novel. More than a few speak of its bizarre style- present tense, some folk couldn't get over the style and gave up, other's urge to 'read through it' and keep going, to be rewarded by a great read. I feel firmly into the first camp. I started skimming within pages. I could not connect with the characters or the story because of this weird third/first person mixed style and found myself flipping to find out who published the book and who recommended it, while I did so I picked up on one random nit-picking historical inaccuracy (neither sniper's badges nor 'the school of sniping' existed in 1914) which let further doubts creep into my head. The author gets high praise, and has four previous novels 'to great acclaim' and a further novel after this. As a WWI historical author myself, I'll support Binns with three stars with a Marmite/Rootbeer love/hate warning- you're either going to 'get' this reading style, or you won't; the good news is for some readers there's a five-star read awaiting you.
August 12, 2014
Review
When I first started this book my initial reaction was “what the hell”, the books style seemed very bizarre, it was very much an outside view looking in on people and events. Then slowly as I read the chapters I was drawn into the lives of multiple different families and communities, before i knew it i was hooked. This book is still odd…different, it’s not like Stewarts previous series. It feels very much like a documentary mixed into a fictional drama, yet it works, it works so well. Anyone who reads my reviews and follows my blog knows I love Historical Fiction. But what they don’t know is that I’m really not a fan of WW1. I find the horror and darkness of that war too hard to read, too emotional to take in without feeling my own version of Churchill’s “black dog”. (read the book to understand that)
Stewart Binns has managed to portray the different strata of society without judging or demeaning any of them, and to cover in book one the lead up to and the early days of WW1 with passion and compassion, with energy and purpose, and to leave me feeling the emotion but not suffering from the horror. It’s all there contained in the pages, but delivered in such a way you can see and feel the passions of the different players, the struggles that sent individuals to war, the misconceptions of blame for the death toll and the passion to do all for family and country.
Stewarts books always leave me with a sense of pride for my country, and this book is no exception, but this is tempered by the individual courage and the individual loss. The personal tales that inspire and horrify in equal measure. By the time I finished the book I felt entertained and educated, which for me form the key pillars of a great Historical Fiction novel.
Once again Stewart Binns has managed to create something unique, entertaining and eye-opening, I’m very much looking forward to book 2.
Recommended
(Parm)
When I first started this book my initial reaction was “what the hell”, the books style seemed very bizarre, it was very much an outside view looking in on people and events. Then slowly as I read the chapters I was drawn into the lives of multiple different families and communities, before i knew it i was hooked. This book is still odd…different, it’s not like Stewarts previous series. It feels very much like a documentary mixed into a fictional drama, yet it works, it works so well. Anyone who reads my reviews and follows my blog knows I love Historical Fiction. But what they don’t know is that I’m really not a fan of WW1. I find the horror and darkness of that war too hard to read, too emotional to take in without feeling my own version of Churchill’s “black dog”. (read the book to understand that)
Stewart Binns has managed to portray the different strata of society without judging or demeaning any of them, and to cover in book one the lead up to and the early days of WW1 with passion and compassion, with energy and purpose, and to leave me feeling the emotion but not suffering from the horror. It’s all there contained in the pages, but delivered in such a way you can see and feel the passions of the different players, the struggles that sent individuals to war, the misconceptions of blame for the death toll and the passion to do all for family and country.
Stewarts books always leave me with a sense of pride for my country, and this book is no exception, but this is tempered by the individual courage and the individual loss. The personal tales that inspire and horrify in equal measure. By the time I finished the book I felt entertained and educated, which for me form the key pillars of a great Historical Fiction novel.
Once again Stewart Binns has managed to create something unique, entertaining and eye-opening, I’m very much looking forward to book 2.
Recommended
(Parm)
Read
August 22, 2014Still thinking on this one. Will post my review when it appears in the Historical Novel Society website and magazine.
June 17, 2017
(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)
June 1914: the beginning of another long, prosperous summer for Britain. But beneath the clear skies, all is not as it seems - the chill wind of social discontent swirls around this sceptred isle.
Shots ring out in a distant European land - the assassination of a foreign aristocrat. From that moment the entire world is propelled into a conflict unlike any seen before.
This is the story of five British communities, their circumstances very different, but who will all share in the tragedy that is to come. All that they have known will be changed forever by the catastrophic events of the Great War.
This is a very hard book to review well as I am still not sure quite what to say about it.
On the upside, after an initial struggle, I really did engage with the characters after about the first third of the book. The chronicle of their lives before and during the war, their struggles and challenges in dealing with their new lives was quite captivating. Also, the historical detail was excellent - I could feel a sense of place while reading it, even though the Great War ended nearly 100 years ago. That is an awesome skill...
However, that same attention to detail is also one of the downsides. While, at times, the narrative was good, it did get bogged down quite a lot, almost like a textbook rather than a novel. Also, the dialogue seem to suffer from the same problem. Just felt like it was out of place, or out of kilter, to the rest of the book. The other issue I had, and almost caused me to give up, was the writing style. One reviewer described it like a voice-over for a documentary and I feel that was the best description. It took quite a while for me to get the feel for the style.
Historically, a good story with decent characters and a sense of what happened. But overall, it just didn't quite hit the mark for me...
Paul
ARH
June 1914: the beginning of another long, prosperous summer for Britain. But beneath the clear skies, all is not as it seems - the chill wind of social discontent swirls around this sceptred isle.
Shots ring out in a distant European land - the assassination of a foreign aristocrat. From that moment the entire world is propelled into a conflict unlike any seen before.
This is the story of five British communities, their circumstances very different, but who will all share in the tragedy that is to come. All that they have known will be changed forever by the catastrophic events of the Great War.
This is a very hard book to review well as I am still not sure quite what to say about it.
On the upside, after an initial struggle, I really did engage with the characters after about the first third of the book. The chronicle of their lives before and during the war, their struggles and challenges in dealing with their new lives was quite captivating. Also, the historical detail was excellent - I could feel a sense of place while reading it, even though the Great War ended nearly 100 years ago. That is an awesome skill...
However, that same attention to detail is also one of the downsides. While, at times, the narrative was good, it did get bogged down quite a lot, almost like a textbook rather than a novel. Also, the dialogue seem to suffer from the same problem. Just felt like it was out of place, or out of kilter, to the rest of the book. The other issue I had, and almost caused me to give up, was the writing style. One reviewer described it like a voice-over for a documentary and I feel that was the best description. It took quite a while for me to get the feel for the style.
Historically, a good story with decent characters and a sense of what happened. But overall, it just didn't quite hit the mark for me...
Paul
ARH
October 7, 2018
Realistic, gritty and completely absorbing. Not the type of writing to win shelves of awards, but the battle scenes are mesmerising, the characters from all walks of the social spectrum were, for me, believably honest. Whilst I was aware of the painfully turbulent times in our political history, this novel lays bare, how difficult this period must have been to live through, especially with the incredible poverty many had to endure.
My one criticism, and it is a small one for a book I would describe as a candidate for my favourite of 2018, would be Stewart Binns’s unfailing defence of Winston Churchill. While I will claim to be a fan of the great man, I am aware of his many failings. Mr Binns however, appears to be totally unaware of any of these faults and throughout this story constantly blames all those around him. It will be interesting to read his take on the Dardanelles’ fiasco in the second instalment, of which I cannot wait.
My one criticism, and it is a small one for a book I would describe as a candidate for my favourite of 2018, would be Stewart Binns’s unfailing defence of Winston Churchill. While I will claim to be a fan of the great man, I am aware of his many failings. Mr Binns however, appears to be totally unaware of any of these faults and throughout this story constantly blames all those around him. It will be interesting to read his take on the Dardanelles’ fiasco in the second instalment, of which I cannot wait.
November 21, 2025
I can understand why some people find this book difficult to read, it tries to balance in between factually correct and yet still a fictional storyline but I really enjoyed the characters. I loved seeing the same time period and historical event told from a range of different people with massively different life experiences.
I love this time period and what it symbolised for human history and found this book an interesting insight into this. Could it have been shorter? Maybe. Would it have lost some of its impact? Potentially.
My main downside was the wait for the follow up.
I love this time period and what it symbolised for human history and found this book an interesting insight into this. Could it have been shorter? Maybe. Would it have lost some of its impact? Potentially.
My main downside was the wait for the follow up.
January 15, 2023
A rich tapestry of people and communities, tracing their lives as the Great War hits them. Very, very reminscent of the Fall of Giants, the first part of Ken Follett's amazing Century Trilogy. The fragility of human life and the futility of that conflict are beautifully conveyed. How this book hasn't become a major hit, I don't know: it certainly deserves to have been.
Read
August 21, 2025A DNF I'm afraid.
I tried for 100 pages and then decided not to carry on. I am a fan of historical fiction and I was learning a few things but I couldn't gel with any of the characters and I found it hard to concentrate on the story which flitted between the individuals.
I tried for 100 pages and then decided not to carry on. I am a fan of historical fiction and I was learning a few things but I couldn't gel with any of the characters and I found it hard to concentrate on the story which flitted between the individuals.
December 13, 2017
Had a lot of potential but started quite slowly. Certainly picked up towards the end but at times it did feel that you were reading a text book.
February 15, 2021
Cool and scary
January 24, 2017
Would have been four stars, but way too much telling when showing would have been more compelling.
June 17, 2023
1/3 history & 2/3 historical fiction.
February 25, 2016
The Shadow of War by Stewart Binns is a sensational historical piece. Readers, who were born way after this war and WWII, will finally be able to get an insider's view to the battle that happened in June 1914. Stewart Binn's novel takes readers deep into the historical events of the war. The people it affected and the places it took place. Brilliantly well-written and the characters are well-developed. Readers will feel like they went back in time and are experiencing it all first hand. The battles were real, the losses were many, and suffering all around you. Men going into the unknown to fight off enemies. Rich and poor will go through the war experience alike. Death...is like a black cloud that consumes men. Never know if you will survive the war or not. The fear feels so real, readers will feel their foreheads sweat in anticipation...and shivers down their spines.
The Shadow of War by Stewart Binns captures the realism of the war and the people involved. Stewart Binns definitely knows how to bring history alive at his readers fingertips. I love history. This story was fast-paced, thrilling, and absolutely spectacular. The people who lived during this time period were fascinating. Readers will get a glimpse into those people's lives especially the poor ones. Railroads taking away business from towns...are left struggling to keep their towns running. Education, water, and illnesses are transparent all inside this great read. It was like watching it all come live in front of one's eyes. I can see this book and many others by this talented writer in becoming a movie series. Not many today understand, remember, or know what it was like during this time period...until the read this fictional piece containing the historical realistic times in an entertaining book. Stewart Binns also beautifully captures the Pennine dialect of the North-East Lancashire. Dwindling resources....war...death...and much more is penned perfectly for all to enjoy. I look forward to reading more novels in the future by Stewart Binns...he writes his historical fiction in a way the allows everyone to understand and witness the war. Overall, I highly recommend this novel to readers worldwide.
The Shadow of War by Stewart Binns captures the realism of the war and the people involved. Stewart Binns definitely knows how to bring history alive at his readers fingertips. I love history. This story was fast-paced, thrilling, and absolutely spectacular. The people who lived during this time period were fascinating. Readers will get a glimpse into those people's lives especially the poor ones. Railroads taking away business from towns...are left struggling to keep their towns running. Education, water, and illnesses are transparent all inside this great read. It was like watching it all come live in front of one's eyes. I can see this book and many others by this talented writer in becoming a movie series. Not many today understand, remember, or know what it was like during this time period...until the read this fictional piece containing the historical realistic times in an entertaining book. Stewart Binns also beautifully captures the Pennine dialect of the North-East Lancashire. Dwindling resources....war...death...and much more is penned perfectly for all to enjoy. I look forward to reading more novels in the future by Stewart Binns...he writes his historical fiction in a way the allows everyone to understand and witness the war. Overall, I highly recommend this novel to readers worldwide.
June 15, 2014
I surprised myself by flying through this novel - considering that it is rather a large volume! As expected with a novel focused on war history, the themes of this book are provocative and the reader cannot help but be moved and become emotionally engaged with the war.
While the plot isn't particularly innovative or original in terms of plot and action (how can it be, when stories of the war have been presented and reviewed so many times?), the presentation of the plot was impressive, and demonstrated Binns' academic skill. The writing style was rather original and (dare I say) unusual, as it had an omniscient feel, but there was distance between the writer (and therefore the reader), and the characters (plus there are quite a few of them, to keep up with). Yet regardless, a few chapters in, I had warmed to the characters and had become engaged. The story was unarguably heart-warming, and will leave any reader with a sense of British pride. Binns avoided war-history cliches and repetitions, and was respectful and moving in his presentation of real-life events.
If I had to criticise, I would say that this novel could be shorter, and there wasn't a need for it to be so lengthy. The plot did slow in places (as is natural for such a long novel), but this wasn't a major problem and I read it very quickly regardless.
I would certainly recommend this intelligent and heart-warming novel to any adult reader.
I received this book as part of Goodreads Firstreads programme, and I am grateful to the publisher, the author and to Goodreads for sending it to me.
While the plot isn't particularly innovative or original in terms of plot and action (how can it be, when stories of the war have been presented and reviewed so many times?), the presentation of the plot was impressive, and demonstrated Binns' academic skill. The writing style was rather original and (dare I say) unusual, as it had an omniscient feel, but there was distance between the writer (and therefore the reader), and the characters (plus there are quite a few of them, to keep up with). Yet regardless, a few chapters in, I had warmed to the characters and had become engaged. The story was unarguably heart-warming, and will leave any reader with a sense of British pride. Binns avoided war-history cliches and repetitions, and was respectful and moving in his presentation of real-life events.
If I had to criticise, I would say that this novel could be shorter, and there wasn't a need for it to be so lengthy. The plot did slow in places (as is natural for such a long novel), but this wasn't a major problem and I read it very quickly regardless.
I would certainly recommend this intelligent and heart-warming novel to any adult reader.
I received this book as part of Goodreads Firstreads programme, and I am grateful to the publisher, the author and to Goodreads for sending it to me.
November 8, 2014
I received this book courtesy of a Goodreads first reads giveaway.
This book gives a heartbreaking account of the beginning of the Great War.
It took me a while to get into as there were so many different characters to grasp and different communities to deal with but once I did I became emotionally involved in the events that took place. I liked how as war progressed characters from different communities collided with each others lives in some way.
I use the term 'characters' loosely as it is clear a lot of research has been done into this book and it includes a lot of facts, this could suggest it would read more like a history book rather than a work of fiction but for me it helped to fully comprehend how awful the situation was. It is also a reminder the horrific true events that happened.
It is a long read and I did have to take a break about half way through, leaving the book for a few days and then come back to it. I did find a couple of editorial mistakes where there was a mix up in characters (Tommy and Mick got mixed up) but I do have a pre-released copy so I assume that will be rectified.
The book didn't just deal with the war itself but other circumstances happening closer to home and I liked how the author also chose to depict what Britain was like at that time. It can be seen as a book where you learn about the history of the war but it is written in a way that gives more understanding of what people went through rather than a list of facts and figures.
I look forward to reading the rest of the collection.
I give this book 4 stars!!
This book gives a heartbreaking account of the beginning of the Great War.
It took me a while to get into as there were so many different characters to grasp and different communities to deal with but once I did I became emotionally involved in the events that took place. I liked how as war progressed characters from different communities collided with each others lives in some way.
I use the term 'characters' loosely as it is clear a lot of research has been done into this book and it includes a lot of facts, this could suggest it would read more like a history book rather than a work of fiction but for me it helped to fully comprehend how awful the situation was. It is also a reminder the horrific true events that happened.
It is a long read and I did have to take a break about half way through, leaving the book for a few days and then come back to it. I did find a couple of editorial mistakes where there was a mix up in characters (Tommy and Mick got mixed up) but I do have a pre-released copy so I assume that will be rectified.
The book didn't just deal with the war itself but other circumstances happening closer to home and I liked how the author also chose to depict what Britain was like at that time. It can be seen as a book where you learn about the history of the war but it is written in a way that gives more understanding of what people went through rather than a list of facts and figures.
I look forward to reading the rest of the collection.
I give this book 4 stars!!
November 13, 2014
This was a Goodreads First Read. Taking in the events of 1914, this is the first in a series of books (one for each year) covering the First World War. The author concentrates on five families/communities of various social and political standing and shows how the events of the Great War affected them and those around them. The various battles that made up the 1914 campaigns are covered as well as some of the social upheaval felt by the people back home (in Britain).
The writing is consistent, although it did take me a few visits to get used to the present tense approach, and the characters believable (if not all likeable!).
The book serves as an excellent historical introduction to WW1 whilst also entertaining as a novel. It also contains facts and figures, maps and character summaries as appendices which is a nice touch.
Overall a good start to what will be an interesting series. For those that don't like spoilers of what happens next - don't read the Epilogue! I guess the author sums up 1915 in case the book deal doesn't hold up!!
The writing is consistent, although it did take me a few visits to get used to the present tense approach, and the characters believable (if not all likeable!).
The book serves as an excellent historical introduction to WW1 whilst also entertaining as a novel. It also contains facts and figures, maps and character summaries as appendices which is a nice touch.
Overall a good start to what will be an interesting series. For those that don't like spoilers of what happens next - don't read the Epilogue! I guess the author sums up 1915 in case the book deal doesn't hold up!!
September 25, 2015
I received this book as part of a goodreads giveaway
The shadow of war is the first of a series of books that follows the fortunes of serval groups of people during the first world war. The groups each come from different backgrounds and status groups and have their own personalities and reasons for being involved one way or another in the war. The book is well researched and tries to show different points of view. The characters are rounded and likeable, except Churchill who was extremely annoying and childish, I appreciate that he did call his wife pig\pug and had nicknames for all his children but anyone who disagreed with Churchill was simply listed as jealous of him.
Even though this is a book based on the second world war it doesn’t concentrate on the fighting more on the social interaction between the character and how they ended up on the front line and the physiological and physical effects.
The shadow of war is the first of a series of books that follows the fortunes of serval groups of people during the first world war. The groups each come from different backgrounds and status groups and have their own personalities and reasons for being involved one way or another in the war. The book is well researched and tries to show different points of view. The characters are rounded and likeable, except Churchill who was extremely annoying and childish, I appreciate that he did call his wife pig\pug and had nicknames for all his children but anyone who disagreed with Churchill was simply listed as jealous of him.
Even though this is a book based on the second world war it doesn’t concentrate on the fighting more on the social interaction between the character and how they ended up on the front line and the physiological and physical effects.
November 20, 2014
This was a Goodreads First Reads giveaway so thanks to Goodreads and Eve
This is the first of a series covering each year of the Great War. This opening novel follows five communities through the events of 1914. These communities are from different areas of the country and different classes, so each has a different perspective on the War.
I found the story slow and difficult to get into at first. The narrative reads more as the voice over of a documentary - I wasn't surprised to read later that the author has a background in this field. There is quite a lot of factual description and at first the dialogue seems quite stilted. However, eventually I did begin to engage with the characters and their struggles to deal with the immense changes that war brings. I would be interested in reading more in the series to see how this develops.
This is the first of a series covering each year of the Great War. This opening novel follows five communities through the events of 1914. These communities are from different areas of the country and different classes, so each has a different perspective on the War.
I found the story slow and difficult to get into at first. The narrative reads more as the voice over of a documentary - I wasn't surprised to read later that the author has a background in this field. There is quite a lot of factual description and at first the dialogue seems quite stilted. However, eventually I did begin to engage with the characters and their struggles to deal with the immense changes that war brings. I would be interested in reading more in the series to see how this develops.
March 20, 2016
A goodreads giveaway.
I do still have to read this book myself, however, I have had my reading assistant ;) on the job, who enjoys his military fiction, and he has finished it, thought it was very good, would read the following books - I'm assuming there's a book coming each year for the next three years? - and would give it 3.5 stars.
It follows 1914 and the historic events of the start of the war. My brother tells me it didn't have EVERYTHING in it, but then no book could contain that much information, and he felt it was quite a light read. But perhaps a lighter writing style is what is needed rather than these books always being heavy going military type books. It follows military folk, politicians, working class in the north of England and I think in Wales too - in any case there's a lot of different perspectives in the book.
I do still have to read this book myself, however, I have had my reading assistant ;) on the job, who enjoys his military fiction, and he has finished it, thought it was very good, would read the following books - I'm assuming there's a book coming each year for the next three years? - and would give it 3.5 stars.
It follows 1914 and the historic events of the start of the war. My brother tells me it didn't have EVERYTHING in it, but then no book could contain that much information, and he felt it was quite a light read. But perhaps a lighter writing style is what is needed rather than these books always being heavy going military type books. It follows military folk, politicians, working class in the north of England and I think in Wales too - in any case there's a lot of different perspectives in the book.
August 28, 2024
Wow... Just wow.
I won this is book in the goodreads giveaway.
This I believe to be Binns first novel based during WW1, and believe me this does stands up with all his other work he has written in past.
The book starts by introducing characters from different diverse social backgrounds, and the events leading up to the war. Each book in the series will cover each year in the war (1914-1918).
Like other reviews this book does give a huge sence of national pride, telling dual perspectives both at home and in the trenches. (Without giving too much away.)
This book is heartwarming and I recommend it to anyone who devours historical fiction as much as I do.
However the only thing I could crizize is the length of the novel.
I won this is book in the goodreads giveaway.
This I believe to be Binns first novel based during WW1, and believe me this does stands up with all his other work he has written in past.
The book starts by introducing characters from different diverse social backgrounds, and the events leading up to the war. Each book in the series will cover each year in the war (1914-1918).
Like other reviews this book does give a huge sence of national pride, telling dual perspectives both at home and in the trenches. (Without giving too much away.)
This book is heartwarming and I recommend it to anyone who devours historical fiction as much as I do.
However the only thing I could crizize is the length of the novel.
February 18, 2016
Shocking, painful, beautiful, sad. This historical novel by Stewart Binns has it all. Written about the Great War from many points of view, the reader can only sit and read of the devastation it caused. It is a book riddled with historical facts, and could for that reason be considered as being dry and uninteresting for anyone not fully immersed in the knowhow of WWI. However it never feels like one is reading a history book, because of the human interactions and emotions this book offers atop of the facts. To me, for anyone who is even remotely interested in WWI, this book is a must-read.
Want to read
September 5, 2014I won this book as part of a GoodReads first reads giveaway. When it arrived I thought it looked much more like a book my husband would enjoy than I would. So, I've given it to him to read and I'll reports his thoughts back once he's finished it.
Update: He didn't manage to finish it. He usually eats up war stories, but he said he didn't like the style in which this was written.
Update: He didn't manage to finish it. He usually eats up war stories, but he said he didn't like the style in which this was written.
August 8, 2014
A first class read. A huge amount of research has gone into this book both for the war itself and into the main players. Very realistic tales from various levels of society woven into the facts and personalities of WW1. Greatly looking forward to the follow-up books.
I was fortunate in winning this book from Goodreads giveaways, thank you.
I was fortunate in winning this book from Goodreads giveaways, thank you.
August 8, 2014
Review to come.
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