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When the Guns Fall Silent
This is the story of two friends, Jack and Harry, both keen footballers, both recruited for the army and sent to fight in the trenches in the First World War.
Award-winning author, James Riordan, brings to life the fear and horrors that both English and Germans went through as they fought each other in the trenches. The book ends with a moving account of the football match played in the Christmas truce of 1914.
Award-winning author, James Riordan, brings to life the fear and horrors that both English and Germans went through as they fought each other in the trenches. The book ends with a moving account of the football match played in the Christmas truce of 1914.
144 pages, Paperback
First published December 13, 2001
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About the author
James Riordan
200 books32 followersRiōdan, Jeimuzu 1936-2012
Riordan, Dž.
Riordan, Džejms.
Riordan, James
Riordan, James William 1936-2012
Riordan, Jim, 1936-2012
James Riordan (10 October 1936 – 10 February 2012) was an English novelist, broadcaster, sports historian, association football player and Russian scholar.
Well known for his work Sport in Soviet Society, the first academic look at sport in the Soviet Union, and for his children's novels.
Riordan, Dž.
Riordan, Džejms.
Riordan, James
Riordan, James William 1936-2012
Riordan, Jim, 1936-2012
James Riordan (10 October 1936 – 10 February 2012) was an English novelist, broadcaster, sports historian, association football player and Russian scholar.
Well known for his work Sport in Soviet Society, the first academic look at sport in the Soviet Union, and for his children's novels.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
November 7, 2014
I bought this book in the 24 hour sale on Book Depository back in March, where they slash the prices by like 90%, so I scored it for a whopping £2.50 or so- and I knew I’d save it for reading it around Remembrance Day.
I recently wrote my Masters dissertation surrounding the topic of military veterans, so I’ve been really in the mood for reading fiction books surrounding the issues they faced, both contemporary and historically- especially historically. Before World War 1, soldiers would be shot for cowardice if they showed signs of what we now know to be PTSD.
I’ve always been interested in World War 1 history, and this book specifically follows the events of Christmas 1914. As most people are aware, the Allies believed the war would basically be a brief stint in France and it would be over for Christmas… it wasn’t. However, something bizarre and heart-warmingly human occurred in the midst of No Man’s Land territory on Christmas Day 1914. At midnight, both English and German troops could hear each other singing Christmas carols in the their trenches, which led to them eventually agreeing a temporary truce on Christmas Day, to play a game of football over No Man’s Land, where for the past 6 months, and for the next four years, it would be rare for a soldier to walk on that space of land and not be killed brutally in different ways within seconds of going Over the Top.
They played football.
I think it is great that this author chose to immortalise this factual event in fiction, and bring some of the humanity of the soldiers who lost their lives out of black and white names and into full colour. This book is aimed at younger audiences, not different to- for example, The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, and it just helps to see every soldier as a person with their own family, and friends, just as scared and confused as everyone else, instead of just a name on a sheet of paper next to the phrase “Killed in Action/Missing in Action”.
This is only a short book, but I personally feel that the content speaks volumes and is important to be remembered. I highly recommend this quick read to anyone wanting to read some World War 1 fiction based on an actual war time event.
For more of my reviews, please visit thebookheap
http://thebookheap.wordpress.com
I recently wrote my Masters dissertation surrounding the topic of military veterans, so I’ve been really in the mood for reading fiction books surrounding the issues they faced, both contemporary and historically- especially historically. Before World War 1, soldiers would be shot for cowardice if they showed signs of what we now know to be PTSD.
I’ve always been interested in World War 1 history, and this book specifically follows the events of Christmas 1914. As most people are aware, the Allies believed the war would basically be a brief stint in France and it would be over for Christmas… it wasn’t. However, something bizarre and heart-warmingly human occurred in the midst of No Man’s Land territory on Christmas Day 1914. At midnight, both English and German troops could hear each other singing Christmas carols in the their trenches, which led to them eventually agreeing a temporary truce on Christmas Day, to play a game of football over No Man’s Land, where for the past 6 months, and for the next four years, it would be rare for a soldier to walk on that space of land and not be killed brutally in different ways within seconds of going Over the Top.
They played football.
I think it is great that this author chose to immortalise this factual event in fiction, and bring some of the humanity of the soldiers who lost their lives out of black and white names and into full colour. This book is aimed at younger audiences, not different to- for example, The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, and it just helps to see every soldier as a person with their own family, and friends, just as scared and confused as everyone else, instead of just a name on a sheet of paper next to the phrase “Killed in Action/Missing in Action”.
This is only a short book, but I personally feel that the content speaks volumes and is important to be remembered. I highly recommend this quick read to anyone wanting to read some World War 1 fiction based on an actual war time event.
For more of my reviews, please visit thebookheap
http://thebookheap.wordpress.com
November 24, 2014
Let's write a book on WWI. Let's first make a list of ingredients (the horror, the discrepancy between higher officers and regular soldiers, desertion, female emancipation at home, and of course the Christmas-story). Then mix & publish: When the guns fall silent (that I read in the Dutch translation).
If you don't bother about plot and awful metaphores ('bitter tears, like drops of lemon juice' - I'm roughly translating back to English) this is a very functional book : just let your students read this and they'll know everything there is to know about the subject. And don't worry, it has the obligatory frame story that is supposed to work as an Entrance To The Historical Story.
But I had to force myself not to throw the book through my living room after just reading the first page.
It describes one of the war cemetaries (that I have visited quite a lot), fifty years after the war, and they are described as green, white and red - the grass, the gravestones, and the poppies.
But, dear authors and publishers, check your facts. The reason for the poppy-association with WWI is that there were indeed a massive lot of poppies in Flemish fields - in the years after the war. Poppies are 'pioneers' - they grow on recently disturbed grounds. Massive bombing would do the trick. A couple of years afterwards, and especially fifty years later (when the frame story happens) on the neatly manicured graveyards, poppies would be non-existent.
Also it is suggested that people in England were immediately aware of the emancipatory effect of the war, right from the beginning. Women saying -more or less- 'Hurray, now it's war, now we can finally proof that we're worth something.' I could be mistaken (and I'd like to know more about this) but this process needed a bit more time, I would guess.
Anyway - there are better books in WWI. Try Private Peaceful for instance.
If you don't bother about plot and awful metaphores ('bitter tears, like drops of lemon juice' - I'm roughly translating back to English) this is a very functional book : just let your students read this and they'll know everything there is to know about the subject. And don't worry, it has the obligatory frame story that is supposed to work as an Entrance To The Historical Story.
But I had to force myself not to throw the book through my living room after just reading the first page.
It describes one of the war cemetaries (that I have visited quite a lot), fifty years after the war, and they are described as green, white and red - the grass, the gravestones, and the poppies.
But, dear authors and publishers, check your facts. The reason for the poppy-association with WWI is that there were indeed a massive lot of poppies in Flemish fields - in the years after the war. Poppies are 'pioneers' - they grow on recently disturbed grounds. Massive bombing would do the trick. A couple of years afterwards, and especially fifty years later (when the frame story happens) on the neatly manicured graveyards, poppies would be non-existent.
Also it is suggested that people in England were immediately aware of the emancipatory effect of the war, right from the beginning. Women saying -more or less- 'Hurray, now it's war, now we can finally proof that we're worth something.' I could be mistaken (and I'd like to know more about this) but this process needed a bit more time, I would guess.
Anyway - there are better books in WWI. Try Private Peaceful for instance.
April 18, 2019
Almost each chapter in this book begins with an excerpt from a war poem. These poets seem to add their sombre voices to an otherwise simple and straightforwardly written book. I gathered a few chapters in that it’s geared towards a younger reading group. Although, some parts are really graphically detailed. Not so sure if I’d want my 10 year old reading it but neither am I confident in recommending that an older reader who knows his/her facts about WWI would overly enjoy its simplicity. Hmm…
The book does not tackle the wider sweep of the war or its politics but focuses more on its main character Jack and what he remembers from that Christmas day back in 1914 . Good thing because it packs a much greater punch this way, I believe.
When peace broke out on the battlefield that day, The British and German soldiers called a truce for a few wintery hours, to sing carols and play football in No Man’s Land. Jack and his comrades shared a brief friendship with the German soldiers and gifts of cake, cigarettes, German sausage and chocolate were exchanged. The story is made all the more extraordinary because it is based on a true event.
Bottom line for me is that it was an OK read. Ultimately, for those of us who have been born into more fortunate generations, maybe if more of US “read” stories like these, there would be a decline in the never-ending trail of wars throughout our world today. One can have HOPE, right?? During times of conflict and extreme sadness, one must ALWAYS maintain hope!
Only 2 out of 5 Stars from me on this really quick read.
The book does not tackle the wider sweep of the war or its politics but focuses more on its main character Jack and what he remembers from that Christmas day back in 1914 . Good thing because it packs a much greater punch this way, I believe.
When peace broke out on the battlefield that day, The British and German soldiers called a truce for a few wintery hours, to sing carols and play football in No Man’s Land. Jack and his comrades shared a brief friendship with the German soldiers and gifts of cake, cigarettes, German sausage and chocolate were exchanged. The story is made all the more extraordinary because it is based on a true event.
Bottom line for me is that it was an OK read. Ultimately, for those of us who have been born into more fortunate generations, maybe if more of US “read” stories like these, there would be a decline in the never-ending trail of wars throughout our world today. One can have HOPE, right?? During times of conflict and extreme sadness, one must ALWAYS maintain hope!
Only 2 out of 5 Stars from me on this really quick read.
March 13, 2023
Quando ho visto che era consigliato per i ragazzini dai dieci anni in su, mai mi sarei aspettata un libro a tratti crudo e brutale. ci sono delle descrizioni davvero vivide e dettagliate che mi hanno reso un po' difficile la lettura, ma nel complesso il libro mi è piaciuto molto.
Dal punto di vista storico è davvero ben fatto, anche la scrittura è molto buona. Ho particolarmente apprezzato le poesie sulla guerra all'inizio di ogni capitolo, che hanno reso tutto ancora di più un pugno nello stomaco.
Le cose che mi hanno convinto di meno è l'andamento della storia; lenta e ricca di dettagli all'inizio e molto sbrigativa sul finale, esattamente nel momento della partita di calcio.
Lo trovo comunque un libro molto carino, mi ha commossa davvero tanto e parla di guerra in modo poeticamente violento, disumanizzandola, mostrandoci i suoi orrori ed evidenziando come siamo tutti uguali, nel bene e nel male, e che in guerra non ci sono vincitori o vinti, ma solo vittime.
Dal punto di vista storico è davvero ben fatto, anche la scrittura è molto buona. Ho particolarmente apprezzato le poesie sulla guerra all'inizio di ogni capitolo, che hanno reso tutto ancora di più un pugno nello stomaco.
Le cose che mi hanno convinto di meno è l'andamento della storia; lenta e ricca di dettagli all'inizio e molto sbrigativa sul finale, esattamente nel momento della partita di calcio.
Lo trovo comunque un libro molto carino, mi ha commossa davvero tanto e parla di guerra in modo poeticamente violento, disumanizzandola, mostrandoci i suoi orrori ed evidenziando come siamo tutti uguali, nel bene e nel male, e che in guerra non ci sono vincitori o vinti, ma solo vittime.
April 26, 2024
This was honestly such an amazing read! At the beginning, Jack and his grandson are at a world war cemetery in France, when Jack sees a familiar face - one of his friends from when he fought for England in the trenches.
The story then delves into Jack and his best friend Harry being recruited for war and fighting. It covers some interesting topics, including friendship and death, especially when, on Christmas day, the two opposing teams (the English and the Germans) stop their fighting to play football.
After reading this book, I felt like I walked away with quite a new perspective. It was a really interesting read and isn’t too long
The story then delves into Jack and his best friend Harry being recruited for war and fighting. It covers some interesting topics, including friendship and death, especially when, on Christmas day, the two opposing teams (the English and the Germans) stop their fighting to play football.
After reading this book, I felt like I walked away with quite a new perspective. It was a really interesting read and isn’t too long
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 6, 2021
Particularly good for boys; sound historical detail; the story, though credible, does feel a bit ‘bolted on’
April 29, 2023
Cheeky bag 🫡
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January 1, 2026
Voto: ★★★½
L'anno scorso è stato celebrato il centenario dello scoppio della 1ª Guerra Mondiale. Cosa ci fosse da celebrare me lo chiedo tuttora, perché onestamente io sarei stata più propensa a celebrarne la fine. Comunque, pensieri personali a parte, in quell'occasione le maestre di mia figlia Irene hanno scelto di incentrare la recita di Natale su un fatto realmente avvenuto al fronte durante il conflitto. Il giorno di Natale del 1914 le truppe nemiche inglesi e tedesche, di stanza da qualche parte nelle Fiandre, uscirono dalle trincee per una tregua temporanea e giocarono una partita amichevole di calcio. Di questo parla il commovente libro di Riordan. "Un gioco di pace nell'orrore della guerra" recita la quarta di copertina. Fu grazie a quel gioco universale che la guerra per un giorno si fermò e cinquant'anni dopo il vecchio Jack torna con il nipote su quel campo, divenuto un cimitero, per ricordare quel momento. Un libro toccante, come il film che ne è stato tratto, ma al contempo cruento, atroce, violento perché la guerra è guerra e non la si può mascherare dietro a tanti giri di parole, nemmeno quando la si racconta a dei bambini.
L'anno scorso è stato celebrato il centenario dello scoppio della 1ª Guerra Mondiale. Cosa ci fosse da celebrare me lo chiedo tuttora, perché onestamente io sarei stata più propensa a celebrarne la fine. Comunque, pensieri personali a parte, in quell'occasione le maestre di mia figlia Irene hanno scelto di incentrare la recita di Natale su un fatto realmente avvenuto al fronte durante il conflitto. Il giorno di Natale del 1914 le truppe nemiche inglesi e tedesche, di stanza da qualche parte nelle Fiandre, uscirono dalle trincee per una tregua temporanea e giocarono una partita amichevole di calcio. Di questo parla il commovente libro di Riordan. "Un gioco di pace nell'orrore della guerra" recita la quarta di copertina. Fu grazie a quel gioco universale che la guerra per un giorno si fermò e cinquant'anni dopo il vecchio Jack torna con il nipote su quel campo, divenuto un cimitero, per ricordare quel momento. Un libro toccante, come il film che ne è stato tratto, ma al contempo cruento, atroce, violento perché la guerra è guerra e non la si può mascherare dietro a tanti giri di parole, nemmeno quando la si racconta a dei bambini.
December 22, 2021
Great book. Read it in a blink of eyes, talks about an important topic and it’s different than what we are used to
Read
March 12, 2019Dit boek was een interessant boek om te lezen.
Het ging over een oude Brit (Jack), die aan zijn kleinzoon vertelde wat hij had meegemaakt in zijn verleden. Dit vertelde hij terwijl dat ze het Flander's Fields museum bezochten.
Jack was toen nog een tiener die niet geloofde in de oorlog. Hij had het veel te druk met zijn veelbelovende voetbalcarrière en tienerleven. Dit stopte de dag dat hij zich moest gaan melden, om als soldaat, mee te vechten in de oorlog. Hij maakte veel gruwelijkheden mee in die oorlog. Behalve die ene dag 25 december 1940, een dag om nooit te vergeten. Dat was de nacht van kerstmis, toen zwegen even de wapens. Twee vijanden gaven elkaar de hand en speelden samen, voor de eerste keer na zoveel jaren vechten, voetbal. Dit spel bracht hen samen en deed hen de gruwelen van de oorlog een beetje vergeten. Naast het voetbalspel werd voor de eerste keer, gezongen en gedanst. Dit bewijst dat er naast de gruwelen tijdens de oorlog ook een beetje warmte en mensheid aanwezig kon zijn . Op het einde van het verhaal komt hij op dat begraafplaats een oude vriend van hem tegen. Het was een Duitser waar hij voetbal tegen had gespeeld. Ze herkennen elkaar meteen, nochtans was een van hen blind.
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Its my life : Dit heb ik gekozen omdat Jack dacht dat hij alles kon doen wat hij wilde in zijn leven. Hij wilde zijn eigen toekomst kiezen en profvoetballer worden.
Ready or not : Dit past goed bij het boek want of Jack nu klaar was of niet, hij ging sowieso moeten meevechten in de oorlog.
Heart of courage : Jack beweerde dat hij laf was geweest en dat hij bleef leven doordat de anderen hun leven hebben opgeofferd. Hij vond dat hij de moed niet heeft had om zijn leven voor anderen op te offeren. Daarom heart of courage, een lied dat de moed toont die Jack had willen hebben.
Ungodly hour: Deze soundtrack heb ik erbij gezet omdat het boek gaat over oorlog. Ungodly hour toont de tijd en de pijn die de soldaten hebben meegemaakt.
How to save a life:Jack heeft in de oorlog zijn dierbare vriend Harry verloren. Hij heeft hem niet kunnen redden.
Quand je partirai : Na het overlijden van Harry, vroeg Jack zich vaak af wanneer het eindelijk zijn beurt ging zijn. Daarom past dit lied er goed bij.
Tears in heaven & go in peace: Deze liedjes passen er goed bij omdat het om verdriet en verlies gaat. Deze dingen maakt Jack allemaal mee.
Take me home, country roads: Heel vaak droomde Jack over zijn terugkeer naar huis en hoe het zou zijn moest hij thuis zijn.
The sound of silence: Ik vind dat dit er goed bij past want op kerstdag zwegen even de wapens. We hoorden voor een keer geen bommen en granaten. Er was even rust en stilte.
Waka wake & live it up: Deze twee liedjes waren de liedjes van twee voetbalkampioenschappen. In het boek hadden de soldaten een paar voetbalwedstrijden gespeeld, tegen en met elkaar. Daarom past dit goed bij het boek.
O holy night & frohe weihnachten: Dit zijn beide kerstliederen. Kerstmis was een heel belangrijke dag in dit boek.
God save the queen: Dit lied werd vaak vernoemt in het boek. Er bestond een Duitse en Engelse versie van. Op een gegeven moment, zongen beide kampen dit lied tezamen. Ze zongen dat dan wel beiden in hun eigen taal. Nadat ze dit hadden gezongen kwamen beiden kampen samen uit de loopgraven, om samen te voetballen.
Friends will be friends: Dit past er ook goed bij omdat de twee kampen die vijanden waren, zich verenigden als vrienden. Later, op het einde van het verhaal ontmoet Jack zijn oude Duitse vriend op de begraafplaats. De twee bejaarden herkennen elkaar meteen. Het feit dat hij hem weer tegemoet komt en ze met elkaar spreken alsof ze elkaar na de oorlog elkaar nog elke dag zagen, bewijst dat vriendschap altijd zal duren.
Creation and destruction: Ik vind dat dit lied er goed bij past omdat de soldaten uit beide kampen, in dat moment van rust, elkaar beter hebben leren kennen (creation). Ze hebben een soort van band gecreëerd. De volgende dag moesten ze wel hun gevoelens opzij schuiven, want kerstmis was gedaan (destruction). De band die ze hadden gecreëerd moest weer vernietigd worden.
Where is the love?: Ik vond het erg om te lezen dat de oorlog verder was gegaan. Ze zich net zo goed geamuseerd. Het lied where is the love past er daarom bij.
Freedom: Dit heb ik erbij gedaan omdat de oorlog uiteindelijk was geëindigd. De oorlog heeft plaats gemaakt voor vrede en rust. Iedereen is nu vrij om terug te keren naar huis.
Het ging over een oude Brit (Jack), die aan zijn kleinzoon vertelde wat hij had meegemaakt in zijn verleden. Dit vertelde hij terwijl dat ze het Flander's Fields museum bezochten.
Jack was toen nog een tiener die niet geloofde in de oorlog. Hij had het veel te druk met zijn veelbelovende voetbalcarrière en tienerleven. Dit stopte de dag dat hij zich moest gaan melden, om als soldaat, mee te vechten in de oorlog. Hij maakte veel gruwelijkheden mee in die oorlog. Behalve die ene dag 25 december 1940, een dag om nooit te vergeten. Dat was de nacht van kerstmis, toen zwegen even de wapens. Twee vijanden gaven elkaar de hand en speelden samen, voor de eerste keer na zoveel jaren vechten, voetbal. Dit spel bracht hen samen en deed hen de gruwelen van de oorlog een beetje vergeten. Naast het voetbalspel werd voor de eerste keer, gezongen en gedanst. Dit bewijst dat er naast de gruwelen tijdens de oorlog ook een beetje warmte en mensheid aanwezig kon zijn . Op het einde van het verhaal komt hij op dat begraafplaats een oude vriend van hem tegen. Het was een Duitser waar hij voetbal tegen had gespeeld. Ze herkennen elkaar meteen, nochtans was een van hen blind.
https://www.bol.com/nl/c/james-riorda...
https://boekenzoeker.org/12+/contentp...
spotify afspeellijst:
https://open.spotify.com/user/pi7j7bq...
Its my life : Dit heb ik gekozen omdat Jack dacht dat hij alles kon doen wat hij wilde in zijn leven. Hij wilde zijn eigen toekomst kiezen en profvoetballer worden.
Ready or not : Dit past goed bij het boek want of Jack nu klaar was of niet, hij ging sowieso moeten meevechten in de oorlog.
Heart of courage : Jack beweerde dat hij laf was geweest en dat hij bleef leven doordat de anderen hun leven hebben opgeofferd. Hij vond dat hij de moed niet heeft had om zijn leven voor anderen op te offeren. Daarom heart of courage, een lied dat de moed toont die Jack had willen hebben.
Ungodly hour: Deze soundtrack heb ik erbij gezet omdat het boek gaat over oorlog. Ungodly hour toont de tijd en de pijn die de soldaten hebben meegemaakt.
How to save a life:Jack heeft in de oorlog zijn dierbare vriend Harry verloren. Hij heeft hem niet kunnen redden.
Quand je partirai : Na het overlijden van Harry, vroeg Jack zich vaak af wanneer het eindelijk zijn beurt ging zijn. Daarom past dit lied er goed bij.
Tears in heaven & go in peace: Deze liedjes passen er goed bij omdat het om verdriet en verlies gaat. Deze dingen maakt Jack allemaal mee.
Take me home, country roads: Heel vaak droomde Jack over zijn terugkeer naar huis en hoe het zou zijn moest hij thuis zijn.
The sound of silence: Ik vind dat dit er goed bij past want op kerstdag zwegen even de wapens. We hoorden voor een keer geen bommen en granaten. Er was even rust en stilte.
Waka wake & live it up: Deze twee liedjes waren de liedjes van twee voetbalkampioenschappen. In het boek hadden de soldaten een paar voetbalwedstrijden gespeeld, tegen en met elkaar. Daarom past dit goed bij het boek.
O holy night & frohe weihnachten: Dit zijn beide kerstliederen. Kerstmis was een heel belangrijke dag in dit boek.
God save the queen: Dit lied werd vaak vernoemt in het boek. Er bestond een Duitse en Engelse versie van. Op een gegeven moment, zongen beide kampen dit lied tezamen. Ze zongen dat dan wel beiden in hun eigen taal. Nadat ze dit hadden gezongen kwamen beiden kampen samen uit de loopgraven, om samen te voetballen.
Friends will be friends: Dit past er ook goed bij omdat de twee kampen die vijanden waren, zich verenigden als vrienden. Later, op het einde van het verhaal ontmoet Jack zijn oude Duitse vriend op de begraafplaats. De twee bejaarden herkennen elkaar meteen. Het feit dat hij hem weer tegemoet komt en ze met elkaar spreken alsof ze elkaar na de oorlog elkaar nog elke dag zagen, bewijst dat vriendschap altijd zal duren.
Creation and destruction: Ik vind dat dit lied er goed bij past omdat de soldaten uit beide kampen, in dat moment van rust, elkaar beter hebben leren kennen (creation). Ze hebben een soort van band gecreëerd. De volgende dag moesten ze wel hun gevoelens opzij schuiven, want kerstmis was gedaan (destruction). De band die ze hadden gecreëerd moest weer vernietigd worden.
Where is the love?: Ik vond het erg om te lezen dat de oorlog verder was gegaan. Ze zich net zo goed geamuseerd. Het lied where is the love past er daarom bij.
Freedom: Dit heb ik erbij gedaan omdat de oorlog uiteindelijk was geëindigd. De oorlog heeft plaats gemaakt voor vrede en rust. Iedereen is nu vrij om terug te keren naar huis.
November 3, 2018
Jack is thrown back into his memories of the First World War when his grandson is learning about it at school and asks his grandfather, "Did you kill any Germans?"
Jack has never before spoken about his experiences during the war, but takes a trip back through his memories as he and his grandson set off to visit the war graves in Flanders' Field.
This book doesn't pull any punches! The violence of war is described graphically and lots of wartime issues are touched on, from young men lying about their ages (the youngest person to be killed was only 14) to women stepping into roles generally filled by men as so many of the men are away at war.
At times it does require some suspension of disbelief, as I don't imagine that Jack's letters to his sister, describing the despair and carnage at the front lines would have made it past the censor. The famous 'peace' of Winter 1917, when British and German troops sang carols, played football and celebrated together is talked about, but it goes on to talk about the aftermath - something I haven't seen in another book. The officer who approved the fraternisation is executed for his decision.
The ending brought tears to my eyes.
Definitely an interesting read for anyone who wants to find out more about the First World War but should be handled with caution for younger readers because of the detailed descriptions of wounds and death.
Jack has never before spoken about his experiences during the war, but takes a trip back through his memories as he and his grandson set off to visit the war graves in Flanders' Field.
This book doesn't pull any punches! The violence of war is described graphically and lots of wartime issues are touched on, from young men lying about their ages (the youngest person to be killed was only 14) to women stepping into roles generally filled by men as so many of the men are away at war.
At times it does require some suspension of disbelief, as I don't imagine that Jack's letters to his sister, describing the despair and carnage at the front lines would have made it past the censor. The famous 'peace' of Winter 1917, when British and German troops sang carols, played football and celebrated together is talked about, but it goes on to talk about the aftermath - something I haven't seen in another book. The officer who approved the fraternisation is executed for his decision.
The ending brought tears to my eyes.
Definitely an interesting read for anyone who wants to find out more about the First World War but should be handled with caution for younger readers because of the detailed descriptions of wounds and death.
May 19, 2017
Ganhei este livro no 205º passatempo do blog "FLAMESmr" (https://www.facebook.com/FLAMESmr/ ou www.flamesmr.blogspot.com).
Confesso que estava à espera mais deste livro, pensei que ia caracterizar mais história sobre a I Guerra Mundial, mas este narra uma parte da guerra propriamente dita (o rebentamento das bombas, o sofrimentos dos soldados que são recrutados para outras funções, mas ao fim acabam para serem recrutados para o exército e enviados para a guerra), sobre o ponto de vista de um sobrevivente e das suas memórias.
Não conheci mais sobre a História da I Guerra Mundial, mas ficaram os horrores do que é ser enviado para um sítio horrível, cheio de mortes e pouco importância dada a estes pelos seus generais. E como as boas épocas (neste caso, o Natal) uniu dois povos em guerra, que nem sabiam por que e por quem estavam a lutar. A desumanização da guerra é caracterizada nesta história, mas não era o que estava à espera.
Confesso que estava à espera mais deste livro, pensei que ia caracterizar mais história sobre a I Guerra Mundial, mas este narra uma parte da guerra propriamente dita (o rebentamento das bombas, o sofrimentos dos soldados que são recrutados para outras funções, mas ao fim acabam para serem recrutados para o exército e enviados para a guerra), sobre o ponto de vista de um sobrevivente e das suas memórias.
Não conheci mais sobre a História da I Guerra Mundial, mas ficaram os horrores do que é ser enviado para um sítio horrível, cheio de mortes e pouco importância dada a estes pelos seus generais. E como as boas épocas (neste caso, o Natal) uniu dois povos em guerra, que nem sabiam por que e por quem estavam a lutar. A desumanização da guerra é caracterizada nesta história, mas não era o que estava à espera.
November 19, 2018
Een boek over de eerste wereldoorlog vind men niet zo vaak.
Jammer genoeg werd dit boek redelijk oppervlakkig opgesteld.
Het leest wel zeer vlot maar er word niet echt in detail gegaan over de omstandigheden waarin de mensen moesten overleven in de loopgraven van Wo1.
De karakters van de personages zijn ook niet erg diep uitgewerkt.
Conclusie: Een boek die vlot leest ,maar ontoereikend is qua informatie voor lezers die geinteresseerd zijn in het leven in de loopgraven.
Jammer genoeg werd dit boek redelijk oppervlakkig opgesteld.
Het leest wel zeer vlot maar er word niet echt in detail gegaan over de omstandigheden waarin de mensen moesten overleven in de loopgraven van Wo1.
De karakters van de personages zijn ook niet erg diep uitgewerkt.
Conclusie: Een boek die vlot leest ,maar ontoereikend is qua informatie voor lezers die geinteresseerd zijn in het leven in de loopgraven.
Read
January 26, 2020Thanks to this book, I grew my interest in read and loving it to the fullest. It is simply excellent and very enjoyable which will let you complete it less than a day or so.
I highly recommend it. Personally I read it in Italian language and it was amazing and very emotional so I bet it's the same in English as well.
Have a wonderful and a splendid time, everyone!! :)
I highly recommend it. Personally I read it in Italian language and it was amazing and very emotional so I bet it's the same in English as well.
Have a wonderful and a splendid time, everyone!! :)
February 8, 2023
Libro molto bello, con uno splendido significato, ci sono molte scene crude, che mi hanno un po' stomicato, sinceramente. Nel complesso mi è piaciuto, non lo rileggerei, però leggetelo almeno una volta nella vostra vita ✨
December 29, 2023
Le descrizioni sono molto realistiche e davvero belle e dettagliate, la parte in cui i soldati inglesi e tedeschi (nemici tra loro) si mettono a cantare insieme canzoni natalizie, a scambiarsi "regali", a giocare insieme a calcio e ribellarsi alla guerra... è stata una parte bellissima
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 28, 2019
4.5 stars. Review to come.
December 1, 2019
Boek leest makkelijk en heeft een leuke verhaallijn, maar het boek steekt snel tegen doordat het verhaal niet echt spannend is.
January 4, 2022
I loved that book, if you just started this book it might be boring but please keep reading it the end Will sorprise you!
July 17, 2022
Nie Wieder. 4.5
December 27, 2022
non mi è piaciuto molto perchè è più descrittivo che di azione, poi sarebbe stato bello descrivere di più la scena in cui giocano a calcio e quando parla alla fine con il suo amico
March 13, 2023
A truly beautiful read, insightful throughout, offering a special and cherished view of the war. 10/10 would recommend, loved it!
July 23, 2023
Libro breve sulla tregua del Natale 1914 durante la Grande Guerra. Quanto basta per far conoscere gli orrori della guerra a chi, forse (speriamo), non li vivrà mai.
September 3, 2018
Good discussion potential about propaganda and moral debates of war.
Good descriptive writing potential, diary entries etc.
Some swearing.P4C discussions.
Good descriptive writing potential, diary entries etc.
Some swearing.P4C discussions.
March 13, 2020
Jack è un ragazzino come tanti, frequenta la scuola con poco entusiasmo e ama il calcio. Un giorno però arriva la guerra. La prima guerra mondiale. Jack smette di essere un ragazzino il giorno in cui diventa un soldato. In questo libro c'è il racconto della sua esperienza al fronte: un racconto duro, difficile, crudo. Ma c'è anche il racconto di quella notte di Natale in cui la guerra si fermò... Una pagina di storia affascinante che non sempre si trova nei libri ma che è un simbolo gigante di ciò che la guerra è ed è sempre stata: un gioco tra ricchi giocato dai poveri. In questo caso sui due fronti abbiamo tedeschi ed inglesi. La notte di Natale sanciscono, in assenza dei loro capi, una tregua. Cantano canti di Natale anziché intonare suoni di bombe e mitragliette. Il giorno di Natale poi piantano un albero di Natale, giocano a calcio, si scambiano "doni", fanno conoscenza... sono tutti uguali, solo con divise di colori diversi: povera gente stufa di combattere, stufa di guardare la morte negli occhi, stufa di stare lontano dai propri affetti. Stufa di una guerra che non è la loro guerra ma che si prende le loro vite.
È una pagina di storia molto affascinante e umana, sulla quale ci sarebbe da parlare per delle ore.
Il libro è indicato per bambini dai 10 anni... insomma... secondo me a 10 anni va bene solo se lo si legge con un adulto, altrimenti no, non lo trovo adatto.
L'argomento è affrontato abbastanza bene, non troppo approfondito (ma ci sta, è narrativa per ragazzi, non un libro storico) ma comunque una lettura interessante e piacevole.
È una pagina di storia molto affascinante e umana, sulla quale ci sarebbe da parlare per delle ore.
Il libro è indicato per bambini dai 10 anni... insomma... secondo me a 10 anni va bene solo se lo si legge con un adulto, altrimenti no, non lo trovo adatto.
L'argomento è affrontato abbastanza bene, non troppo approfondito (ma ci sta, è narrativa per ragazzi, non un libro storico) ma comunque una lettura interessante e piacevole.
June 1, 2016
3.5
I started this, enjoying the 'modern' bookend of grandfather and grandson visiting the war graves, meeting up with a German remembered from World War One.
As we moved into the past and to the memories of signing up, training, the Front, it began to feel like a checklist of every aspect of the conflict, being covered to give a student a complete picture of it all. Rather than a short novel, it flitted from one important page in history to another.
That's not to say it wasn't interesting, because I learned a few things I didn't know. About the behind-the-scenes officers, the training academies for boys almost pushed to sign up, the football truce.
But it did feel a little forced. Fascinating stuff though, of course. But even letters from home to the trenches stuffed as much as possible from text books into them, details that a real sister probably wouldn't have written in a letter to her brother fighting.
It's only a short read (well read in my audio CD verson as well), and as such, would be excellent in English or history lessons focusing on the period. Every chapter begins with a quote from a war poem as well, form Kipling to Owen, opening doors to exploring war poetry as well.
As a study aid, it's excellent. As a piece of literature, it's functional. One for ages 10 and above interested in battles, history and World War 1 (and the famous football match).
I started this, enjoying the 'modern' bookend of grandfather and grandson visiting the war graves, meeting up with a German remembered from World War One.
As we moved into the past and to the memories of signing up, training, the Front, it began to feel like a checklist of every aspect of the conflict, being covered to give a student a complete picture of it all. Rather than a short novel, it flitted from one important page in history to another.
That's not to say it wasn't interesting, because I learned a few things I didn't know. About the behind-the-scenes officers, the training academies for boys almost pushed to sign up, the football truce.
But it did feel a little forced. Fascinating stuff though, of course. But even letters from home to the trenches stuffed as much as possible from text books into them, details that a real sister probably wouldn't have written in a letter to her brother fighting.
It's only a short read (well read in my audio CD verson as well), and as such, would be excellent in English or history lessons focusing on the period. Every chapter begins with a quote from a war poem as well, form Kipling to Owen, opening doors to exploring war poetry as well.
As a study aid, it's excellent. As a piece of literature, it's functional. One for ages 10 and above interested in battles, history and World War 1 (and the famous football match).
May 11, 2019
A novel that speaks about fraternizing in times of war.
The story takes place during the World War I and gives details of the most bloody and bitter moments that may occur in a war like that one. Nevertheless, and always from the view of 17-year-old Jack, who goes through the most atrocious test of maturity that anyone could have to face, the novel also addresses one of the most beautiful passages then occurred.
Between the German soldiers and the allies (here, specifically, the English) a truce was agreed to celebrate the Christmas of 1914. It was a spontaneous, provisional ceasefire during which the fighters mixed to sing Christmas carols, play football and exchange biscuits, liquors and cigarettes. That same episode is narrated in the film 'Merry Christmas', or 'Joyeux Nöel', by the French Christian Carion, produced in 2005, which I also recommend.
I very much liked the movie and I liked this short book, full of the letters exchanged between the young soldier Jack and his family, into which you’ll find lucid observations about what was really happening (millions of dead in the mud, killed by gas, mines, trapped in the barbed wire…). It is also remarkable that all the chapters begin with fragments of poetry from the war poets!
The story takes place during the World War I and gives details of the most bloody and bitter moments that may occur in a war like that one. Nevertheless, and always from the view of 17-year-old Jack, who goes through the most atrocious test of maturity that anyone could have to face, the novel also addresses one of the most beautiful passages then occurred.
Between the German soldiers and the allies (here, specifically, the English) a truce was agreed to celebrate the Christmas of 1914. It was a spontaneous, provisional ceasefire during which the fighters mixed to sing Christmas carols, play football and exchange biscuits, liquors and cigarettes. That same episode is narrated in the film 'Merry Christmas', or 'Joyeux Nöel', by the French Christian Carion, produced in 2005, which I also recommend.
I very much liked the movie and I liked this short book, full of the letters exchanged between the young soldier Jack and his family, into which you’ll find lucid observations about what was really happening (millions of dead in the mud, killed by gas, mines, trapped in the barbed wire…). It is also remarkable that all the chapters begin with fragments of poetry from the war poets!
April 13, 2014
A quick little read about World War I and making friendships in the most unlikely circumstances. I really enjoyed the message of this story. It was sweet and heart-warming which was unexpected as stories about war are often grim and depressing.
This was slow in the beginning but really picked up a little more than mid-way through. The last few chapters, especially, were great to read.
I wouldn't consider this as middle-grade fiction. There are quite a lot of brutal and graphic scenes that aren't suitable for children.
This was slow in the beginning but really picked up a little more than mid-way through. The last few chapters, especially, were great to read.
I wouldn't consider this as middle-grade fiction. There are quite a lot of brutal and graphic scenes that aren't suitable for children.
July 4, 2014
Nel centenario della Grande Guerra, Mondadori pubblica per la prima volta in Italia il romanzo "When the Guns Fall Silent" dell'autore inglese James Riordan. Prima guerra mondiale. Tre ragazzi inglesi, Jack, Harry e Freddie, ancora giovanissimi, spinti da un patriottismo esasperato, decidonono di arruolarsi e partire per la Francia. Il loro entusiasmo ben presto si scontrerà con gli orrori della guerra di trincea, cruenta ed estenuante.
Continua a leggere su:
http://letteraturaecinema.blogspot.it...
Continua a leggere su:
http://letteraturaecinema.blogspot.it...
April 13, 2014
This was a quick read but has a large message. The book was about the first world war but it changed my view upon the German army at the time. I was taught all through primary and most of lower high school that the Germans were cold killers. Infact, this book highlights that the German soldiers wanted the war to stop as much as anyone else. you really have to read this book. it also included christmas at war and its not what you might think. READ IT NOW!!!! only 150 pages
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