Battles Lost and Won

by Beryl Matthews

1919, London's East End. Robert Hunter is eagerly awaiting the return of his father from the war. Next door, Ruth Cooper's family are also preparing to welcome her dad, whose ship was lost at Jutland. After five years of separation and anxiety - and, for Bob, the worry of caring for his frail mother - emotions are running high for both young people. But Alf Hunter, who saw action in the trenches, returns a changed man, and when he takes to drink, Bob must put his own happiness on hold to support his family.

Genres: Historical Fiction

310 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 2011

Reviews

[Mary P. McGrath]

A Battle. Won

Well-written and easily well written story of returning soldiers and their needs trying to fit in at home. Extremely done to show how the society had changed and had no policies to deal with the injured. A heart warming and lovely story

[Ruth Gatt]

A very pleasant read but rather predictable.

[Tania]

Battle lost and won is a really well written and historically interesting story.

Recommended reading.

[Charmaine Saliba]

I really enjoyed Battles Lost and Won by Beryl Matthews. I really liked the author style, this is the first novel I read by her and won’t be the last., It is a fast pace novel, it narrates the life of the Hunter and the Copper’s family. It is set in London in the 1920. It shows the effect that the Great War did to the men who return back. The injustice they suffer, they were promised a better life once the war was over but they didn’t. Men physical injured left them unable to provide for their families. Others who came unharmed psychical were mentally damaged.
Bob Hunter and Ruth Copper are teenagers but they have the responsibility to look after their families while their fathers are at war. Bob’s mother is unwell and Bob is trying to get every work he can get to provide for her, hope his father will soon be back so together will provide for his mother. But when Alf arrived, Bob could hardly recognize his father, he is so changed not only psychical but also in his behaviour, soon was clear that Alf is damage and he is taking all the money to go drink himself in a pub. As days goes by Bob’s mother health was worsen and he despite his father even more. When the worse happen, Bob made a hard decision and left to find a better life for himself. Would he be able to forgive those who hurt him? Will his dream come true? And most of all will find some peace and finally forgive himself as well?

[Dee]

nice feel good story. explores the many ways soldiers were damaged in both body and soul.

[Ray Noyes]

Quite interesting, but too predictable. A simple plot and one with few if any twists or surprises. Rather plain writing too, I'm afraid. A 'nice' story but not a memorable one.