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A Splendid Boy
A Royal Newfoundland Regiment Love Story
In the summer of 1914, Daniel Beresford’s innocent love affair with the merchant’s daughter is discovered, forcing him to make an impossible decision to save his family from financial ruin. When news of the First World War reaches Middle Tickle, Daniel, who is torn between his love for Emma Tavenor and his responsibility to his family, enlists in the Newfoundland Regiment and departs for training.
When Emma learns her father is to blame for Daniel’s unexplained departure, she follows him to England, hoping they’ll be reunited. Yet on the voyage, she discovers the regiment has been called up and is already engaged in battle. She realizes her only hope of finding Daniel is to join the Voluntary Aid Detachment and make her way to the Western Front.
In 1916, on the eve of the Battle of the Somme, Emma and Daniel are reunited for a single, impassioned night near Beaumont-Hamel. Can the love they share survive the barriers of class and the horrors of battle? Or are their lives fated to join what would later be called a lost generation?
In the summer of 1914, Daniel Beresford’s innocent love affair with the merchant’s daughter is discovered, forcing him to make an impossible decision to save his family from financial ruin. When news of the First World War reaches Middle Tickle, Daniel, who is torn between his love for Emma Tavenor and his responsibility to his family, enlists in the Newfoundland Regiment and departs for training.
When Emma learns her father is to blame for Daniel’s unexplained departure, she follows him to England, hoping they’ll be reunited. Yet on the voyage, she discovers the regiment has been called up and is already engaged in battle. She realizes her only hope of finding Daniel is to join the Voluntary Aid Detachment and make her way to the Western Front.
In 1916, on the eve of the Battle of the Somme, Emma and Daniel are reunited for a single, impassioned night near Beaumont-Hamel. Can the love they share survive the barriers of class and the horrors of battle? Or are their lives fated to join what would later be called a lost generation?
280 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 27, 2016
1 person is currently reading
487 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
August 4, 2016
A Splendid Boy -- a splendid novel! I can't remember when I last enjoyed a story so much.
This commendable debut novel by young Canadian author Melanie Martin is a heartwarming war-time romance which quickly draws the reader in with its humour, sense of adventure, and loveable characters. The writing is clean and uncluttered, a pleasant balance of simple dialogue and brief descriptive passages. The story builds at a comfortable pace with enough interest that I was always eager to pick it up again and, at about the three-quarter mark, was unable to put it down until I had read the last paragraph, which reads as follows:
A note about the title: Several years ago, while researching this book, I came across a quote by King George V. He wrote, "Yesterday, I gave the V.C. [Victoria Cross]* to Private Thomas Ricketts, Newfoundland Regiment, who is only seventeen and a half now, a splendid boy.
Over the last three years that quote has stayed with me. These men who served in the First World War -- weren't they all splendid boys?
The story is told by a Great War veteran of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment which, following service at Gallipoli, was slaughtered on July 1, 1916, at Beaumont-Hamel in France. Following a battle which lasted for 30 minutes, 324 soldiers were killed or missing and 386 wounded; only 68 men were able to answer roll call on July 2.
The narrative spans the years 1914 to 1918 and flashes forward to the time of its telling in 1981, the 65th anniversary of the battle. An impressive amount of historical research went into the writing of this novel. The author travelled to the various sites where the story takes place, and was accompanied and advised by the historian of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment. It was time well spent.
While shortcomings are to be expected in a debut novel, I find very little to criticize. What bothers me most is the style of the dialogue among the British people, which does not seem to be credible. I doubt very much that in 1915 a young English woman, upon being presented to a ship's captain for dinner at the captain's table, would say "Thanks for having me" or that an upper-class Englishman would invite a young woman to call him by his given name by saying "Call me George". However, as one would expect of a native Newfoundlander, the island dialect is impeccable.
Shortcomings aside, I believe that, with time and experience as a writer, this promising author will produce some excellent novels. Reading this book was a splendid experience. I eagerly await her next one.
*brackets mine
This commendable debut novel by young Canadian author Melanie Martin is a heartwarming war-time romance which quickly draws the reader in with its humour, sense of adventure, and loveable characters. The writing is clean and uncluttered, a pleasant balance of simple dialogue and brief descriptive passages. The story builds at a comfortable pace with enough interest that I was always eager to pick it up again and, at about the three-quarter mark, was unable to put it down until I had read the last paragraph, which reads as follows:
A note about the title: Several years ago, while researching this book, I came across a quote by King George V. He wrote, "Yesterday, I gave the V.C. [Victoria Cross]* to Private Thomas Ricketts, Newfoundland Regiment, who is only seventeen and a half now, a splendid boy.
Over the last three years that quote has stayed with me. These men who served in the First World War -- weren't they all splendid boys?
The story is told by a Great War veteran of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment which, following service at Gallipoli, was slaughtered on July 1, 1916, at Beaumont-Hamel in France. Following a battle which lasted for 30 minutes, 324 soldiers were killed or missing and 386 wounded; only 68 men were able to answer roll call on July 2.
The narrative spans the years 1914 to 1918 and flashes forward to the time of its telling in 1981, the 65th anniversary of the battle. An impressive amount of historical research went into the writing of this novel. The author travelled to the various sites where the story takes place, and was accompanied and advised by the historian of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment. It was time well spent.
While shortcomings are to be expected in a debut novel, I find very little to criticize. What bothers me most is the style of the dialogue among the British people, which does not seem to be credible. I doubt very much that in 1915 a young English woman, upon being presented to a ship's captain for dinner at the captain's table, would say "Thanks for having me" or that an upper-class Englishman would invite a young woman to call him by his given name by saying "Call me George". However, as one would expect of a native Newfoundlander, the island dialect is impeccable.
Shortcomings aside, I believe that, with time and experience as a writer, this promising author will produce some excellent novels. Reading this book was a splendid experience. I eagerly await her next one.
*brackets mine
April 5, 2021
A Newfoundland author. History. Romance. Suspense. This book has it all. Read it!
June 19, 2016
A rich and full journey. With vivid descriptions of both land and people, Martin takes the reader from a fishing port in Middle Tickle, Newfoundland to the battlefields of the Great War . A beautiful and heart wrenching story full of characters who will live in your mind for days to come. To see the video with my full review visit Video Book Chat: A Splendid Boy
March 13, 2018
Inside this book was a better book trying to escape.
There were problems with continuity, (Daniel, illiterate, debates his not writing to the love of his life as the war was too distracting) frequent editorialising ("after all they were still human") and plot holes.
All irritating and enough to remove me from a story that might have been gripping.
Add to this a truly awkward and jarring sex scene ( "his erection was bared for her to see", "he plucked her nipple") Ouch! And metaphors, truly awful. ("heavy breathing like cannon fire", "the wounded pouring from trucks like water from a kettle").
I was frequently yanked from the story by the above. Nothing a good editor couldn't have fixed.
The story was diminished mightily by such intrusions.
2/5
There were problems with continuity, (Daniel, illiterate, debates his not writing to the love of his life as the war was too distracting) frequent editorialising ("after all they were still human") and plot holes.
All irritating and enough to remove me from a story that might have been gripping.
Add to this a truly awkward and jarring sex scene ( "his erection was bared for her to see", "he plucked her nipple") Ouch! And metaphors, truly awful. ("heavy breathing like cannon fire", "the wounded pouring from trucks like water from a kettle").
I was frequently yanked from the story by the above. Nothing a good editor couldn't have fixed.
The story was diminished mightily by such intrusions.
2/5
August 26, 2016
Emma and Daniel, star-crossed lovers from Newfoundland, head into WWI Europe. The historical romance angle is made interesting by the class conflict of the protagonist lovers in an early 19th century rural, coastal Newfoundland setting of the early part of the book, and then by their First World War experiences.
This book has a pop or commercial fiction vibe many will enjoy. I generally prefer more of literary fiction vein, but appreciate that writing broadly accessible stories has its merits.
Hand slap to the publisher: I feel like the back cover blurb gave away too much.
This book has a pop or commercial fiction vibe many will enjoy. I generally prefer more of literary fiction vein, but appreciate that writing broadly accessible stories has its merits.
Hand slap to the publisher: I feel like the back cover blurb gave away too much.
May 11, 2017
Really enjoyed this book, especially the ending!!
This author came to read to our bookclubs last evening.. !
She was amazing.. Smart, Funny, a wealth of information
def. a genius, but down to earth and heart-warming..
Can't wait to read her next book!!!
This author came to read to our bookclubs last evening.. !
She was amazing.. Smart, Funny, a wealth of information
def. a genius, but down to earth and heart-warming..
Can't wait to read her next book!!!
June 28, 2018
I won a copy from Goodreads.
I enjoyed this book. I love anything historical so I thought why not give this a shot. I ended up liking it more than I thought I would.
I enjoyed this book. I love anything historical so I thought why not give this a shot. I ended up liking it more than I thought I would.
May 8, 2017
This touching story is set in the First World War, the GREAT war, as it was known. Although a 'great' tragedy for many families was what it was. This book tells the story of star-crossed lovers, Daniel and Emma. As events conspire to keep them apart, Emma follows Daniel across half the world in hopes that they can find a way to be together. Separately, each faces danger, exhaustion and horror. Each finds unimaginable courage. And each faces loss a second time.
The book ends in a satisfyingly bittersweet kind of way.
My Goodreads friend and former colleague lent me her copy of this book. She is a 'relocated' Newfoundlander, and her grandfather and great uncle (as well as a cousin) were part of the Original 500, and served in Gallipoli. It was interesting to Google search the Newfoundland 500, and read their actual war records online there. It made the story feel more relevant to see the list of names, so many of which were tagged with "Fatality". Fortunately for my friend, her grandfather returned home alive, and as well as anyone could be who witnessed such devastation.
The book ends in a satisfyingly bittersweet kind of way.
My Goodreads friend and former colleague lent me her copy of this book. She is a 'relocated' Newfoundlander, and her grandfather and great uncle (as well as a cousin) were part of the Original 500, and served in Gallipoli. It was interesting to Google search the Newfoundland 500, and read their actual war records online there. It made the story feel more relevant to see the list of names, so many of which were tagged with "Fatality". Fortunately for my friend, her grandfather returned home alive, and as well as anyone could be who witnessed such devastation.
June 7, 2018
The author uses the idea to have a young person interview the characters and have them remember what happened in their youth. She does this with both characters- a little much. It is a story of the Newfoundland regiment, The Blue Puttees.” They fight in WWI- and they were good men, strong and courageous. So many of them died in the battle of Beaumont Hamel- that it is truly sad. Of course our hero- was one of the survivors. He led a solitary life and couldn’t accept any of the things that happened. He was a grouch. I’m sure that he had PTS syndrome. They didn’t know about it then. I was interested enough to finish the book, but it isn’t written that well. It follows history pretty well and tells that story. Not my favorite book on the subject. Of course they all get together in the end, and he sees her- she thought he was dead, and he thought she was dead, and they both live the rest of their lives happily ever after. Sigh.
October 31, 2019
I’ve read many books about the Royal Newfoundland Regiment, including, like this one, a few works of fiction. This was, for me, one of the best works of fiction about the RNR.
The author brings to life a few characters that, while fictional, weave a story that feels real and tries to (and succeeds) in making you understand coming from a small town in Newfoundland and seeing the horrors of war, of losing your innocence, of losing your friends, and in trying to stay alive.
It is, at its essence, a love story so there are some major coincidences. While I usually don’t like that they work here. Some were well integrated into the story while those at the end fed into the love story angle but also brought everything full circle.
Overall, a highly recommended book if you are interested in the RNR. I agree, they were all “splendid boys”.
The author brings to life a few characters that, while fictional, weave a story that feels real and tries to (and succeeds) in making you understand coming from a small town in Newfoundland and seeing the horrors of war, of losing your innocence, of losing your friends, and in trying to stay alive.
It is, at its essence, a love story so there are some major coincidences. While I usually don’t like that they work here. Some were well integrated into the story while those at the end fed into the love story angle but also brought everything full circle.
Overall, a highly recommended book if you are interested in the RNR. I agree, they were all “splendid boys”.
December 30, 2020
OUTSTANDING LOVE STORY
Imagine my surprise when I found myself reading a very emotional love story that spans sixty-five years. Emma lives with her father who owns a fishing business in a small village in Newfoundland. Daniel comes from a large family living on credit. They fall in love and want to marry, but Emma's father forces Daniel to give her up. His only choice is to leave Emma, join up and go to war. Emma's story is her determination to follow Daniel using any connections and bring him back.
Daniel's story is the heartbreak of leaving Emma and his experiences in the war.
Chaos reins as war tears them apart, and a lie brings more heartache.
Exceptionally well written with very descriptive historical facts. I enjoyed reading this book very much and would like to read more books by this author.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book gifted by the author.
Imagine my surprise when I found myself reading a very emotional love story that spans sixty-five years. Emma lives with her father who owns a fishing business in a small village in Newfoundland. Daniel comes from a large family living on credit. They fall in love and want to marry, but Emma's father forces Daniel to give her up. His only choice is to leave Emma, join up and go to war. Emma's story is her determination to follow Daniel using any connections and bring him back.
Daniel's story is the heartbreak of leaving Emma and his experiences in the war.
Chaos reins as war tears them apart, and a lie brings more heartache.
Exceptionally well written with very descriptive historical facts. I enjoyed reading this book very much and would like to read more books by this author.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book gifted by the author.
May 29, 2022
A magnificent read. Completely loved it. I couldn't wait for bedtime each evening to finish a chapter or two of this gripping story. I love that the story combined the heroics of the soldiers with the bravery of the women who served as nurses and aides to the wounded and dying. We should never forget the sacrifices of those who came before us. The horrors of the fields "somewhere in France" are fading, but the trauma it inflicted on those who survived still resonates through the memories of those who refuse to forget. Thank you for writing this important tale.
February 14, 2021
A splendid book about a splendid boy from Newfoundland who left the love of his life to serve overseas in WW1. It is a very well written story that shows the courage of the men and women who served as well as their anguish and pain. Although the ending was expected, it was certainly heartwarmingly anticipated. I’m excited to read Melanie’s next novel and will be watching for its release!
December 15, 2020
What an amazing way to learn about the Newfoundland involvement in WWI. What wonderful characters (and character development). I felt as though I was there at the front both in battle and as a VAD. I was sad to have the book end.
Read
February 18, 2020Story that could have happened. So many lives and families were changed by the war. My great grandfather was almost left for dead during the battle of passchendaele.
Read
March 17, 2021DNF
January 17, 2025
A great Newfoundland read! I love the history behind this book.
September 12, 2019
Melanie is a fantastic writer.....extraordinarily written book!!! I felt like I was sitting at the table listening to his story. A love story. History. Detail. Love love love this book! Have shared it with many to read as well. Please keep writing!! Can’t wait to read more from Melanie:)
November 16, 2016
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this poignant, well-written story of two young people growing up and falling in love in a fishing village in Newfoundland with the delightful name of Middle Tickle. I also grew up in a small community surrounded by fishermen and farmers and am quite aware of the distinction that existed between businessmen and farmers and fishermen, and so can fully understand the difficulty that faced young Emma Tavenor and Daniel Beresford when they fell in love. With this difficulty and her father's scheme and, unbeknown to Emma, young Daniel decides that his best option is to join up with several of his friends to fight for the British in 1914, when war broke out.
The author, Melanie Martin, brilliantly leads us through battles fought on the hottest of days and the coldest of days as these young men fought with their many brave comrades from The Newfoundland Regimen, eventually going into the Battle of the Somme in 1916. While Daniel faithfully and bravely fights, Emma faithfully searches for him. Your heart will ache as you read what so many young men and young women went through during these sad times. I was about 75% through this book as I watched the Remembrance Day services this year, 2016, (100 years later) and as I looked at the faces of the war veterans still living from the Second World War, I could see the great pain on their faces 'as they remembered' and could see Daniel and Emma in my mind as they remembered in this story during an earlier war.
The author, Melanie Martin, brilliantly leads us through battles fought on the hottest of days and the coldest of days as these young men fought with their many brave comrades from The Newfoundland Regimen, eventually going into the Battle of the Somme in 1916. While Daniel faithfully and bravely fights, Emma faithfully searches for him. Your heart will ache as you read what so many young men and young women went through during these sad times. I was about 75% through this book as I watched the Remembrance Day services this year, 2016, (100 years later) and as I looked at the faces of the war veterans still living from the Second World War, I could see the great pain on their faces 'as they remembered' and could see Daniel and Emma in my mind as they remembered in this story during an earlier war.
February 8, 2017
A historical romance told through flashbacks and alternating points of view, “A Splendid Boy” is a romance of two lovers torn asunder by circumstance, but also a coming of age tale.
Read full review in the 2017 February issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2017 February issue of InD'tale Magazine.
October 18, 2016
i win this beautiful book, .
it a good stories , even fiction, make me tear up at the end.
a stories about war, is always sad,
it a good stories , even fiction, make me tear up at the end.
a stories about war, is always sad,
May 23, 2022
This book deserves an adaption to a tv mini series. One of my all time favourite books! Beautifully written. A real masterpiece.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews