Conflict: Canadians in WWI, A Short Story

by Eric Halpenny

The Canadian army was widely viewed to be one of the finest fighting forces in WWI, acclaimed by friend and foe alike. However, historical figures and newspaper articles do little to illuminate the true nature of war. For that, one must see through the eyes of those that fought the war. One must stand in their shoes, sleep with their dreams, and shudder at their fears. This venture into the fictional lives of John and Greg attempts to offer that experience. Bound by friendship, these young warriors embark on a journey of trial and tragedy in Conflict, a 20th Century historical fiction. They face death, loss, and grief as compatriots fall in battle and hopes of glory die with them.

Kindle Edition

Published April 9, 2018

About the author

Eric Halpenny is a seemingly normal engineer by day, but a fiction author by night. He hasn't quit his day job. He loves to write about interesting worlds and people that he creates. He started writing novels at the age of eight, but waited to publish until thirty-eight. He is often inspired in the middle of the night or while driving home from work.

He lives in Northern California with his wife and three children. He loves inspiring quotations, and one of his favorites is from Les Misérables by Victor Hugo: "To learn to read is to light a fire." He would love to know that his writing lit the fire of reading, introspection, and hope in others.

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

This short story is very much to the point, it had to be with so few pages. I found it very interesting and at the same time horrible. You can never forget the amount of stuff they all went through during that really dark time. The interesting part is I never knew Canadians were viewed that way back then. I didn’t realize they had that high an impact and joined so early on in the war.

The short snippets at the start of the new sections were a nice touch and added that extra bit of history into the story. You could tell the Author wanted to tell the story right, no added drama, just a story that told some of the truth of what happened back then.

[Robin Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Back in my days in high school, which is, come June of this year will be 50 fifty years ago, I had about a 93 average for the three years I went to my school. I must have truly loved this subject to have achieve this grade rating.

While actual history books might give its readers all of the historical gobbledygook made unintelligible by excessive use of obscure terminology, it lacks any humanistic qualities.

In his book, “Conflict: Canadians in WWI, A Short Story,” author Eric Halpenny, remedies this situation by introducing two live-long friends, Greg and John, into the historical data the book contains. And it’s through the eyes and minds of these two characters readers and the vividly written scenes and authentic dialogue for this period, readers are able to sense what it had been like to be in the trenches of The Great War [World War I] along with all of the pathos and realities of war which goes along with it.

This is the type of book which any history and war aficionado should read for the impact the Great War had on the humanity both the soldiers fighting the war and possibly the civilians around whom the war is becoming fought. For having written this fictionalized yet informative book of this war, I’ve given Mr. Halpenny 5 STARS for his endeavor.

[Joy Lilley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have just finished reading Eric Halpenny’s book Conflict Canadians in WW 1 and what an interesting read it was. I know quite a lot about the British involvement in this war but not the Canadians.What a superb fighting force they were.Eric writes beautifully the flow and ease of read was simply a delight.I shall definitely be picking up more of Eric’s books.Thank you.

I give this short story 5 stars.

Joy Gerken aka Joy M. Lilley

[David Applegate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Friends

A well written tale with rich and detailed descriptions thst brought the reader in. An amazing tale of friendship, hardship and survival.

[Damien Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars: Friends in Hell

Stories from "the war to end all wars" WWI, was downplayed during my schooling if I think about it during the 80s and our limited channels ( three plus PBS), WW2 was romanticized, soft recruitment or perhaps a war that was worth fighting for, clear heroes and villains. Conflict: Canadians in WWI, A Short Story by Eric Halpenny, pens the real horrors of a battlefield in WWI, engaging us in understanding the horrific tactics of nations, and the lie that WWI was to end all wars, more like this war was advanced studies for humanity to be in perpetual bloodshed.

"Conflict: Canadians in WWI" focuses on best friends and Canadians John and Greg, John joins the fight out of patriotism and Greg joins out of friendship challenging the depths of friendship, you would follow your friend into hell. Eric manages to write scenes of pitilessness theater of operations, gas attacks, and flamethrowers; war is hell if you didn't have to go would you follow your friend out concern for your friend's safety? I was invested in John and Greg's friendship and their survival, John motivations is admirable having a mind for battle and bravery, and Greg loyalty might be the most enduring part of this book.

Canadian heroism ought to be known, "Conflict: Canadians in WWI, A Short Story" is part horrible and hopeful in the context of history and friendship. I will return to another book by Eric Halpenny "Thread and Other Stories," love when writers can master writing short stories.

[M.J. Mallon · Rating 4 out of 5]

https://mjmallon.com/2018/06/17/rrbc-...

My rating 4.5 stars.

I don’t normally read war novels/short stories but I made an exception after I sneaked a peek in the look inside feature of Conflict on Amazon.

I loved how Eric Halpenny used quotes and/or poetry from Wilfred Owen, General Horace Smith-Dorrien, Major John McCrae, Sir Robert Borden, Kaiser Wilhelm II, memoirs of David Lloyd George, excerpts, war diary entries, military songs and letters from real and fictional soldiers in the novel, giving the narrative a very human feel.

This is a powerful WW1 short story about two fictional characters, Greg and John as they ‘leave boyhood and childishness, naivety and innocence, behind,’ to join with the brotherhood of men in war. Chronicling their heroic journey through the living hell of WW1. There are many aspects of the novel that moved me, thoughts expressed about: the young soldier’s naivety, the building of trust, endless suffering, (even the weather became an enemy,) patriotism, and the futility of war.

Greg’s experience of being haunted by a German that he killed at close quarters provides a stark, disturbing reminder that the enemy is human, has a face, a life, friends and family .

Conflict is an exceptionally riveting read, evoking strong emotions. I read it in one setting, in one morning.

The ending is so sad and so true to life. You will have to read Conflict to see what I mean!

Highly recommended for everyone! Even if you don’t normally read war novels/short stories.

[Karen Ingalls · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short story about two Canadians, John and Greg who are best friends. John wants to join the Canadian Army during WWI, but Greg only joins to make sure his best friend, John is always safe. Typically war stories are not ones I want to read, but I am glad I read this one. The story feels real as it takes the reader to the battlefield; the quotes at the end of each chapter add to the truth of an otherwise fictional accounts; and the depth of the friendship is touching. A powerful ending.

[Al · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick, thought-provoking short story about two friends serving as Canadian soldiers in WWI. It explores war and the motivations of the two friends as well as how the experience of war might change their outlook.

**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **

[Joy Lo-Bamijoko · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful and touching story of friendship in war. John and Greg were friends from childhood and when the call to defend their country came, John enlisted, and Greg followed suit. Greg’s reason is to protect his friend, John.

They were shipped to Europe and both fought, side by side, to free France from the German occupation. They killed many of their enemies and they saw many of their own company dead. They survived many battles while many of those who started the journey with them was no more. The battle though ended in an impasse, not conclusive, it was fought with great courage. It won the Canadian regiment honor as brave fighters.

[S.A. Krishnan · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing story of friendship in the world war II. The short story is very well written and perfect to read.