TWEETS FROM THE TRENCHES: Little True Stories of Life and Death On The Western Front

by Jacqueline Carmichael

Follow Carmichael's odyssey deep into the dugouts of World War I military history. 'A post-modern collage of poetry, tweets, historical documents, and photographs ... Carmichael explores the horror and the heartbreak of World War I in a creative and deeply personal way, exploring the stories of the heroes--both sung and unsung--the soldiers, the nurses, and the families who bore the weight of the traumatized vets' behaviours when they came home. like all good art, this book is potently human and uplifting."- Derek Hanebury, author/'Nocturnal Tonglen' 'A genre-bending look at one of the most significant periods of world history ... It's an innovative mind that can re-think such possibilities for history, and Carmichael's is a project brimming with vibrancy.' - Wayde Compton, The Writers Studio, Simon Fraser University/Author, 'The Outer Harbour' 'This is a kind of poetry paired with journalism. history with metaphor. technology set in a real world we barely can imagine now. thankfully, Carmichael can and we follow her, with curiosity and awe, into that bloody past, learn of women who hid their identities so they could fight, men who hid their fighting so they could continue to live.' - Yvonne Blomer, City of Victoria poet laureate/author/'Sugar Ride' 'A brilliant and beautiful gift ... the compelling journey is both educational and riveting.'- Gary Poignant/The Nelson Star'Carmichael's creative fieldwork combined with personal letters forges a profound archival work that will resonate with all Canadians.' - Susan Stenson/author of 'Nobody Move' 'Wildly creative ... respected journalist Jacqueline Carmichael brings the reality of world war to a generation raised on reality tv and social media. gorgeously designed, engaging, and dynamic, tweets from the trenches makes real the sacrifices of young people in WWI.' - Theresa Tag Goulet, founder/FabJob Publishing'A brilliant body of work, poetic and beautiful amidst ruin.'- Emily Olsen, founder/The Connection Project 'An astonishing book ... through vivid imagery, first-hand accounts and photographs, Jacqueline Carmichael tells of the hard flint of death, and gives the reader a keener appreciation for the simple echo of mortal moments.' - Jude Neale, author/'Splendid in Its Silence''In Tweets from the Trenches, author Jacqueline Carmichael presents a marvellously inventive look at the First World War experiences of her grandfather ... A remarkable voice from 100 years ago speaking to us today with exceptional power and emotion. "I look like a loose button on an overcoat," says Black Jack after four years of war. "Most of the boys I came with are gone." His words are at times mingled with those of the author who displays her own poetic talents as she explores the impact of the war on Black Jack and his family. '- Graham Thomson, Columnist/Edmonton Journal

168 pages, Paperback

Published August 12, 2018

Reviews

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tweets from the Trenches is an exquisite addition to my coffee table collection and a perfect companion to my high school language arts and socials classroom with its insightful Canadiana, relevant history and meaningful poetry. There are very few books that combine language arts and history so seamlessly in a form that appeals to both today’s youth studying World War 1 and those who were affected by it firsthand. Carmichael’s journalism background combined with her talent as a poet and empathy for a better path for all of humanity make Tweets from the Trenches a powerful read as we approach the centennial of the armistice.

[Laura Sturgeon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never read a book about world war 1 before because I thought it wouldn't end up being very interesting. But once I had the opportunity to read Tweets from the Trenches, I felt privileged for having done so. However, this is no ordinary book. From page 1 to the end, it was as if I had been transported back in time and had been able to see, feel and hear and just overall experience the horrors and at times, the joys and triumphs of numerous brave soldiers. But this book wasn't even just about what the soldiers experienced during the war, but what their families, friends and "enemies" experienced as well. This is a valuable educational tool. It seemed to me that every part of that war was covered within a collection of true short-stories with photos, letters, jokes, biographies, poems, etc. The author included how each country had its part, how certain animals had their part, how minorities had theirs, women, young kids, clergy, medical personnel, those in the weaponry division, members of parliament, etc. Numerous battle grounds were mentioned as were cities all over the world, burial sites, commemorative statues and plaques. What happens from result of shell-shock, PTSD? What happened after the war ended? And this is only a part of what this brilliant piece of work consists of. This book is an important read. Not only from an educational standpoint but also from a humanitarian one. I cared about these people. I was interested in what they went through in the name of freedom. Thank you Jacqueline Carmichael for giving them a voice and a legacy.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of tiny vignettes and poetry (hence the "tweets" in the title) featuring people involved in WWI. Uniquely laid out, the collection will appeal to all ages. The short pieces make it especially appealing for school use, and offers stirring descriptions of the war and the people caught up in it.

[John C. Brewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing and powerfully evocative; poignant, timeless, lyrical; vividly inventive combination of words, facts, voices, photos and very creative page/chapter layout. This surprising, haunting book is not to be missed.