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Frontline
A SWEEPING DRAMA SET ON THE BATTLEFIELDS OF EUROPE AS A GLOBAL INFLUENZA PANDEMIC LOOMS...
Frontline is the first book in a series charting the rise of a prominent British medical family in the twentieth century. From wars to a pandemic, the discovery of penicillin to the birth of the NHS, successive generations of the Burnett family are at the vanguard of life-saving developments in medicine.
Frontline is the story of an aristocrat's daughter who joins the war effort as a nurse. In a field hospital in rural France she meets Will, a dockworker's son serving as a stretcher-bearer. As rumours of an armistice begin to circulate, so too does a mysterious respiratory illness that soldiers are referring to as the 'Spanish flu'.
Frontline is the first book in a series charting the rise of a prominent British medical family in the twentieth century. From wars to a pandemic, the discovery of penicillin to the birth of the NHS, successive generations of the Burnett family are at the vanguard of life-saving developments in medicine.
Frontline is the story of an aristocrat's daughter who joins the war effort as a nurse. In a field hospital in rural France she meets Will, a dockworker's son serving as a stretcher-bearer. As rumours of an armistice begin to circulate, so too does a mysterious respiratory illness that soldiers are referring to as the 'Spanish flu'.
451 pages, ebook
Published September 2, 2021
48 people are currently reading
253 people want to read
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October 19, 2022Frontline is a long historical saga, told from the points of view of the two main characters, Grace Trustin-Pennington and William Burnett. Two teenagers who came from very different backgrounds and meet in war torn France.
Grace is a bit of a tomboy, her older brothers Charles, Rupert, James and Henry are all severing in The Great War and Grace wants to do her bit for the King and Country. Grace volunteers to be a nurse, she works at busy causality clearing stations and she can drive an ambulance when required.
Will’s mother Evie dies in childbirth, his father Robbie doesn’t cope, he’s sacked from his job at the docks and Robbie joins the army to escape his life in England. Aunt Clara steps up and she looks after Will, his older brother Jack and little sister Kitty.
Will works as a hospital porter, he’s a big strong lad, and despite being under age the army signs him up. His commanding officer notices how good Will is with saving and helping the wounded and he becomes a stretcher bearer for his regiment and then the Royal Medical Corps. Many were considered to be cowards by other soldiers, Will and his partner Arup defiantly were brave and the average life expectancy for a stretcher bearer was only six weeks.
You read about the battles of The Great War, and the awful conditions in the trenches and when the Germans started using poisonous gas as a weapon and the huge loss of life. Included in the narrative is medical information relevant for the time, treatments the wounded received, many suffered from gas gangrene, due to the soil born bacteria entering their wounds, it lead to thousands of limbs being amputated and often the poor soldier died from septic shock. When it looked like the suffering was about to end, the Spanish Flu broke out, it spread and killed people quickly.
Frontline is a chronicle about The Great War, a lasting tribute to millions of soldiers who bravely fought, many were injured, lived with the lasting trauma and how it wiped out an entire generation of men. The medical staff did the best they could in very difficult and stressful conditions, the long shifts and under fire, and with very little sleep. For the main characters Grace and Will, finding love kept them going and sane, and the author Hilary Jones dedicated Frontline to them. Five stars from me and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series Eye of the Storm.
Grace is a bit of a tomboy, her older brothers Charles, Rupert, James and Henry are all severing in The Great War and Grace wants to do her bit for the King and Country. Grace volunteers to be a nurse, she works at busy causality clearing stations and she can drive an ambulance when required.
Will’s mother Evie dies in childbirth, his father Robbie doesn’t cope, he’s sacked from his job at the docks and Robbie joins the army to escape his life in England. Aunt Clara steps up and she looks after Will, his older brother Jack and little sister Kitty.
Will works as a hospital porter, he’s a big strong lad, and despite being under age the army signs him up. His commanding officer notices how good Will is with saving and helping the wounded and he becomes a stretcher bearer for his regiment and then the Royal Medical Corps. Many were considered to be cowards by other soldiers, Will and his partner Arup defiantly were brave and the average life expectancy for a stretcher bearer was only six weeks.
You read about the battles of The Great War, and the awful conditions in the trenches and when the Germans started using poisonous gas as a weapon and the huge loss of life. Included in the narrative is medical information relevant for the time, treatments the wounded received, many suffered from gas gangrene, due to the soil born bacteria entering their wounds, it lead to thousands of limbs being amputated and often the poor soldier died from septic shock. When it looked like the suffering was about to end, the Spanish Flu broke out, it spread and killed people quickly.
Frontline is a chronicle about The Great War, a lasting tribute to millions of soldiers who bravely fought, many were injured, lived with the lasting trauma and how it wiped out an entire generation of men. The medical staff did the best they could in very difficult and stressful conditions, the long shifts and under fire, and with very little sleep. For the main characters Grace and Will, finding love kept them going and sane, and the author Hilary Jones dedicated Frontline to them. Five stars from me and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series Eye of the Storm.
September 9, 2021
Frontline takes those at war in the First World War and in the medical profession and creates an intensely emotional, knowledgeable book that expertly weaves fact and fiction together to create a tight-knit story, very apt for our times. From the cover to the end of the story, it is intensely poignant in many ways.
Evie is one of the characters who start off this book, which begins in 1910 and makes a shift to 1914. She has a baby and her story is sure to tug on many heartstrings, even the most hardened of hearts. It’s one of woe but also of courage of those around her.
Readers also follow Grace and other nurses as well as tells of how things were from a soldier, like Will’s story too and how they are linked and it becomes about them and their lives and needs to survive and what was happening in the world at the time, that they had to find ways of living in and doing their duties.
There’s a real rawness to one of the letters written, which gives further insight into what was going on and the fears that were there.
There’s the sense of life, distinct of the times and it feels like a lot of research went into this as well as passion for the subject matters. It may not be an easy read, but its authenticity and realism through fiction really shines through and develops into a great read. It takes readers to the heart of war, including The Somme, but also what it’s like to be home on leave, as Will is when he returns to Grace. There are also some lovely heartwarming moments too, that saves this book from being too bleak and in some instances, shows some humanity in the world too, especially when Christmas arrives.
Frontline is very apt for our times, as we try to survive Covid-19, this book also shows people trying to survive a pandemic too – Spanish Flu and the devastation to life between that and war. I think it could serve as something more thought-provoking about their own behaviours in present times.
The book is an intense but pertinent read. Dr. Hilary Jones has also left an “Author’s Note” at the back of the book that adds a little more about what is dubbed as “The Great War” and is poignant, as are the acknowledgements. I agree that there are some parallels that can be drawn from today between Spanish Flu times and Covid-19 times. It’s hard not to notice, if you know a bit about way back then too and thinking about it, even if you don’t, you’ll be able to find this by reading this book.
Clearly Dr. Hilary Jones is writing from what he knows from his medical background, but he’s intelligently combined this with war, of those fighting in it and of women who are not. There is a rich tapestry that runs through it and there is a sense that it’s a bit of a nod in a way to those who came before him and that sits very well with me, and I think it will with many other readers too.
Evie is one of the characters who start off this book, which begins in 1910 and makes a shift to 1914. She has a baby and her story is sure to tug on many heartstrings, even the most hardened of hearts. It’s one of woe but also of courage of those around her.
Readers also follow Grace and other nurses as well as tells of how things were from a soldier, like Will’s story too and how they are linked and it becomes about them and their lives and needs to survive and what was happening in the world at the time, that they had to find ways of living in and doing their duties.
There’s a real rawness to one of the letters written, which gives further insight into what was going on and the fears that were there.
There’s the sense of life, distinct of the times and it feels like a lot of research went into this as well as passion for the subject matters. It may not be an easy read, but its authenticity and realism through fiction really shines through and develops into a great read. It takes readers to the heart of war, including The Somme, but also what it’s like to be home on leave, as Will is when he returns to Grace. There are also some lovely heartwarming moments too, that saves this book from being too bleak and in some instances, shows some humanity in the world too, especially when Christmas arrives.
Frontline is very apt for our times, as we try to survive Covid-19, this book also shows people trying to survive a pandemic too – Spanish Flu and the devastation to life between that and war. I think it could serve as something more thought-provoking about their own behaviours in present times.
The book is an intense but pertinent read. Dr. Hilary Jones has also left an “Author’s Note” at the back of the book that adds a little more about what is dubbed as “The Great War” and is poignant, as are the acknowledgements. I agree that there are some parallels that can be drawn from today between Spanish Flu times and Covid-19 times. It’s hard not to notice, if you know a bit about way back then too and thinking about it, even if you don’t, you’ll be able to find this by reading this book.
Clearly Dr. Hilary Jones is writing from what he knows from his medical background, but he’s intelligently combined this with war, of those fighting in it and of women who are not. There is a rich tapestry that runs through it and there is a sense that it’s a bit of a nod in a way to those who came before him and that sits very well with me, and I think it will with many other readers too.
October 28, 2021
I have a fascination with fiction set in WW1. This one added something new in that it focussed on the medical teams dealing with the wounded, in particular the non combatant stretcher bearers. I liked the main characters and feared for them throughout.
The details of the start and spread of Spanish flu were fascinating.
Five stars for the informative detail, four because sometimes the writing which moved the plot along was a bit abrupt.
If Dr Hilary writes another book, I will read it.
The details of the start and spread of Spanish flu were fascinating.
Five stars for the informative detail, four because sometimes the writing which moved the plot along was a bit abrupt.
If Dr Hilary writes another book, I will read it.
July 10, 2023
‘Frontline’ opens with a Prologue set in 1910 the sole purpose of which seems to be to demonstrate the author’s medical knowledge - and here (as in many other parts of the book) Dr Jones does not wear his learning lightly.
Presumably, outside of all the detail of a tragic obstetric emergency, he intended the chapter to be our introduction to the book’s protagonist - but just who is he? Is he Will or is he Robbie? All that can be gleaned from an otherwise pointless opening to the novel is the knowledge that a 10-year old William Burnett still took his toy bear to bed and a brief teaser (i.e. ‘This moment will stay with Will forever’) - a teaser, though, that is never actually followed through.
The story then moves forward in time to August 1914 in a chapter that concerns Grace, who we discover is just sixteen years of age. I say the chapter ‘concerns’ Grace, but it is rather more about her parents until it finally leads to the revelation that, within days of the Declaration of War on Germany, she is on her way to serve as a military nurse (despite her years).
Now, whilst the opening chapter affords Dr Jones the opportunity to try and impress us with his undoubted medical knowledge, the third serves only to demonstrate his lack of understanding of the First Aid Nursing Yeomanry (FANY). Yes, it was formed in 1907 (by Edward Baker, who had been a Warrant Officer in the 21st Lancers and was wounded during the Battle of Omdurman in 1898). Yes, the emphasis of its early recruitment was on attracting young women who could already ride and who owned their own horses. However, whilst the FANY offered its services to the British authorities as soon as the First World War started, the British Army actually refused to work with it. Only the Belgians would. Grace Ashley-Smith, then heading the FANY, acquired an ambulance and crossed to Calais on 27th October 1914 with six FANYs. They were to drive ambulances - not, like Grace, to actively participate in tending to wounded British soldiers in operating theatres in an ever increasing number of Field Hospitals dotted around the warzone. But ... I guess that the former setting would not have allowed Dr Jones the opportunity to further showcase his medical knowledge.
Reference is made to the 1st Battalion Royal Berkshire Regiment, purportedly travelling to war on the same train as Grace. However, 1RBR were mobilised in Aldershot on the 5 August 1914. They entrained at Farnborough (i.e. not Victoria) on the 8 August 1914 bound for Southampton. They boarded the ‘SS Vera’ on the 12 August 1914 bound for Le Havre and arrived at Rouen the following day. Any meeting between Grace and soldiers in the 1RBR on a train from Victoria can only be historical fantasy - although, granted, the Regiment was in Vellereille-le-Sec and Halte, near to Givry, on the 23 August 1914.
I do not normally expect a GP to have a full grasp of military history - unless, like Dr Jones, he or she is writing a piece of fiction set during an important chapter of military history. In such a case, I do expect the highest level of research to have been undertaken before putting the proverbial pen to paper. Here, Dr Jones fails dismally - and yet, two searches on Google and ten minutes of following up the results of these would have avoided many of the above shortcomings. But ... at the end of the day, I accept that ‘Frontline’ is a piece of fiction and ultimately stands or falls on the actual story being told, and how it’s written, rather than its absolute historical accuracy.
Unfortunately, ‘Frontline’ also falls down badly here. It is both confused and confusing. It does not excite in any way. For example, the first three chapters are uninspired and uninspiring. In that regard, if this book had been written by someone who did not possess a modicum of celebrity, it would never have been published - except, perhaps, by Dr Jones himself by using Kindle Direct Publishing or something similar. It simply would not have survived the initial scrutiny of any Literary Agent, who would have put the submission in the ‘Not to be followed up’ pile long before the end of Chapter 2.
Throughout the book, we are faced by a myriad of chapters (often only a page or two in length), characters and places (many of whom or which add nothing to the story line and serve only to add to its confusion).
However, to give credit where it is due, ‘Frontline’ is a book that is an easy read in the sense that I was able to finish reading it in about 5 hours. The underlying problem is that it is difficult to distinguish whether it is YA Fiction (with fifteen and sixteen years of age protagonists gallivanting about in War Comic book fashion) or some sort of a medical text book (with Dr Jones continually trying to impress his medical knowledge upon us). It cannot seriously be regarded as a credible piece of historical fiction.
In closing, I have seen one or two reviews by individuals who have compared ‘Frontline’ with ‘Birdsong’ (I can only assume because both stories start in 1910 and characters in each book are tunnellers). With respect to them, Dr Jones is far from being in the same class of writer as Sebastian Faulks and ‘Frontline’ could never rate anyway close to ‘Birdsong’ as a novel. I would certainly advise anyone who has not read ‘Birdsong’ to do so long before they ever considered reading ‘Frontline’.
Presumably, outside of all the detail of a tragic obstetric emergency, he intended the chapter to be our introduction to the book’s protagonist - but just who is he? Is he Will or is he Robbie? All that can be gleaned from an otherwise pointless opening to the novel is the knowledge that a 10-year old William Burnett still took his toy bear to bed and a brief teaser (i.e. ‘This moment will stay with Will forever’) - a teaser, though, that is never actually followed through.
The story then moves forward in time to August 1914 in a chapter that concerns Grace, who we discover is just sixteen years of age. I say the chapter ‘concerns’ Grace, but it is rather more about her parents until it finally leads to the revelation that, within days of the Declaration of War on Germany, she is on her way to serve as a military nurse (despite her years).
Now, whilst the opening chapter affords Dr Jones the opportunity to try and impress us with his undoubted medical knowledge, the third serves only to demonstrate his lack of understanding of the First Aid Nursing Yeomanry (FANY). Yes, it was formed in 1907 (by Edward Baker, who had been a Warrant Officer in the 21st Lancers and was wounded during the Battle of Omdurman in 1898). Yes, the emphasis of its early recruitment was on attracting young women who could already ride and who owned their own horses. However, whilst the FANY offered its services to the British authorities as soon as the First World War started, the British Army actually refused to work with it. Only the Belgians would. Grace Ashley-Smith, then heading the FANY, acquired an ambulance and crossed to Calais on 27th October 1914 with six FANYs. They were to drive ambulances - not, like Grace, to actively participate in tending to wounded British soldiers in operating theatres in an ever increasing number of Field Hospitals dotted around the warzone. But ... I guess that the former setting would not have allowed Dr Jones the opportunity to further showcase his medical knowledge.
Reference is made to the 1st Battalion Royal Berkshire Regiment, purportedly travelling to war on the same train as Grace. However, 1RBR were mobilised in Aldershot on the 5 August 1914. They entrained at Farnborough (i.e. not Victoria) on the 8 August 1914 bound for Southampton. They boarded the ‘SS Vera’ on the 12 August 1914 bound for Le Havre and arrived at Rouen the following day. Any meeting between Grace and soldiers in the 1RBR on a train from Victoria can only be historical fantasy - although, granted, the Regiment was in Vellereille-le-Sec and Halte, near to Givry, on the 23 August 1914.
I do not normally expect a GP to have a full grasp of military history - unless, like Dr Jones, he or she is writing a piece of fiction set during an important chapter of military history. In such a case, I do expect the highest level of research to have been undertaken before putting the proverbial pen to paper. Here, Dr Jones fails dismally - and yet, two searches on Google and ten minutes of following up the results of these would have avoided many of the above shortcomings. But ... at the end of the day, I accept that ‘Frontline’ is a piece of fiction and ultimately stands or falls on the actual story being told, and how it’s written, rather than its absolute historical accuracy.
Unfortunately, ‘Frontline’ also falls down badly here. It is both confused and confusing. It does not excite in any way. For example, the first three chapters are uninspired and uninspiring. In that regard, if this book had been written by someone who did not possess a modicum of celebrity, it would never have been published - except, perhaps, by Dr Jones himself by using Kindle Direct Publishing or something similar. It simply would not have survived the initial scrutiny of any Literary Agent, who would have put the submission in the ‘Not to be followed up’ pile long before the end of Chapter 2.
Throughout the book, we are faced by a myriad of chapters (often only a page or two in length), characters and places (many of whom or which add nothing to the story line and serve only to add to its confusion).
However, to give credit where it is due, ‘Frontline’ is a book that is an easy read in the sense that I was able to finish reading it in about 5 hours. The underlying problem is that it is difficult to distinguish whether it is YA Fiction (with fifteen and sixteen years of age protagonists gallivanting about in War Comic book fashion) or some sort of a medical text book (with Dr Jones continually trying to impress his medical knowledge upon us). It cannot seriously be regarded as a credible piece of historical fiction.
In closing, I have seen one or two reviews by individuals who have compared ‘Frontline’ with ‘Birdsong’ (I can only assume because both stories start in 1910 and characters in each book are tunnellers). With respect to them, Dr Jones is far from being in the same class of writer as Sebastian Faulks and ‘Frontline’ could never rate anyway close to ‘Birdsong’ as a novel. I would certainly advise anyone who has not read ‘Birdsong’ to do so long before they ever considered reading ‘Frontline’.
April 9, 2025
Een aangrijpend fictief verhaal dat zich afspeelt in de Eerste Wereldoorlog. De hoofdpersonen werken aan het front, Grace als verpleegster, Will als brancarddrager. Het geeft goed weer hoe gruwelijk de gevechten waren, en hoeveel onbeschrijfelijk veel leed er was.
De medische achtergrond van de auteur blijkt wel uit de beschrijving van de medische handelingen (misschien af en toe te medisch). Ook de historische achtergronden zijn goed uitgediept.
Het boek is zeker de moeite waard.
De medische achtergrond van de auteur blijkt wel uit de beschrijving van de medische handelingen (misschien af en toe te medisch). Ook de historische achtergronden zijn goed uitgediept.
Het boek is zeker de moeite waard.
September 1, 2021
Grace is the daughter of landed gentry, volunteering as a nurse on the Western Front. Will is the son of a dockworker, driven to enlist by patriotism and the thrill of adventure. When their lives collide in a field hospital in France, an instant connection is forged in the chaos and blood of the battlefront.
But as rumours of an armistice begin to circulate, so does a mysterious virus, carrying with it an unimaginable death toll across the globe
I started this book with an open mind as books by celebrities can be hit or miss & this was definitely a hit. A very well written book, which was well researched & a lovely mix of fact & fiction. An emotional read that took me through a gamut of emotions & I found myself reading through the night as I just couldn’t put it down. The characters have depth & I don’t usually like so many points of view but it worked in this novel making all the more powerful for it. I’m used to reading books where all the ends are tied up but I was left wanting to know what happened to Will & Grace so hope there are more books to come
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
But as rumours of an armistice begin to circulate, so does a mysterious virus, carrying with it an unimaginable death toll across the globe
I started this book with an open mind as books by celebrities can be hit or miss & this was definitely a hit. A very well written book, which was well researched & a lovely mix of fact & fiction. An emotional read that took me through a gamut of emotions & I found myself reading through the night as I just couldn’t put it down. The characters have depth & I don’t usually like so many points of view but it worked in this novel making all the more powerful for it. I’m used to reading books where all the ends are tied up but I was left wanting to know what happened to Will & Grace so hope there are more books to come
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
September 7, 2021
Frontline is a moving piece of historical fiction set in WW1 that is a first in a new series about a medical family.
The main characters were written brilliantly, with lots of depth, and they all went through some great character development that was interesting to read. I was always eager to find out what would happen next to all of them.
From reading about the nurses points of view as well as the soldiers made it a bit different to other books I have read set in the war. The medical staff are usually rarely touched on regarding what they had to go through, whereas this book explores that in detail. The devastating events that they experienced were explained poignantly, in a manner which was sensitive and also touching. The nurses, stretcher bearers and doctors witnessed some horrific sights and then trying to be there to comfort these brave young men was very moving. I felt so much admiration towards them all.
The insightful research surrounding WW1 and the Spanish Influenza was very compelling. Due to the author’s medical background, the explanations of the injuries these poor soldiers suffered were written in a way that was quite vivid without being overly shocking. The treatment the medical staff used to heal the injured was also intriguing to learn about.
Overall this story is an absorbing and powerful tale all about the power of family, friends, love and hope. I will definitely be reading the next book in this series.
The main characters were written brilliantly, with lots of depth, and they all went through some great character development that was interesting to read. I was always eager to find out what would happen next to all of them.
From reading about the nurses points of view as well as the soldiers made it a bit different to other books I have read set in the war. The medical staff are usually rarely touched on regarding what they had to go through, whereas this book explores that in detail. The devastating events that they experienced were explained poignantly, in a manner which was sensitive and also touching. The nurses, stretcher bearers and doctors witnessed some horrific sights and then trying to be there to comfort these brave young men was very moving. I felt so much admiration towards them all.
The insightful research surrounding WW1 and the Spanish Influenza was very compelling. Due to the author’s medical background, the explanations of the injuries these poor soldiers suffered were written in a way that was quite vivid without being overly shocking. The treatment the medical staff used to heal the injured was also intriguing to learn about.
Overall this story is an absorbing and powerful tale all about the power of family, friends, love and hope. I will definitely be reading the next book in this series.
March 14, 2022
This book was amazing to read. It had me laughing and crying, sometimes at the both time. I really liked to the two main characters, which is a dead giveaway really. However, some things I would have liked to see in this book was more character development. Especially for Clara and Robbie relationship. Also kitty. I would have also liked a better ending, for me it was a bit dry and bland to read after all the other adventures In the book.
I feel like maybe a fast forward a few years could have been cliche, but nice ending.
All in all, I enjoyed reading this book and I do consider this a book I would reread In the future.
I feel like maybe a fast forward a few years could have been cliche, but nice ending.
All in all, I enjoyed reading this book and I do consider this a book I would reread In the future.
May 31, 2022
So many mistakes. He seems to have no idea where Verdun is. I can’t really be bothered to list the rest as it would take an age. And why did the two main characters have to be so young? An underage soldier is one thing, but a 16 year-old nurse just wouldn’t have been possible. She seems to have got there without any deception or training and suddenly she’s an expert. Personally I found the sexualisation of a 15 year-old a bit creepy, even if he was old enough to fight.
June 10, 2022
It only just squeaked 4*
Although it is a good book, combining facts with a plausible story line, the author and/or the editor need to learn how to use adverbs! For example, page 365 (paperback edition) "They would have to move quick" !!!
Quick is an adjective describing a noun; QUICKLY is the adverb describing the verb! It's basic English grammar; no author or editor should be making such a basic error
Although it is a good book, combining facts with a plausible story line, the author and/or the editor need to learn how to use adverbs! For example, page 365 (paperback edition) "They would have to move quick" !!!
Quick is an adjective describing a noun; QUICKLY is the adverb describing the verb! It's basic English grammar; no author or editor should be making such a basic error
September 2, 2021
When I read the synopsis for Frontline it really appealed to me, I do not often read books set during the war and yet every one I have read have all left a lasting impression on me so I was looking forward to reading the first book in Dr Hilary Jones new historical series.
The storyline is set during the World War I where Grace and Will have both volunteered and yet their lives couldn’t be further apart they both share the determination and drive to help those who have fought for their country putting themselves in harms way to try to save as many lives as possible.
When Grace and Will meet in a field hospital in France there is an instant spark between them but can love blossom in such treacherous conditions and after news of their friends and loved ones losing their life is there any hope of a life after the war?
This is the first book I have read that is set during the War but is told from the medical volunteers’ points of view, it captured the harrowing moments when they would put their lives in danger to remove those injured on the frontline, describes the vast amount of different injuries that were witnessed and treated reminding us all of what our ancestors went through for their country.
I did worry in the beginning if the explanations of wounds and treatments were going to be a little bit to heavy in this book as they were extremely well detailed and went over my head a little bit but I can understand why with the authors career meaning that his knowledge was going to be poured into this novel but as the book progressed the details became less indepth and was more in keeping with the storyline rather than feeling like a medical journal. It was eyeopening to see the kind of wounds and ailments that our troops were affected by and how much pressure was put on the medics with the limited capabilities they had to contend with.
This book was a good read but I do think it could have been a great read if the storyline had just been a little tighter and stripped back and focused more on just Will and Grace, at times it felt like the book was being written as a tv series in mind where it kept jumping around so many different less significant characters and I do not feel that we needed more characters introduced so late on in the book. Will and Grace’s storyline was strong enough to be the focus of this book, I found my attention wavering each time we veered off from our two main characters and I was desperate to get back to them and the situations they were dealing with and the relationship blossoming between them in such turbulent conditions. Will and Grace were both admirable characters with such caring natures and traditional values who everyone’s hearts will warm to reading this book.
I would be interested to read the next book in the series to see where Will and Graces journey takes them next.
The storyline is set during the World War I where Grace and Will have both volunteered and yet their lives couldn’t be further apart they both share the determination and drive to help those who have fought for their country putting themselves in harms way to try to save as many lives as possible.
When Grace and Will meet in a field hospital in France there is an instant spark between them but can love blossom in such treacherous conditions and after news of their friends and loved ones losing their life is there any hope of a life after the war?
This is the first book I have read that is set during the War but is told from the medical volunteers’ points of view, it captured the harrowing moments when they would put their lives in danger to remove those injured on the frontline, describes the vast amount of different injuries that were witnessed and treated reminding us all of what our ancestors went through for their country.
I did worry in the beginning if the explanations of wounds and treatments were going to be a little bit to heavy in this book as they were extremely well detailed and went over my head a little bit but I can understand why with the authors career meaning that his knowledge was going to be poured into this novel but as the book progressed the details became less indepth and was more in keeping with the storyline rather than feeling like a medical journal. It was eyeopening to see the kind of wounds and ailments that our troops were affected by and how much pressure was put on the medics with the limited capabilities they had to contend with.
This book was a good read but I do think it could have been a great read if the storyline had just been a little tighter and stripped back and focused more on just Will and Grace, at times it felt like the book was being written as a tv series in mind where it kept jumping around so many different less significant characters and I do not feel that we needed more characters introduced so late on in the book. Will and Grace’s storyline was strong enough to be the focus of this book, I found my attention wavering each time we veered off from our two main characters and I was desperate to get back to them and the situations they were dealing with and the relationship blossoming between them in such turbulent conditions. Will and Grace were both admirable characters with such caring natures and traditional values who everyone’s hearts will warm to reading this book.
I would be interested to read the next book in the series to see where Will and Graces journey takes them next.
February 4, 2022
Frontline takes those at war in the First World War and in the medical profession and creates an intensely emotional, knowledgeable book that expertly weaves fact and fiction together to create a tight-knit story, very apt for our times. From the cover to the end of the story, it is intensely poignant in many ways.
Evie is one of the characters who start off this book, which begins in 1910 and makes a shift to 1914. She has a baby and her story is sure to tug on many heartstrings, even the most hardened of hearts. It’s one of woe but also of courage of those around her.
Readers also follow Grace and other nurses as well as tells of how things were from a soldier, like Will’s story too and how they are linked and it becomes about them and their lives and needs to survive and what was happening in the world at the time, that they had to find ways of living in and doing their duties.
There’s a real rawness to one of the letters written, which gives further insight into what was going on and the fears that were there.
There’s the sense of life, distinct of the times and it feels like a lot of research went into this as well as passion for the subject matters. It may not be an easy read, but its authenticity and realism through fiction really shines through and develops into a great read. It takes readers to the heart of war, including The Somme, but also what it’s like to be home on leave, as Will is when he returns to Grace. There are also some lovely heartwarming moments too, that saves this book from being too bleak and in some instances, shows some humanity in the world too, especially when Christmas arrives.
Frontline is very apt for our times, as we try to survive Covid-19, this book also shows people trying to survive a pandemic too – Spanish Flu and the devastation to life between that and war. I think it could serve as something more thought-provoking about their own behaviours in present times.
The book is an intense but pertinent read. Dr. Hilary Jones has also left an “Author’s Note” at the back of the book that adds a little more about what is dubbed as “The Great War” and is poignant, as are the acknowledgements. I agree that there are some parallels that can be drawn from today between Spanish Flu times and Covid-19 times. It’s hard not to notice, if you know a bit about way back then too and thinking about it, even if you don’t, you’ll be able to find this by reading this book.
Clearly Dr. Hilary Jones is writing from what he knows from his medical background, but he’s intelligently combined this with war, of those fighting in it and of women who are not. There is a rich tapestry that runs through it and there is a sense that it’s a bit of a nod in a way to those who came before him and that sits very well with me, and I think it will with many other readers too.
Evie is one of the characters who start off this book, which begins in 1910 and makes a shift to 1914. She has a baby and her story is sure to tug on many heartstrings, even the most hardened of hearts. It’s one of woe but also of courage of those around her.
Readers also follow Grace and other nurses as well as tells of how things were from a soldier, like Will’s story too and how they are linked and it becomes about them and their lives and needs to survive and what was happening in the world at the time, that they had to find ways of living in and doing their duties.
There’s a real rawness to one of the letters written, which gives further insight into what was going on and the fears that were there.
There’s the sense of life, distinct of the times and it feels like a lot of research went into this as well as passion for the subject matters. It may not be an easy read, but its authenticity and realism through fiction really shines through and develops into a great read. It takes readers to the heart of war, including The Somme, but also what it’s like to be home on leave, as Will is when he returns to Grace. There are also some lovely heartwarming moments too, that saves this book from being too bleak and in some instances, shows some humanity in the world too, especially when Christmas arrives.
Frontline is very apt for our times, as we try to survive Covid-19, this book also shows people trying to survive a pandemic too – Spanish Flu and the devastation to life between that and war. I think it could serve as something more thought-provoking about their own behaviours in present times.
The book is an intense but pertinent read. Dr. Hilary Jones has also left an “Author’s Note” at the back of the book that adds a little more about what is dubbed as “The Great War” and is poignant, as are the acknowledgements. I agree that there are some parallels that can be drawn from today between Spanish Flu times and Covid-19 times. It’s hard not to notice, if you know a bit about way back then too and thinking about it, even if you don’t, you’ll be able to find this by reading this book.
Clearly Dr. Hilary Jones is writing from what he knows from his medical background, but he’s intelligently combined this with war, of those fighting in it and of women who are not. There is a rich tapestry that runs through it and there is a sense that it’s a bit of a nod in a way to those who came before him and that sits very well with me, and I think it will with many other readers too.
August 28, 2021
𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
⭐⭐⭐⭐
A story of truths, of heartache, devastating wartime, real life emotions, experiences and utterly horrific years for the Soldiers and service men & women in WW1. 𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝗪𝐢𝐥𝐥 & 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞'𝐬 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲.
A categorically terrible tale filled with love. Knowing that while Will & Grace themselves were that; a tale, that so many did what they did in real life; fell in love in the war zone, made it so personal, so relatable, i felt emotionally embedded within their story.
I always admire books & authors that tell brutal stories, murderous scenes yet write beautiful love making scenes that compliment one another. Frontline gave its reader hope amidst the hate.
I've read many fictional books about War, but none from the baseline of England. No novels focused on the Soldiers of my home ground that fought then to give me now. It was eye opening and devastating to read how each character felt, what they saw and did, but Frontline ultimately felt humbling. I would love to have known more of Will & Grace and the end, however what Frontline gave me was an all man's story. The deflection from pure love, meant we discovered the stories of the forgotten; the stretcher bearers, the injured, the retrieval and burial collectors and those whose land was used to fight and left behind.
I loved this story with all of my heart, Dr Hilary Jones wrote this with conviction, knowledge, respect and love, and you can feel that through every word, chapter, and character.
#prproduct #bookstagram #readersofinstagram #bookstagrammer #photosofbooks #bookreview #wartimefiction #ww1 #review #drhilaryjones #welbeckpublishing #frontline #Frontlinebook #instadaily #instalove #bookstagramfeature #photooftheday #bibliophile #bookish #bookclub #bookgroup #bookcommunity #bookrecos #bookrecommendations #tbr #whatimreading #girlswhoread #wartimeromance #wartimenovels #booktour
⭐⭐⭐⭐
A story of truths, of heartache, devastating wartime, real life emotions, experiences and utterly horrific years for the Soldiers and service men & women in WW1. 𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝗪𝐢𝐥𝐥 & 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞'𝐬 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲.
A categorically terrible tale filled with love. Knowing that while Will & Grace themselves were that; a tale, that so many did what they did in real life; fell in love in the war zone, made it so personal, so relatable, i felt emotionally embedded within their story.
I always admire books & authors that tell brutal stories, murderous scenes yet write beautiful love making scenes that compliment one another. Frontline gave its reader hope amidst the hate.
I've read many fictional books about War, but none from the baseline of England. No novels focused on the Soldiers of my home ground that fought then to give me now. It was eye opening and devastating to read how each character felt, what they saw and did, but Frontline ultimately felt humbling. I would love to have known more of Will & Grace and the end, however what Frontline gave me was an all man's story. The deflection from pure love, meant we discovered the stories of the forgotten; the stretcher bearers, the injured, the retrieval and burial collectors and those whose land was used to fight and left behind.
I loved this story with all of my heart, Dr Hilary Jones wrote this with conviction, knowledge, respect and love, and you can feel that through every word, chapter, and character.
#prproduct #bookstagram #readersofinstagram #bookstagrammer #photosofbooks #bookreview #wartimefiction #ww1 #review #drhilaryjones #welbeckpublishing #frontline #Frontlinebook #instadaily #instalove #bookstagramfeature #photooftheday #bibliophile #bookish #bookclub #bookgroup #bookcommunity #bookrecos #bookrecommendations #tbr #whatimreading #girlswhoread #wartimeromance #wartimenovels #booktour
August 9, 2022
The Multi-talented Dr Jones!
I enjoyed this gentle story of families during WW1 with men and women serving in the armed forces doing various roles to help soldiers at war.
There was a vast amount of medical narrative is this book with historical detail about treatments that were available at that time. Sometimes a little too much medical narrative and it maybe would’ve been better with a little less and more conversation in the story instead.
That being said, it’s a good story shown from different peoples perspectives such as family members who were at home in England worrying about their relatives in France. Intertwined with all this story of war and tragedy is a love story of Will Burnett who meets the beautiful Grace, a FANY Nurse, who is above his social class but she sees past that to fall in love with him.
It’s very gently done and even the descriptions of the wounded, killed, maimed were done carefully so the reader understands the human devastation endured during the war but didn’t make them depressed or upset.
Very nicely done and a good book for people who love stories about the Great War - especially those, like me, who lost several brave family members to it but will remain proud of them forever.
I enjoyed this gentle story of families during WW1 with men and women serving in the armed forces doing various roles to help soldiers at war.
There was a vast amount of medical narrative is this book with historical detail about treatments that were available at that time. Sometimes a little too much medical narrative and it maybe would’ve been better with a little less and more conversation in the story instead.
That being said, it’s a good story shown from different peoples perspectives such as family members who were at home in England worrying about their relatives in France. Intertwined with all this story of war and tragedy is a love story of Will Burnett who meets the beautiful Grace, a FANY Nurse, who is above his social class but she sees past that to fall in love with him.
It’s very gently done and even the descriptions of the wounded, killed, maimed were done carefully so the reader understands the human devastation endured during the war but didn’t make them depressed or upset.
Very nicely done and a good book for people who love stories about the Great War - especially those, like me, who lost several brave family members to it but will remain proud of them forever.
October 30, 2022
An excellent novel which not only was fascinating and wholly captivating , but also extremely interesting!
Frontline, by Hilary Jones.
Two teenagers from England decide to take an active role on the Western front during WWI. One is a nurse, the other one a stretcher bearer. Both characters are full of good will, brave (reckless?), and believe in what they are doing. They felt very credible and relatable to me.
The focus of this story bears on the medical work done not only by doctors but mostly by the ever so important job of nurses and stretcher bearers. Many descriptions of the wounds and how they were dealt with, triage, death, burials added a very realistic and human touch to the story. The Spanish influenza part of the storyline shows great and accurate research from the author. Even though I know quite a bit about this war, I still learned many details which might indeed appear as details but which are much more really. I was dumfounded to read about how shell shocked soldiers were dealt with within the army! I had not known about that.... The level of tension remains throughout the novel which I could not put down! The saga continues in a second book that I have already bought. Highly recommended on a human and historical point of view.
Frontline, by Hilary Jones.
Two teenagers from England decide to take an active role on the Western front during WWI. One is a nurse, the other one a stretcher bearer. Both characters are full of good will, brave (reckless?), and believe in what they are doing. They felt very credible and relatable to me.
The focus of this story bears on the medical work done not only by doctors but mostly by the ever so important job of nurses and stretcher bearers. Many descriptions of the wounds and how they were dealt with, triage, death, burials added a very realistic and human touch to the story. The Spanish influenza part of the storyline shows great and accurate research from the author. Even though I know quite a bit about this war, I still learned many details which might indeed appear as details but which are much more really. I was dumfounded to read about how shell shocked soldiers were dealt with within the army! I had not known about that.... The level of tension remains throughout the novel which I could not put down! The saga continues in a second book that I have already bought. Highly recommended on a human and historical point of view.
August 31, 2025
Did not finish at pg. 23. This was just too silly. A sixteen year old girl leaving to be a nurse in the British Army in 1914? Come on. Be for real. Even a quick Google search will tell you is would have been impossible; the recruits in the First Aid Nursing Yeomantry had to be at least 18. So what’s the deal, Doctor Jones?
Which brings me to my next issue. Why write a novel to showcase that you’re a doctor and you know medical conditions? I’m not sure, but that’s evidently what Doctor Jones decided to do when he set out to write Frontline. Within the first few pages we have paragraphs of medical descriptions, which read like a patient’s clinical record and not prose in a work of fiction. It’s so clunky and awkward, and frankly it serves no purpose in a novel like this. A sentence or two is fine, the character is sick, we get it. But it got the point where it just felt like the author was trying to flex that he knew his stuff. Like we get it. You’re a doctor. We get it!
Unfortunately just because a person knows the facts, it does not equate with emotional writing.
Which brings me to my next issue. Why write a novel to showcase that you’re a doctor and you know medical conditions? I’m not sure, but that’s evidently what Doctor Jones decided to do when he set out to write Frontline. Within the first few pages we have paragraphs of medical descriptions, which read like a patient’s clinical record and not prose in a work of fiction. It’s so clunky and awkward, and frankly it serves no purpose in a novel like this. A sentence or two is fine, the character is sick, we get it. But it got the point where it just felt like the author was trying to flex that he knew his stuff. Like we get it. You’re a doctor. We get it!
Unfortunately just because a person knows the facts, it does not equate with emotional writing.
August 27, 2021
NetGalley
Member Review
Cover Image: Frontline
Frontline
by Dr Hilary Jones
Pub Date: 2 Sep 2021
Review by
jeanie m, Reviewer
Last updated on 27 Aug 2021
My Recommendation
With grateful thanks to netgalley for an early copy in return for an honest opinion.
I read this book with an open mind not sure what to expect, but it was quiet an amazing read. Excellent fact and fiction mixed so well together I couldn't put it down, the story of Robbie and his family with his two sons Will and jack was really outstandingly beautifully written, showing amazing Compassion.
This is the 1st book I have read out of hundreds about ww2 that mentions the Irish army's in any great detail which gave this book even more intrigue.
I can highly recommend this book for an outstandingly amazing read.
Don't forget! Come back to your Review on the pub date, 2 Sep 2021, to post to these retailers.
Member Review
Cover Image: Frontline
Frontline
by Dr Hilary Jones
Pub Date: 2 Sep 2021
Review by
jeanie m, Reviewer
Last updated on 27 Aug 2021
My Recommendation
With grateful thanks to netgalley for an early copy in return for an honest opinion.
I read this book with an open mind not sure what to expect, but it was quiet an amazing read. Excellent fact and fiction mixed so well together I couldn't put it down, the story of Robbie and his family with his two sons Will and jack was really outstandingly beautifully written, showing amazing Compassion.
This is the 1st book I have read out of hundreds about ww2 that mentions the Irish army's in any great detail which gave this book even more intrigue.
I can highly recommend this book for an outstandingly amazing read.
Don't forget! Come back to your Review on the pub date, 2 Sep 2021, to post to these retailers.
September 1, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for this ARC.
This book has got to be the best one I’ve read this year. I thought the premise looked good and my kind of read and I wasn’t wrong. I absolutely loved this book. Just loved it. This was such a well written book, I was drawn in right from the beginning and quickly found myself immersed in the story. The author writes very eloquently of the horrors of WW1 and how it affected those who fought in it. I loved the two main characters Will and Grace who meet during this time and build a friendship and more. I found this to be an enthralling, sad, poignant and heartbreaking read at times and a good mix of fact and fiction. I loved that the story was told through different characters and in different places, it made for a very realistic and believable read, and I enjoyed reading of how medical practices had improved over time. This is the first book in a series, and wow, what a brilliant start. I definitely will read the next book and look forward to see how things progress for Will, Grace and their families.
This book has got to be the best one I’ve read this year. I thought the premise looked good and my kind of read and I wasn’t wrong. I absolutely loved this book. Just loved it. This was such a well written book, I was drawn in right from the beginning and quickly found myself immersed in the story. The author writes very eloquently of the horrors of WW1 and how it affected those who fought in it. I loved the two main characters Will and Grace who meet during this time and build a friendship and more. I found this to be an enthralling, sad, poignant and heartbreaking read at times and a good mix of fact and fiction. I loved that the story was told through different characters and in different places, it made for a very realistic and believable read, and I enjoyed reading of how medical practices had improved over time. This is the first book in a series, and wow, what a brilliant start. I definitely will read the next book and look forward to see how things progress for Will, Grace and their families.
May 11, 2023
This was an excellent read. A love story set against WWI and the flu pandemic. it seemed true to the reality of the awfulness of the war, with descriptive passages about the mud, the conditions, the relentless shelling and firing, the injuries etc, without being too distressing for people to read.
I liked the 2 main characters, Will & Grace, and the back story that went with each of them, and ran as a thread through the tale.
The ending was also satisfactory and open ended, and the romance, while clearly there, was tasteful and not of a Mills & Boon or Jilly Cooper style, and therefore all the more believable.
A definite recommendation from me, and I look forward to more stories from Dr Jones
I liked the 2 main characters, Will & Grace, and the back story that went with each of them, and ran as a thread through the tale.
The ending was also satisfactory and open ended, and the romance, while clearly there, was tasteful and not of a Mills & Boon or Jilly Cooper style, and therefore all the more believable.
A definite recommendation from me, and I look forward to more stories from Dr Jones
May 1, 2024
From looking at the front cover and reading the back, I thought this would be more of a romance novel( which isn't My genre of book at all) but I was pleasantly surprised and it really did manage to be a case of don't judge a book by its cover. I would say this is more a war book with an underlying romance running through it, but by no mean is the war stuff overwhelming or boring.
The descriptions of the conditions each character was working in and surviving through were exceptional. Really helped build a mental picture and made you help understand even a fraction of what the horrors of ww1 were.
There were at least two points in the book where I had to put it down and just digest what had happened to people. Considering I didn't expect to like the book, I finished it in three days.
The descriptions of the conditions each character was working in and surviving through were exceptional. Really helped build a mental picture and made you help understand even a fraction of what the horrors of ww1 were.
There were at least two points in the book where I had to put it down and just digest what had happened to people. Considering I didn't expect to like the book, I finished it in three days.
May 22, 2025
3.5⭐️
This book started off soooo strong, with some extremely emotive and graphic storytelling, but I soon found the matter-of-fact manner of writing rather grating.
You can tell the story is written by a doctor, as the medical descriptions are incredibly detailed, which I enjoyed, but this clinical writing did not translate well to other aspects of the book, particularly the romance.
That being said, I did enjoy this book, and would recommend it to historical fiction lovers, especially those with a morbid curiosity for medical procedures.
Ultimately, this raw depiction of WW1 was a great insight into the lived experiences of those who gave so much for their country, and made me think of the harrowing repercussions our ancestors endured.
This book started off soooo strong, with some extremely emotive and graphic storytelling, but I soon found the matter-of-fact manner of writing rather grating.
You can tell the story is written by a doctor, as the medical descriptions are incredibly detailed, which I enjoyed, but this clinical writing did not translate well to other aspects of the book, particularly the romance.
That being said, I did enjoy this book, and would recommend it to historical fiction lovers, especially those with a morbid curiosity for medical procedures.
Ultimately, this raw depiction of WW1 was a great insight into the lived experiences of those who gave so much for their country, and made me think of the harrowing repercussions our ancestors endured.
September 28, 2021
Will and Grace are from different backgrounds but both find themselves helping on the medical front during WW1. Will had enlisted before he was technically old enough- but becomes invaluable every where he works.
The working conditions were vividly described and it was very informative with the historical side to the medicine at the time and the conditions that the medical teams worked in.
The relationship developing between them is sweet and you are hoping that everything moves in the right direction for them. I love books set around the war years and I am looking forward to seeing what is next in their lives.
The working conditions were vividly described and it was very informative with the historical side to the medicine at the time and the conditions that the medical teams worked in.
The relationship developing between them is sweet and you are hoping that everything moves in the right direction for them. I love books set around the war years and I am looking forward to seeing what is next in their lives.
September 11, 2024
So I don’t write reviews but I spent the first two chapters going back & forth trying to understand whether there was a typo or not. Because there is no way that the British government/military in 1914 would allow a 16 year old girl to travel to the western front as a nurse. I’m ok with a little fudging of history for the sake of a good story but this was so ridiculous I never got past it.
I also severely dislike when an author takes a teenage girl but gives her the attitude of a much older woman in a way that is borderline creepy & completely unrealistic at times.
I finished the book but that was more about my stubbornness than the storyline.
I also severely dislike when an author takes a teenage girl but gives her the attitude of a much older woman in a way that is borderline creepy & completely unrealistic at times.
I finished the book but that was more about my stubbornness than the storyline.
December 30, 2021
This novel is set during WW1 and the Spanish Flu epidemic. If you're not already aware of the madness of war this book will expose it. Aristocratic Grace defies her parents to volunteer as a nurse. Will is the son of a dockworker and lies about his age to enlist. They meet in a French field hospital amongst outrageous conditions. More soldiers died of the flu than they did from battles. There are plenty of gory details (maybe due to the author's medical background) which were challenging to read at times. However it is a well written debut with many lessons for modern times.
September 9, 2023
I hadnt known that Dr Hilary Jones had written a novel, and in fact it didnt twig with me till I had bought the book ( another of my random yet selective book choices- because it was set in WW1 and i like novels in that setting) and read about it. I was truly impressed with the medical and surgical etc detail - if it was sometimes a bit to graphic!- and the story and characters were very well portrayed with lots of other related yet important characters as the book went on. I really enjoyed this well written novel
October 13, 2021
Good but a bit "Barbara Cartland" given the subject I felt it could have been better too many characters it was hard to keep up with the storyline was also disappointed to see the only soldiers using swear words were the Irish from Dublin! Type casting or what!
Any one who likes historical novels will enjoy it I thought it could have been more entertaining despite it's factual content
Any one who likes historical novels will enjoy it I thought it could have been more entertaining despite it's factual content
January 8, 2022
An extremely graphic, but unputdownable book.
I learnt so much about WW1, especially about stretcher bearers of which I had no knowledge at all. In fact there’s an awful lot that I don’t know, but this book has piqued my interest and I will do some research. Also Spanish flu, which bears a huge resemblance to Covid 19 is something else that I knew was devastating, but not just how many people succumbed to it.
I’m looking forward to reading more from Dr Hilary Jones.
I learnt so much about WW1, especially about stretcher bearers of which I had no knowledge at all. In fact there’s an awful lot that I don’t know, but this book has piqued my interest and I will do some research. Also Spanish flu, which bears a huge resemblance to Covid 19 is something else that I knew was devastating, but not just how many people succumbed to it.
I’m looking forward to reading more from Dr Hilary Jones.
January 29, 2022
Excellent compelling read
Very well written and compelling story about WW1 telling both the harrowing and human stories of the people involved. Mainly following the lives and experiences of a young nurse and young 16 Year old soldier , their involvement and emerging stories. Gives a fair insite into the conditions and horrors from the ' War to End Wars' I enjoyed it and have no problem in recommending it very highly
Very well written and compelling story about WW1 telling both the harrowing and human stories of the people involved. Mainly following the lives and experiences of a young nurse and young 16 Year old soldier , their involvement and emerging stories. Gives a fair insite into the conditions and horrors from the ' War to End Wars' I enjoyed it and have no problem in recommending it very highly
September 16, 2022
A beautifully compelling book with unforgettable characters. The author has depicted the horrors of World War One with an elegant turn of her quill.
This novel is one of the best books set during World War One that I ever read. It is, at times, utterly heartbreaking, but I guess considering the topic that is to be expected.
This is a really insightful novel about this era and one that I highly recommend.
This novel is one of the best books set during World War One that I ever read. It is, at times, utterly heartbreaking, but I guess considering the topic that is to be expected.
This is a really insightful novel about this era and one that I highly recommend.
September 6, 2021
I fancied something of a change in my reading matter and was well rewarded with Frontline, an excellent story, encompassing the horrors of the First World War.
To say it can be compared with a Jeffrey Archer is a compliment in itself and I look forward to the follow up that I am certain will materialise.
High recommend.
To say it can be compared with a Jeffrey Archer is a compliment in itself and I look forward to the follow up that I am certain will materialise.
High recommend.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews