2012*1st* Private Peaceful - Michael Morpurgo(HarperCollins)

Good clean unclipped first edition from the author of Warhorse.

Private Peaceful by Michael Morpurgo, first published in 2003, is a poignant historical novel aimed at young adult readers, set during World War I. The story follows the lives of two brothers, Tommo and Charlie Peaceful, as they grow up in the English countryside and eventually go off to fight in the war. The novel deals with themes of love, loss, family loyalty, and the brutal realities of war, offering a deeply emotional and often heart-wrenching perspective on the sacrifices made by soldiers.

Plot Summary:
The story is narrated by Tommo Peaceful, who recounts his life in a series of flashbacks over the course of a single night while waiting for a pivotal event at dawn. As Tommo waits, he remembers his childhood with his older brother, Charlie, and their struggles growing up after the death of their father. They both fall in love with a girl named Molly, though it's Charlie who eventually marries her.

As the war begins, both brothers are sent to the Western Front, where they experience the horrors of trench warfare. The novel starkly portrays the brutality and senselessness of war, while also highlighting the love and loyalty that binds the brothers together. Charlie, always the protector of Tommo, plays a critical role throughout, even as they face the unimaginable in the trenches.

The narrative builds toward a devastating climax, which reveals the true meaning behind Tommo’s all-night vigil. Without giving too much away, the ending is a powerful indictment of the way soldiers, particularly young ones, were treated during World War I, particularly regarding military discipline and the harsh penalties for desertion.

Themes:
- Brotherhood and Loyalty: The bond between Tommo and Charlie is the emotional core of the novel. Charlie's unwavering loyalty to Tommo, even in the direst of circumstances, speaks to the strength of familial love.
- The Horrors of War: Morpurgo does not shy away from depicting the violence and trauma of World War I. The novel serves as a strong anti-war statement, criticizing the senseless destruction and the tragic loss of life.
- Injustice: A key theme in Private Peaceful is the injustice faced by soldiers who were court-martialed and executed for desertion, many of whom were