Description
Book SynopsisNothing in the papers, not the most vivid and heart-rending descriptions, have made me realise war like your letters' Vera Brittain to Roland Leighton, 17 April 1915.
This selection of letters, written between 1913 & 1918, between Vera Brittain and four young men - her fiance Roland Leighton, her brother Edward and their close friends Victor Richardson & Geoffrey Thurlow present a remarkable and profoundly moving portrait of five young people caught up in the cataclysm of total war.
Roland, 'Monseigneur', is the 'leader' & his letters most clearly trace the path leading from idealism to disillusionment. Edward, ' Immaculate of the Trenches', was orderly & controlled, down even to his attire. Geoffrey, the 'non-militarist at heart' had not rushed to enlist but put aside his objections to the war for patriotism's sake. Victor on the other hand, possessed a very sweet character and was known as 'Father Confessor'. An important historical testimony telling a powerful story of idealism, disillusionment and personal tragedy.
Trade ReviewUnique...a remarkable portrait of five young people caught up in the cataclysm of war * INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY *
Immensely moving...As the first world war slips out of living memory, this is a timely reminder of what was lost - and how we lost it * SUNDAY TIMES *
Touching, angry, bewildered...they demand to be read * MAIL ON SUNDAY *
Beautifully edited and with excellent notes. * TLS *
