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In a series of four books based on war, each with a different
focus, G.S. Willmott has extensively researched war 'histories' and
from them, has created 'his stories'. This, the fourth and most
compelling, recreates a multitude of experiences of the young men
caught up in the frenzy and futility of World War 1. Sex and death,
eternal themes, bind together these individual stories; the shared
experiences of love and death are the strong bonds which link these
young Australian and British soldiers across France, Egypt,
Flanders, even Syria. Their suffering is what makes us think deeply
about ongoing conflicts which eternally destroy human lives and
from which we seem to have learned nothing. In Red Lights on the
Somme, Willmott unearths surprising and positive aspects of war;
man's inhumanity to man is counter-pointed by mateship between
soldiers, tenderness between lovers, and trust and inter-dependence
between humans and animals. The contrast between the nobility and
loyaty of non-humans (including dogs, pigeons, horses) forms a
stark contrast against the brutality and treachery of mankind.
'This book tells the stories of young men far from home in the
battle of their lives, fighting ultimately for their survival.
Evocative, gruelling and often brutal the book touches on most
aspects of life as an infantryman on the western front and the
harshness, sadness and realities of life for those who participated
in the first world war. Historically accurate, factual and graphic
this well written book is a must read for anyone with an interest
in Australians in World War One.' - Christine McLean-McIntyre
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