Lyrical, tender, and incredibly moving. William Hussey masterfully balances brutal realism with pockets of sincere hope and joy – Becky Albertalli
It’s a tale from the past, with a message for today. A stunningly poignant, devastating, and ultimately beautiful tour-de-force – Simon James Green
At just nineteen, Stephen has already survived a year at the front. Now he is returning to the trenches to lead a platoon, despite his wounds. Broken-hearted from the loss of his first love, Stephen wonders what he’s fighting for. Then he meets Private Danny McCormick, a smart, talented young recruit. From their first meeting, there’s something undeniable between them – something forbidden by both society and the army. Determined to protect Danny, Stephen must face down the prejudices and ignorance of his superiors as well as the onslaught of German shells and sniper fire.
As the summer of 1916 ticks down to one big push on the Somme, can Stephen and Danny stay together – and will their love save them – or condemn them?
THE FACTS
📕 stunning characterization
📘emotional, historical romance
📙 moving depictions of WWI
MY REVIEW
There are some novels that stick with me … they weave their way into my thoughts and settle in. “The Boy I Love” will be with me for a very long time.
It’s WWI and Stephen Wraxall has already survived the unbelievable. He lost his best friend, someone he had strong feelings for, in a difficult battle. The trauma of it is registered deep in his soul and he is living under the weight of survivor’s guilt.
When he is dispatched the front again before the “big push”, Stephen meets a young soldier who brings back echoes of his dead friend. Stephen’s memories and loss have him pouring everything into protecting Danny.
What’s remarkable about this story is the attention to detail. It is a startling and weighty depiction of the conditions of soldiers in WWI. I have read history books; I’ve studied the war in school, but I think the characters were so well written that I became emotionally invested.
There are times in this story when I found myself holding my breath along with the characters, when I could feel their tension in my shoulders, it was remarkable. William Hussey has created a touching story that lays out the toll war took on soldiers.
In addition to dealing with the trauma of war, these two young men are living in fear of being found out for being gay. It’s terrifying to think of living with the fear of simply being in love. There were tears in my eyes on several occasions.
A must read. Add this one to your list.
THE LINKS
🖊 Author
I received a copy of “The Boy I Love” by Willam Hussey via Edelweiss Plus.
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