Alice Winn In Memoriam

My rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Enthralling. Poignant. The horrors of war and a tender love story.

You might think there are already too many stories about young Englishmen from privileged backgrounds who find themselves amidst the unspeakable events of World War 1. I half thought so too when I finally started this book after having it for several months.

The opening chapters are a volley of names, characters, and their interactions at a 'public' school which can be tricky to navigate. Maybe I wasn't paying enough attention, but it took me several chapters to feel connected to the story. Then? Then I was ensnared.

When does camaraderie between young men tip over into something else? How to navigate all the pitfalls, make hidden feelings clear to yourself if no-one else, and connect with the object of your affections when you're hardly ever alone? Using the coded language of literature is one way Henry Gaunt and Sidney Ellwood can try to express what they feel for each other - at school and at war.

They are products of a system designed to produce a new generation of imperialists. The war changes them and the world around them profoundly. Hardly surprising really. The particular horrors of that conflict are not shied away from and some of the descriptions gave me pause for reflection. Such a grinding, pointless slaughter with mistakes being replayed over and over again.

Through this hell runs the golden thread of love. Sometimes cut short; sometimes not. Always giving a reason to survive, to reconnect, to endure.

The all-consuming nature of this wonderful novel is enhanced by Christian Coulson's narration. His light-toned voice suits this story of young men finding themselves in love and war. One to be reread many times.