Private Peaceful

by Michael Morpurgo
Private Peaceful cover
Good Books rating 4.6
Historical Fiction
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Paperback • £7.99
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Technical
  • ID: 3367
  • Added: 2025-10-18
  • Updated: 2025-10-19
  • ISBN: 9781849435710
  • Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
  • Published: 2012-08-24
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Private Peaceful is a deeply moving novel that recounts the life of Tommo Peaceful, a young soldier awaiting execution at dawn during World War I. As the night unfolds, Tommo's memories of his joyful childhood in rural Devon come to life, filled with adventures, love, and tragedy. His bond with Molly, the love of his life, and the loss of his father in a forest accident shape his early years. The narrative then shifts to the brutal realities of war, highlighting the injustices and battles that ultimately bring Tommo to the front line. /n/n Written by Michael Morpurgo, the award-winning author of War Horse, this novel is inspired by the author's visit to Ypres, where he discovered the shocking number of young soldiers court-martialed and executed for cowardice. The book includes introductory essays by Morpurgo, Mark Leipacher, and Simon Reade, providing additional context and insight into the story's adaptation.

Reviews
BookTrust · 2025-10-18
passionate 5.00

The story is praised for its passionate and moving examination of war and its injustices, making it a compelling read.

The reviewer highlights the passionate and moving nature of 'Private Peaceful', noting its unflinching examination of the horrors of war and the injustices surrounding the execution of young soldiers. They appreciate the book's ability to evoke strong emotions and its compelling narrative. The reviewer believes that the book's emotional depth and powerful storytelling make it a standout read.

Quick quotes

    Passionate, beguiling and moving, this award-winning story is also an unflinching examination of the horrors of war and the injustice surrounding the execution

    Full of vivid detail and engrossing atmosphere, leading to a dramatic and moving conclusion

    The book is full of jealousy, grief, joy and anger

The Guardian · 1220-12-20
fantastic 4.50

The book is described as a fantastic and moving story that children will love. It is praised for its emotional depth and engaging narrative.

The reviewer feels that 'Private Peaceful' is a fantastic book that will captivate children of all ages. They highlight the emotional depth of the story, which deals with themes of love, war, and injustice. The narrative is engaging and moving, making it a standout read. The reviewer believes that the book's ability to evoke strong emotions and its compelling storytelling make it a must-read for young audiences.

Quick quotes

    Children of the moment, children of the future, you'll DEFINITELY LOVE this book!

    Private Peaceful is the FANTASTIC best-selling Michael Morpurgo

    Passionate, beguiling and moving, this award-winning story is also an unflinching examination of the horrors of war and the injustice surrounding the execution

Booksellers NZ · 1122-12-20
emotional 4.30

The deeply personal story of Tommo Peaceful is praised for its emotional resonance and engaging narrative.

The reviewer appreciates the deeply personal story of Tommo Peaceful, noting its emotional resonance and engaging narrative. They highlight the book's ability to evoke a range of emotions, from jealousy and grief to joy and anger. The reviewer believes that the book's emotional depth and powerful storytelling make it a compelling read, particularly for young audiences.

Quick quotes

    This is the deeply personal story of Tommo Peaceful, a gentle lad growing up in Devon just as the First World War takes its grip on Europe.

    Morpurgo does a great job of making the reader feel what the characters are feeling.

    Despite the sad ending you are still rooting for the remaining characters

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