As with the earlier books in the series, the character is delightful, the obstacles MacPhail faces difficult, and the resolutions realistic. This starts at the beginning of the war and fills in many of the blanks. Duthie's style of writing as well as the characterization of the hero reminds me of Len Deighton, one of the better modern writers. There is depth and a wonderful insouciance that inevitably gets MacPhail in trouble with authority, but MacPhail would not be MacPhail without that Achilles heel and the book would hardly be as good without it. As it is, the series a blast.1 Bob Colvin74

Darrell Duthie scores again

Duthie goes back to introduce Malcolm MacPhail to the gritty, horrendous war in the trenches. His quick wit and sarcasm subject him to the up and down whims of senior officers but his tenacity and sense of duty stand him in good stead. A must read for MacPhail fans and those interested in the soldier's experience in The Great War.1 Stephen L15

Happy to learn more about the Great War

I really enjoy historical fiction about WW1. The point of view of the enlisted ranks, as in this novel, puts me right there in the trenches. In my life, I've been fortunate to learn the stories of WW2 veterans first-hand. The amount of detail fleshing out MacPhail's world never gets in the way of the story. Highly recommended for those interested in that era. Paul36 1 follower

Pretty much as expected and as advertised. Accurate view of WW1, harrowing reminders of what it was probably although not gory in any way. There was a small sub plot which I enjoyed too. Light reading for such horrific times but still very much thought provoking

Marked down a star due to lack of punctuation and unknowable (for the general public) references. I had to read some sentences several times on occasion to work out what was being said and look up acronyms which even Google couldn’t find Robert M. Roth MD297 1 follower

World War I historical fiction

The first book in a series about a Canadian infantryman during the war. Here you see life in the trenches, examples of horrible military leadership, and indiscriminate, senseless deaths. The author provides us with interesting characters, a quick moving plot and the ambience of the early stages of the war. I will be reading all of the books in the series. Oliver322 1 follower

One of my guilty pleasures is reading military fiction. This is chronologically the first in this series: The Canadian Corps in WW1 from Second Ypres in 1915 to Mr. Sorrel in 1916. Well researched with believable characters, the book provides a realistic view (limited to the perspective of troops in the trenches) of the horrors of that war coupled with the stupidity and stubborness of the military upper echelons of command. Craig Daniels51

What a splendid novel! Book 3 in a series, and each one so far has been an engaging, looked-forward-to, page turner. The prose is clever. The characters well drawn. The action scenes riveting. The series has faithfully been guided by historical events and those events have believably made use of to help drive the narrative. Can’t wait to start Book 4. Morris D44 1 follower

a very enjoyable read with an even balance

It is hard to balance the horror of industrialized warfare in its earliest iteration with wit, enjoyable characters and internal story arcs keeping tension in play. I believe this author pulled this off in this offering and for that I am glad. Big s m i l e. Herbert Rosenblum46

Kept me busy

I felt that this would be just another WW I review of bungling officers but it was not that at all. Though a work of fiction it was following what was happening. I believe that this will be my last WWI book for me. It was most gratifying. HeatherAuthor 4 books12

Masterfully weaving true historical details, people and events with his fictional characters, Duthie recreates the Canadian experience in the trenches of the Western Front in a moving, entertaining and enlightening way. Malcolm MacPhail, a lawyer and most unly Private, is the perfect representation of the cheeky and irreverent men Canada sent to war. Underestimated, they overperformed, yet their deeds, courage and resiliency have long been buried in the shadow of their British counterparts. Duthie sheds a new light on this period, and should be required reading for every Canadian. Well written, fast paced, incredibly well researched, grounded deeply in truth and authenticity, this book is unputdownable. Ernest Godfrey192 1 follower

Brilliant

Realistic doesn't begin to encompass this novel which is another misnomer. It is supposed to be fiction and the individual characters are but so well researched so well written it may well have been a history book David Harrison18

I will try not to spoil this, but shit, folks should read this, he meets some very well known Canadians. This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.Show full review François Carrière207

Really d this one. Don't know why it is the third book but is actually the beginning of the story. Jean-Marc MICHELS14 1 follower

Toujours la même chose! d'une tranchée à l'autre. Fatiguant. David Haddon139

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