This book deals with the fraility of life, the effects of war on all living creatures, and an insight into the horror that our Canadian grandfathers (and grandmothers) went through during the World Wars (this book focuses on World War 1). I would have preferred the story to have been a little longer, and with a different narrator. (Apr 2002)

This book was really good! It brings you into the mind of a soldier in WWI, makes you feel the fear, confusion, and the suffering. It is set up in a way that the reader is a researcher and so you hear the stories of those who knew the soldier. It's a dark and chilling story, and sometimes you just want to close the book because it's too much to bear. After you read it, you'll always remember it! It really is a great book!

This novel describes the experiences of Robert Ross, a young Canadian officer who experiences the horrors of World War I trench warfare. Internally, young Ross is deeply conflicted, expressing an unstable mix of human grace and human brutality. During the novel, Ross learns about the true nature of love and about the importantance of remaining true to your own self. Animals such as rabbits, horses, dogs, coyotes, and birds are all used as symbols throughout the narrative. In the end, the story comes together like pieces in a puzzle as the author frequently jumps between first, second, and third person perspectives.

I've been looking for another great book about the First World War, and I've found it. The book was riveting, emotional, terrifying, and fantastic. Definitely worth a read.

A really good read about identity, family and war. Strong characters make this novel very captivating.