'War Is War'
 

Written under the pseudonym of 'Ex-private X', Alfred McLelland Burrage, both treats us to, and appals us with his experiences in the Artists Rifles, during the Great War.

Often humorous, sometimes shocking, occasionally heart-breaking, his easy writing style, irreverent sense of humour, and arresting candour combine to form 'War Is War' into a work which I consider to have been ahead of its time.

Thanks to Chris 'Drew' for putting me on to this book - I was chuckling and recoiling throughout... sometimes both before I reached the end of a page.

Please read (if you haven't already) it's a must.

JT

Many thanks JT for the heads up in respect of this book. I managed to find a second hand copy in fine condition and it has just dropped through the letterbox. Looking forward to reading it.
Cheers
James

Nice one, James. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

JT

Thanks JT!

James just tipped me off about this book and your reccomendation and I understand it's definitely one to get! I was just looking for something new to read, so perfect timing as well!

Cheers

Colin

Appreciate the nod Colin, but it’s Drew who gets the Good Conduct chevron, he being the person who initially got the ball rolling on this one.

Let us know how you get on with it.

Cheers.

JT

Glad you liked it, JT. Enjoyed your review. ‘Treats’ and ‘appals’ us- I certainly agree there.

Too many good lines to know which to quote really.

Cheers,

Chris

Agreed, too many good lines to choose from. That said, here is one of many that stuck with me (ch.5, p.58):

‘Arras was a more poignant sight than Ypres. Ypres was a bleeding corpse and Arras still writhing in her death agony.’


Let us know how you get on, Kevin.

JT

In two words, the book is 'absolutely excellent'. Really enjoyed it and JTs review is spot on!
Thanks to both Drew and JT for the recommendation.
Cheers
James

Thanks for reporting back, James. Good to hear this one hit the spot.

As Arbraham Lincoln said:

‘The things I want to know are in books; my best friend is the man who’ll get me a book I ain’t read.’

JT

Great stuff, Gents. I don't know if anyone has seen it, but I quite enjoyed reading the following article about Burrage:

Who was A. M. Burrage?

Cheers,

Chris

I have to admit that my curiosity got the better of me when I realised we were not provided with the author’s true identity. I had a good rummage around online and read several articles about Burrage.

Thanks for the link, Chris.

JT

Thought you might have.👍
Cheers

Chris