Cowards: The True Story of the Men Who Refused to Fight - Softcover

Sedgwick, Marcus

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1492868647 ISBN 13: 9781492868644

Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2013

Synopsis

A sealed train speeds through the night around the outskirts of wartime London. As it passes through a dimly-lit station without stopping, a note is thrown out on to the platform. What is happening to the men on board? Why do they have to resort to such a desperate method of contacting their loved ones? This is the story of Howard Marten and Alfred Evans, two young men who refused to join the army in the First World War. They suffered imprisonment and punishment, because they believed it was wrong to kill. Sent to the front line in France, they were told to obey or face the firing squad. Still they refused, until finally, the death sentence was passed against them...

About this title

Review:

...it has clear relevance to the debate raging amongst Britain's young people about the nature of war...a fascinating and accessible piece of social and military history. (The Guardian)

Shows this much written about war in a new light for many young readers, while the production and style may appeal to those hard-to-interest teenage boys. (Highlights of the Season, Children's Buyers Guide:)

...Sedgwick allows events their true depth and immediacy by refusing to moralise from hindsight. (The Daily Telegraph)

Marcus Sedgwick shows the potential of a young Alan Garner (The Daily Telegraph)

From the Publisher:

Up-and-coming talent; already an award-winner.

World War I is a strong, popular theme in the trade and in schools.

Curriculum links to History, plus English Literary Non Fiction for Key Stage 3 (11-14).

Perfect starting point for Citizenship/PSHE discussion about just wars and individual freedoms in wartime.

About this edition

• Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
• Publication date: 2013
• ISBN 10: 1492868647
• ISBN 13: 9781492868644
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 78