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Private Peaceful

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( 31,514 ratings, 2,336 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Private Peaceful by Michael Morpurgo follows the poignant story of Thomas "Tommo" Peaceful as he reflects on his life while experiencing the horrors of World War I. Through vivid memories of his childhood and the close relationship with his family, particularly his brother Charlie, the novel delves into themes of love, loss, and the harsh realities of war. The narrative unfolds in a compelling mix of past and present, capturing the innocence of youth against the backdrop of a brutal conflict.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you appreciate poignant tales of family, bravery, and love set against the backdrop of World War I. Fans of emotional narratives and historical fiction that delve into human experiences during wartime will find this deeply affecting. It's ideal for readers who appreciate character-driven stories that explore themes of loyalty and the harrowing realities of war.

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Private Peaceful relives the life of Private Tommo Peaceful, a young First World War soldier awaiting the firing squad at dawn. During the night, he looks back at his short but joyful past growing up in rural Devon: his exciting first days at school; the accident in the forest that killed his father; his adventures with Molly, the love of his life; and the battles and injustices of war that brought him to the front line.

Winner of the Blue Peter Book of the Year, Private Peaceful is by the third Children's Laureate, Michael Morpurgo, award-winning author of War Horse. His inspiration came from a visit to Ypres, where he was shocked to discover how many young soldiers were court-martialled and shot for cowardice during the First World War.

This edition also includes introductory essays by Michael Morpurgo, Associate Director of Private Peaceful production Mark Leipacher, as well as an essay from Simon Reade, adaptor & director of this stage adaptation of Private Peaceful.

Series: Oberon Plays for Young People

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  • Private Peaceful
    Private Peaceful relives the life of Private Tommo Peaceful, a young First World War soldier awaiting the firing squad at dawn. During the night, he looks back at his short but joyful past growing up in rural Devon: his exciting first days at school; the accident in the forest that killed his father; his adventures with Molly, the love of...
    Paperback
    $2799
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • The Red Balloon
    Anthony Clark’s award-winning adaptation of Albert Lamorisse’s Fifties French film, The Red Balloon, follows the adventures of a lonely Parisian boy and a stray balloon which befriends him. It enjoyed a successful run at the National Theatre in 1996.
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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Private Peaceful by Michael Morpurgo is praised for its emotional depth and ability to connect readers with history, particularly young audiences. Morpurgo's restrained yet powerful writing style keeps readers engaged, as noted by the Guardian. The book has been described as a well-structured and beautifully committed piece, receiving high praise as a theatrical adaptation according to reviews from The Public Reviews and Broadway World. It serves as a poignant critique of the senselessness of war, highlighting its futility and destruction, as mentioned by The Times.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781350306455

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 24 February 2022

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Methuen Drama

Contributors:

  • Adapted by Simon Reade

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 8.0mm

Width: 126.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 80g

Pages: 64

About the Author

Simon Reade has adapted Michael Morpurgo's Toro! Toro! and The Mozart Question as well as the phenomenally successful stage and screen versions of Private Peaceful. His other plays include Aladdin and the Enchanted Lamp, Not the End of the World, The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark, Pride and Prejudice, and for the RSC, Ted Hughes' Tales From Ovid, Salman Rushdie's Midnight's Children and Epitaph for the Official Secrets Act.

Michael Morpurgo is an English author, poet, playwright and librettist, best known for his work in children's literature. He was the third Children's Laureate. His children’s novel War Horse has been adapted for stage where it became a smash hit success in the UK, before transferring to Broadway and Toronto. War Horse has also been adapted for the screen, directed by Steven Spielberg, and was released in 2012.

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