Customer Reviews

Harry's War

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Haven't read the book yet, but did read the excerpt that is provided. The writing looks good, the excerpt is suspenseful. Was marveling at the correctness of his V1 description. He was doing beautifully until the last, whereupon he described the V1 as having a "ram jet" engine. Wrong, the V1 had a pulse-jet engine that made a put-put-put sound as it traveled, hence the "doodle bug" moniker. The characteristic sound was due to the engine having gates that opened and closed in sync with alternate fuel/air charging and ignition. Had it been a ram-jet engine the V1 would likely haved traveled two or three times as fast.

As England is continually battered by German forces during World War II, Harry Lockwood takes his first steps into his own war. His first year at the prestigious Markham College is a mix of excitement, fear and trepidation as he makes new friends, becomes a victim to the sadistic traditions of the school and attempts to survive both war-time and adolescence.

As the war rages, Harry and his friends must contend with the rigors of higher education, harsh corporal punishment by both prefects and headmaster while understanding the emotions stirred within them by the females from the local all girls school. Harry soon stumbles into love with a girl named Jenny. Throwing caution to the wind he breaks school rules and jeopardizes his own life to be with her.

Will his newly found love last? Will he survive the abuse of Markham College only to become a casualty of war as German bombs fall from the sky?

The intense realism of "Harry's War" is evident throughout the book. Author D. Edward Bradley does a superb job of controlling the flow of this marvelous tale by easing the action with both humor and sadness. His use of drama, joy, despair and fear makes "Harry's War" tangible for readers. You feel the emotions the characters feel; you see, in your mind, what they see.

Bradley's writing is as refreshing as a cold drink of water on a hot day. His development of the characters is handled with such care. The kids grow and become adults right before your eyes. Bradley uses few words to describe the setting but it is the exact amount needed to paint a vivid picture.

"Harry's War" is a gem hidden in the mass of books that are rarely discovered. If you love romance, action, strife, perseverance and well written prose I highly recommend "Harry's War."

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Harry's War is a touching, coming-of-age story set against the back drop of the horrors of World War Two. The story is compelling, though never maudlin or overwritten.

I wholeheartedly recommend this first chronical of the Harry Lockwood series of books. It, along with the other 3 or so novels in the series, offers a fascinating glimpse into the world or war as seen through the eyes of a young man.

At age 13, Harry Lockwood sets out for his education at a prestigious English boarding school for boys, Markham College. World War Two is in full swing. Harry and his chums - Captain, Beastly, and Pansy - must keep a stiff upper lip on two fronts. Outside the Markham boundaries are German spies, V1 and V2 bombs that threaten life and limb. Inside Markham the boys must suffer beatings and humiliations by sadistic

prefects. Harry's father is stationed in North Africa and his mother works night shift at a munitions factory far from Markham so parental support and protection is out of the question. Young Harry must learn to face difficult situations on his own. With humor and determination born of courage, Harry and his friends survive four years at Markham despite grim conditions. When Harry falls in love, that joyous

circumstance is also marred by difficulty. Whether danger, corporal punishment, love, or sorrow, Harry faces life head on with dignity and strength.

Mr. Bradley does a fine job of capturing an era in this well written book.