Customer Reviews

We Will Not Cease

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4 star:		(1)
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This autobiographical story is of a New Zealand potato farmer whose absolute resolution and commitment to belief is both unique and extraordinary. A pacifist forcibly taken to the first world war by his government, this story is one of a man with immense conviction in his belief and of the military force intent on forcing him into submission.

Throughout the book Archibald Baxters' confidence in the righteousness of his own belief and the lack of ill will he shows to those who punished and brutalised him is really quite remarkable. Despite the immense suffering Baxter endured, the book is remarkably balanced and honest in its description of all the people involved.

This book was first written in the 1930's I believe, on events from 1916-1918. Despite this We Will Not Cease is even today a moving and profound account of a man who not only held strong beliefs but when these beliefs were tested he defended them to such an extraordinary degree.

We Will Not Ce! ase is a very readable account of man's moral courage being tested to the extreme, and against all odds, of succeeding.

This is an amazing book written by an amazing man. As powerful as "All Quiet On The Western Front" ,it points out the extremes of human nature as well as the vulnerability of every person to persecution by even "democratic" governments. Unfortunatly, the hard reality revealed in this book is that the majority of humans are only capable of blind allegience to a state, and too few willing to resist whatever the cost. I don't think I could have done what Archie Baxter did, and I pray I never have to find out!

Baxter's story is inspiring. He maintains hope and committment in the face of huge opposition from the State. I first read it 30 years ago and it really made an impact on my thinking and outlook on life.

I am not good enough at writing to put together a review that does this book justice. All I can say is that Archibald Baxter was a true hero, the bravest man I know of, and this is the saddest book I have ever read.