Letters from the Coffin Trenches

Ken Catran’s latest novel for teenagers is a poignant romance set during World War 1. Harry Wainwright is 17, not quite 18, but he can’t wait to enlist for the Great War - so instead of going back to boarding school he runs away to war. He does this with the assistance of his sweetheart, Jessica. They are a wholesome Edwardian couple, steeped in all the respectable morality of their age. Both are in love with romance. Their letters begin idealistically and enthusiastically but gradually both young people learn of the horror of war and its associated cynicism. Rather than a depressing read, this is an interesting chronicle of the times and a charming portrayal of innocent love. **Finalist in the Senior fiction category of the NZ Post Children’s Book Awards 2003**