
Historical fiction book · Open Library
Private Peaceful
Unknown author · historical fiction
When Thomas Peaceful's older brother is forced to join the British Army, Thomas decides to sign up as well, although he is only fourteen years old, to prove himself to his country, his family, his childhood love, Molly, and himself.
About this historical novel
Private Peaceful by Unknown author is historical fiction rooted in Global / multiple. When Thomas Peaceful's older brother is forced to join the British Army, Thomas decides to sign up as well, although he is only fourteen years old, to prove himself to his country, his family, his childhood love, Molly, and himself.
On HisFic we tag it under 1. Literary historical fiction so you can pair it with similar story types. Recurring themes include world war, 1914-1918, young adult fiction, juvenile fiction, single-parent families, and people with mental disabilities.
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Plot summary
When Thomas Peaceful's older brother is forced to join the British Army, Thomas decides to sign up as well, although he is only fourteen years old, to prove himself to his country, his family, his childhood love, Molly, and himself.
Subgenres
Eras
- Not classified yet
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Regions & places
Global / multiple
Themes
- world war, 1914-1918
- young adult fiction
- juvenile fiction
- single-parent families
- people with mental disabilities
- poverty
- soldiers
- fiction
Tags
open-library