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Sep 05, 2014
Read this as part of my WW1 reading project. Montgomery’s account of how the Islanders deal with a faraway war is interesting. At the beginning, “that some Archduke Ferdinand or other has been assassinated at a place bearing the weird name of Sarajevo” is irrelevant, compared to gossip about the folks they know. But once England declares war, Canada answers the call, and local boys enlist, the entire arena of war and the leaders on all sides become part of their community. They discuss “military tactics and diplomatic intrigue” and follow the hope and despair in turns. Complex relationships unfold with kindness and humour in a community of well-drawn characters who care dearly for each other. And you gotta love that determined Dog Monday.