Hampshire Big Read

Join in the Hampshire Big Read as we encourage everyone to read, discuss and share a single title as part of our National Year of Reading celebrations.

Our chosen book is Michael Morpurgo's 'Private Peaceful', a stunning story told by young Thomas Peaceful as he looks back over his childhood from the battlefields of the First World War - with the harsh realisation that he is facing an unknown future. Powerful, moving, absorbing and atmospheric, appealing to readers aged 10 to 100 years.

Hundreds of copies of 'Private Peaceful' are available through the Hampshire library service - so please go along and borrow a copy.

You could be one of the lucky ones to receive a free book at events throughout the year, or through our 'Commuter Campaign' or Bookcrossing venture as copies are released across the county.

Once you've read the book we'd love to hear your thoughts. Please complete this simple feedback form. Thank you for taking part.

Commuters Get Free Copies on Ferry Crossing

Librarians Cathy Marsden and Rose Ratcliffe (right) appeared, in costume, on the platforms of Winchester and Eastleigh railway stations to give away copies of 'Private Peaceful' to travellers on this busy rail network.

A selection of feedback received so far

A sensitive and poignant insight into the hardship and inequalities of life (and death) both on the World War I battlefields and in rural Devon.  I would never have chosen to read this book unless I had been told about it at a Hampshire Library stand.  I read well into the night as I couldn't stop reading.  It is now being passed around the different generations in our family as it is truly a compelling book for all ages.
Book rating = 5.  Female reader, aged 56-65

A fantastic read - very moving, telling the story of the two brothers brilliantly. It's a story of comradeship in adversity, and the bravery of ordinary people doing extraordinary things in time of war.
Book rating = 5.  Female reader, aged 46-55

This was a very well written account of wartime life and how it impacted on ordinary, innocent lives.  The method of having two stories almost running parallel with each other enhanced the reading experience and made the book very hard to put down.  It's definitely a book I would recommend (in fact I already have)
Book rating = 4.  Male reader, aged 26-35

I found it very disappointing.  To me, what could  have been quite a heart rending tale, was quite bland and unemotional.   Sorry.
Book rating = 3.  Female reader, over 65

I think this book was very well written and was one of his better books I've read.
Book rating = 4.  Female reader, under 16

My father served in the great war aged 17 so this was a poignant reminder of those days.  The gentle first chapters established the characters, I could hardly read the last few through my tears.  Brilliant author.  It should be compulsory reading for 12-16 year olds in schools.
Book rating = 5.  Female reader, over 65.

I thought it was very good and emotional.  I will definitely read it again because it was so good.
Book rating = 5.  Female reader, under 16

A gripping, thought provoking read, never quite sure how it will end. Highlights the powerful love between two devoted brothers in spite of a few differences along the way, as well as the injustices of WW1.
Book rating = 5.  Female reader, aged 56-65

Well written.  Enjoyed the honesty of emotions, strength of bonds between characters and the innocence of childhood taken away by events.  Portrayed the horror of war without overdoing it.  Outcome not obvious till last chapter - very sad.
Book rating = 4.  Female reader, aged 36-45

The first book in ages that made me cry.  A brilliant evocation of life in and before WWI.
Book rating = 5.  Female reader, aged 56-65

Private Peaceful is one of the most brilliant books I have read.  It is sad, touching and entertaining.
Book rating = 5.  Male reader, under 16

Parts of this book remind me of 'Cider with Rosie', parts of it almost brought tears to my eyes.  The last time a book affected me like this was 70 years ago.  I put this down to second childhood or am I going round the bend!  A most enjoyable but very poignant book.
Book rating = 4.  Male reader, over 65

Totally believable: touches the heart - don't read it without a box of tissues handy!  So well written that the reader feels he/she is actually there and experiencing the joys, the pain and the grief.  Makes me think about the feelings of the soldiers in 1914-18.  Is it better today?
Book rating = 5.  Female reader, over 65