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1918: Broken Poppies
Four Christmases have passed since the world went to war in 1914. Struggling to survive in the trenches, close to enemy lines, amid the terror of gunfire and the whine of warplanes, Kiwi soldier Henry Hunt rescues a shaken little dog. He has no idea he’ll soon be facing a disciplinary hearing. To Henry’s relief, the Major allows the little foxie to live... this time. Henry finds the dog is not only a comfort to his fellow soldiers on the battlefields of France, but a great ratter, too. Together, can they survive the Great War?
Des Hunt has based his book on the experiences of two of his uncles who fought in WWI.
Des Hunt has based his book on the experiences of two of his uncles who fought in WWI.
- GenresWar
408 pages, Paperback
Published March 1, 2018
1 person is currently reading
28 people want to read
About the author
Des Hunt
34 books49 followersDes Hunt was a science and technology teacher for many years, interspersed with periods of curriculum development both in New Zealand and overseas. During this time he had several textbooks published to support the New Zealand curriculum. In recent years he has looked at other ways of interesting youngsters in science, creating computer games and writing non-fiction and fiction with scientific themes.
After living in Auckland for much of his life he moved with his wife, Lynne, to Matarangi on New Zealand’s Coromandel Peninsula. He retired from the classroom in 2007 to concentrate on writing fiction for children. He continues his aims of fostering young peoples’ natural interest in the science of their surroundings by visiting schools and libraries where he runs workshops and presentations.
After living in Auckland for much of his life he moved with his wife, Lynne, to Matarangi on New Zealand’s Coromandel Peninsula. He retired from the classroom in 2007 to concentrate on writing fiction for children. He continues his aims of fostering young peoples’ natural interest in the science of their surroundings by visiting schools and libraries where he runs workshops and presentations.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
April 11, 2018
I had the privilege of meeting Des Hunt a month or so ago, when he was a presenter at a local writers' group. He started his presentation with a radioactive milk jug and ended it with an explosion. Very memorable! I have read almost all of his books, and found them to be, without fail, the sort of book that once I started I could easily devour in one sitting. Being a historic, war-based novel, I thought "1918: Broken Poppies" might be different - but once I immersed myself into its pages, I was thoroughly hooked and finished it shortly after midnight.
"1918: Broken Poppies" is the latest and last in the Kiwis at War series, where well-renowned New Zealand authors write fictionalised accounts of the war for the middle grade (8-12) market. It marks a departure from Des Hunt's other books, which are usually modern-day, dealing with topical issues (such as bullying etc), and with a strong ecological or scientific bent to them. However, all of the trademark characteristics are there: short chapters, lots of action, and a wry sense of humour, designed to appeal to boys.
Henry Hunt starts life as a farmer's son, working the land in the North Island of New Zealand. He's hard-working, diligent and has a penchant for exploring. One day, he and his cousin George are exploring a cave on their property, when the roof collapses. Henry is buried, and almost dies, but only his cousin's quick actions save his life. The fear of being buried alive, however, never quite leaves him. Then World War I happens, and George enlists. Henry follows him a year later, determined to fight by his side, but finds himself assigned, not to the Wellington group, but to the Otago. Here he makes friends, and catches the eye, and wrath, of a superior officer.
The First World War was an horrific affair, and "1918: Broken Poppies" spares few details on the unpleasantness of the terrain, pitted with crater holes, corpses and mud, a lot of mud, as well as the rats, the lice and everything the soldiers had to endure even before facing off against the enemy. It does a great job of bringing the war to life, and paints a vivid mental picture in the mind of the reader, without getting bogged down on descriptive prose.
Whilst passing a group of refugees in France, Henry's regiment pass a cart bearing a young girl and a small terrier. With little warning, bombs start raining down, and the child and dog become separated. After the shelling has stopped, Henry finds the dog - but is unable to return her to her owner. She soon becomes a firm favourite of his squad, and her ratting skills earn her infamy, but it is only when his fellow soldier decides she is a lucky charm that her life becomes truly at risk.
Brutally sad and undeniably engrossing, the easy language and fast moving plot should immerse anyone with any interest in war, but should especially appeal to boys.
"1918: Broken Poppies" is the latest and last in the Kiwis at War series, where well-renowned New Zealand authors write fictionalised accounts of the war for the middle grade (8-12) market. It marks a departure from Des Hunt's other books, which are usually modern-day, dealing with topical issues (such as bullying etc), and with a strong ecological or scientific bent to them. However, all of the trademark characteristics are there: short chapters, lots of action, and a wry sense of humour, designed to appeal to boys.
Henry Hunt starts life as a farmer's son, working the land in the North Island of New Zealand. He's hard-working, diligent and has a penchant for exploring. One day, he and his cousin George are exploring a cave on their property, when the roof collapses. Henry is buried, and almost dies, but only his cousin's quick actions save his life. The fear of being buried alive, however, never quite leaves him. Then World War I happens, and George enlists. Henry follows him a year later, determined to fight by his side, but finds himself assigned, not to the Wellington group, but to the Otago. Here he makes friends, and catches the eye, and wrath, of a superior officer.
The First World War was an horrific affair, and "1918: Broken Poppies" spares few details on the unpleasantness of the terrain, pitted with crater holes, corpses and mud, a lot of mud, as well as the rats, the lice and everything the soldiers had to endure even before facing off against the enemy. It does a great job of bringing the war to life, and paints a vivid mental picture in the mind of the reader, without getting bogged down on descriptive prose.
Whilst passing a group of refugees in France, Henry's regiment pass a cart bearing a young girl and a small terrier. With little warning, bombs start raining down, and the child and dog become separated. After the shelling has stopped, Henry finds the dog - but is unable to return her to her owner. She soon becomes a firm favourite of his squad, and her ratting skills earn her infamy, but it is only when his fellow soldier decides she is a lucky charm that her life becomes truly at risk.
Brutally sad and undeniably engrossing, the easy language and fast moving plot should immerse anyone with any interest in war, but should especially appeal to boys.
June 17, 2018
A well written, realistic war story.
June 26, 2018
'War can't kill love. Love can kill war.' - Helene Lagerberg.
This quote relates strongly to the novel 'Broken Poppies' because even during the harshest of times, if you have something to hold onto to, something to protect, something to love, that love can help you endure harsh reality's far beyond your control.
To be honest, I love all of Des Hunt's work. Hunt manages to make every book he writes one that is impossible to put down. So when my mum recommended this book to me, a novel by one of my favourite authors PLUS a novel that expressed such emotion just by looking at the front cover, I had to read it. And I'm glad I did.
Hunt manages to pull the readers of the story in by making the first chapter one full of action and suspense. It definitely sets the tone for the rest of the book. This is because in the very first chapter of this novel, Henry nearly dies, but with the help from his best friend and their canine companion he survives. (Well of course he does, the protagonist can't die in the first 5 pages of the book.) Immediately we are introduced to Henry, the books protagonist, and his childhood best friend and cousin George doing what every young kiwi does in their spare time, explore. From the get go the reader can sense the bond that Henry and George share and if the reader also had fond childhood memories, they can automatically relate this bond to a bond they have had with their childhood best friend or close cousin. A bond that would see them through life's biggest challenges. Until World War 1 came along.
When Henry arrives in France over half way through the war, he receives the horrible news that George (who entered the war before Henry) had tragically died. This gives Henry the great sadness, but also the determination to survive this war; for George.
During his travels Henry comes across a small puppy. Henry is unable to return the puppy to its owners in fear of being charged for desertion. So Henry makes a promise, one day, he would return the much loved pet to its family. Over the coming months much of Henry's regiment (2nd Otago) falls in love with the young pup. Henry believed the dog helped most of 2nd Otago get through the long, terrible war. The dog was something to love, in a war filled with things to hate.
The dog 'Poppy' was with the regiment through thick and then, from when her future with the regiment (and with Henry) seemed uncertain to when it seemed as if the future of the regiment seemed uncertain without Poppy. When the war finally ends in late 1918 Henry is faced with having to return Poppy to the family she was so suddenly separated from, but the only problem with this is finding them.
But like all good story's, this one has a happy ending.
I recommend this book to people that don't mind reading a few (or maybe a couple hundred) extra pages to complete an amazing story of love and determination, even when all hope seems lost. 'Broken Poppies' is set in such a dark and bleak period of our history, but with the power of the written word (and a four legged friend) a story filled with sadness and lost hope is turned into a story that teaches us that as long as we have something to love and to live for, we can defeat the greatest of evils.
This quote relates strongly to the novel 'Broken Poppies' because even during the harshest of times, if you have something to hold onto to, something to protect, something to love, that love can help you endure harsh reality's far beyond your control.
To be honest, I love all of Des Hunt's work. Hunt manages to make every book he writes one that is impossible to put down. So when my mum recommended this book to me, a novel by one of my favourite authors PLUS a novel that expressed such emotion just by looking at the front cover, I had to read it. And I'm glad I did.
Hunt manages to pull the readers of the story in by making the first chapter one full of action and suspense. It definitely sets the tone for the rest of the book. This is because in the very first chapter of this novel, Henry nearly dies, but with the help from his best friend and their canine companion he survives. (Well of course he does, the protagonist can't die in the first 5 pages of the book.) Immediately we are introduced to Henry, the books protagonist, and his childhood best friend and cousin George doing what every young kiwi does in their spare time, explore. From the get go the reader can sense the bond that Henry and George share and if the reader also had fond childhood memories, they can automatically relate this bond to a bond they have had with their childhood best friend or close cousin. A bond that would see them through life's biggest challenges. Until World War 1 came along.
When Henry arrives in France over half way through the war, he receives the horrible news that George (who entered the war before Henry) had tragically died. This gives Henry the great sadness, but also the determination to survive this war; for George.
During his travels Henry comes across a small puppy. Henry is unable to return the puppy to its owners in fear of being charged for desertion. So Henry makes a promise, one day, he would return the much loved pet to its family. Over the coming months much of Henry's regiment (2nd Otago) falls in love with the young pup. Henry believed the dog helped most of 2nd Otago get through the long, terrible war. The dog was something to love, in a war filled with things to hate.
The dog 'Poppy' was with the regiment through thick and then, from when her future with the regiment (and with Henry) seemed uncertain to when it seemed as if the future of the regiment seemed uncertain without Poppy. When the war finally ends in late 1918 Henry is faced with having to return Poppy to the family she was so suddenly separated from, but the only problem with this is finding them.
But like all good story's, this one has a happy ending.
I recommend this book to people that don't mind reading a few (or maybe a couple hundred) extra pages to complete an amazing story of love and determination, even when all hope seems lost. 'Broken Poppies' is set in such a dark and bleak period of our history, but with the power of the written word (and a four legged friend) a story filled with sadness and lost hope is turned into a story that teaches us that as long as we have something to love and to live for, we can defeat the greatest of evils.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 14, 2018
Tasked with writing the final of the 'Kiwis At War' series, Des Hunt researched the roles played in World War One by his Uncles Henry and George. These two were also firm best friends, growing up together on the family farm in Awahou South.
From his findings he has written a sobering tale of the last months of conflict, combining fact and fiction seamlessly.
The story builds slowly, as decisions are made. First cousin George enlists, while Henry is persuaded by his father that he is needed on the farm. When Henry eventually arrives in France he seeks out his cousin, only to find George has been killed in battle.
There is increasing momentum after the young terrier joins 12th Platoon. As with other animals at war, either as mascots or in working roles, Poppy provides comfort and companionship for the men, having the uncanny knack of knowing who needs comfort most and when. While she helps Henry cope with the increasing horrors of war the puppy also creates difficulties for him with those in authority.
As the fighting drags on through 1918 with only small advances being made by either side, it starts to feel as if this war could go on and on. Des Hunt describes the horrors of war, the fears of the men, the conflicts with their leaders, the difficulties of the cooks and the stretcher bearers, the boring nature of much of the time being spent on repairing trenches, set against the ruined landscape, the greyness of everything, the endless mud.
For those who read the whole series, links with each of the earlier books add an interesting dimension, further emphasising the seeming endlessness of the Great War.
Billy Bowman from '1914 Riding Into War' has been returned to New Zealand after a major injury, Prof Murdoch from '1916 Dig For Victory ' joins 2nd Otago and plays quite a big role in 12th Platoon through 1918, Nurse Mel Burlace ('1915 Wounds of War') is at NZ No. 1 General Hospital when Henry is admitted, while Cameron Henderson from '1917 Machines of War', now a pilot, also plays a small but important part in Henry Hunt's war.
As in the earlier books, other resources are provided: a map, photographs, a timeline and a glossary. Good readers from Years 7 & 8 and upwards will find much of value in this tale of survival in the trenches.
Reviewed by Chris Wright (Bookrapt)
From his findings he has written a sobering tale of the last months of conflict, combining fact and fiction seamlessly.
The story builds slowly, as decisions are made. First cousin George enlists, while Henry is persuaded by his father that he is needed on the farm. When Henry eventually arrives in France he seeks out his cousin, only to find George has been killed in battle.
There is increasing momentum after the young terrier joins 12th Platoon. As with other animals at war, either as mascots or in working roles, Poppy provides comfort and companionship for the men, having the uncanny knack of knowing who needs comfort most and when. While she helps Henry cope with the increasing horrors of war the puppy also creates difficulties for him with those in authority.
As the fighting drags on through 1918 with only small advances being made by either side, it starts to feel as if this war could go on and on. Des Hunt describes the horrors of war, the fears of the men, the conflicts with their leaders, the difficulties of the cooks and the stretcher bearers, the boring nature of much of the time being spent on repairing trenches, set against the ruined landscape, the greyness of everything, the endless mud.
For those who read the whole series, links with each of the earlier books add an interesting dimension, further emphasising the seeming endlessness of the Great War.
Billy Bowman from '1914 Riding Into War' has been returned to New Zealand after a major injury, Prof Murdoch from '1916 Dig For Victory ' joins 2nd Otago and plays quite a big role in 12th Platoon through 1918, Nurse Mel Burlace ('1915 Wounds of War') is at NZ No. 1 General Hospital when Henry is admitted, while Cameron Henderson from '1917 Machines of War', now a pilot, also plays a small but important part in Henry Hunt's war.
As in the earlier books, other resources are provided: a map, photographs, a timeline and a glossary. Good readers from Years 7 & 8 and upwards will find much of value in this tale of survival in the trenches.
Reviewed by Chris Wright (Bookrapt)
August 20, 2021
I've thoroughly enjoyed all the books in this series (thanks Scholastic) but this one is my favourite. Mostly because Des Hunt shared his family history with us. I loved knowing that Henry really did walk this earth, be it in terrible times. The book concluded the series beautifully & drew many of the previous characters back into this final story for a farewell update. Thank you!
June 13, 2025
1918 is one book of a series, covered by separate authors. This one illustrates the last year of a world war. A stand out is the character dynamics within the battalion, the dog, and more. A great YA read.
April 27, 2018
Super book
May 12, 2018
Thoroughly enjoyed it and all the aspects of war felt very real.
May 9, 2022
One of my favourite reads of 2021.
These are a fabulous telling of the reality of war, written in compassionate and informative ways that make you feel like you are standing in the trenches with the characters. The characters weave their way through each of the stories. You're in for a treat if you've never read a New Zealand accent; you will find it littering these pages. They are full of Kiwi lingo. They cover many of the ANZAC troop's critical battles during the war years, like that of Gallipoli in 1915 and Passchendaele - which still hails as the most significant loss of New Zealand life in action to this day.
If you are fascinated by World War One...
...
Read my full review on my blog: https://sarahgael3.wixsite.com/sarahg...
These are a fabulous telling of the reality of war, written in compassionate and informative ways that make you feel like you are standing in the trenches with the characters. The characters weave their way through each of the stories. You're in for a treat if you've never read a New Zealand accent; you will find it littering these pages. They are full of Kiwi lingo. They cover many of the ANZAC troop's critical battles during the war years, like that of Gallipoli in 1915 and Passchendaele - which still hails as the most significant loss of New Zealand life in action to this day.
If you are fascinated by World War One...
...
Read my full review on my blog: https://sarahgael3.wixsite.com/sarahg...
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews