MATTHEW'S WAR - ARTHUR D. HEMMINGS

"Matthew's War" by A. D. Hemmings is a work of fiction set against the historical backdrop of World War II. The narrative follows the journey of Matthew Lucas, starting in Liverpool in July 1938. Initially, Matthew is depicted as a typical schoolboy with dreams of becoming a pilot, influenced by the Biggles books. His aptitude for languages, particularly German, is noted by his teacher, Mr. Prado. As the threat of war escalates and eventually breaks out with Germany's invasion of Poland in September 1939, Matthew's life, like that of the rest of the country, is irrevottcably changed. The bombing of Liverpool, drawn from the author's own memories, becomes a significant event. Motivated by the loss of his girlfriend, Maureen, during the Blitz, Matthew enlists in the Royal Air Force with a desire for vengeance. The excerpts detail Matthew's training as a pilot and his experiences flying Spitfires in combat. Amidst the war, Matthew finds a new connection with a woman named Joan in London. The narrative also briefly shifts perspective to Gretchen in Germany, offering a glimpse into life on the other side of the conflict. The book explores themes of love, loss, the impact of war, and perhaps reconciliation, as suggested by Matthew's interactions with German civilians towards the end of the provided excerpts.