What a great read! A wonderful way to learn some facts and truths about the war, while being completely and totally entertained. It was very refreshing to "experience" the war from the commoner, reather than a high political or strategical level. Pocock is brilliant! Pocock is brutally honest with seemingly no desire to exaggerate--in no way does this leave the reader wanting. As I followed him through his personal journey, I felt the entire spectrum of feelings--fear, courage, humor, distress, and love. Check it out.