The boy I love by William Hussey
At just nineteen, Stephen has already survived a year at the front. Now he is returning to the trenches to lead a platoon, despite his wounds. Broken-hearted from the loss of his first love, Stephen wonders what he’s fighting for. Then he meets Private Danny McCormick, a smart, talented young recruit. From their first meeting, there’s something undeniable between them – something forbidden by both society and the army. Determined to protect Danny, Stephen must face down the prejudices and ignorance of his superiors as well as the onslaught of German shells and sniper fire.
As the summer of 1916 ticks down to one big push on the Somme, can Stephen and Danny stay together – and will their love save them – or condemn them?
6 Comments
Norah Yr8
2nd October 2025 at 2:54 pmThis has to be the most heart breaking yet eye-opening book about the hard truth of love and war. In the way Stephen is portrayed as a cold Lieutenant Wraxall, it only makes sense that he falls for the most cheery, extroverted private. The mix of Romance and never ending war would get anyone on the brink of tears. In the end, making this book even more risky and captivating.
Alie year 8 St Paul’s
1st October 2025 at 8:05 pmThis book was a wonderful read. I loved how it included the love Stephen and Danny had for each other while also incorporating the dilemma they faced living in the 1910’s and having to hide their relationship due to homophobia. I also enjoyed how the author had shown the grief of losing their friends and loved ones during war and the bittersweetness of getting out but losing their friends, ones you had grown close to in the process. Overall, it was a beautiful book that I found myself immersed in. Would definitely recommend!
Dasha year 8 St Pauls
1st October 2025 at 11:40 amThis book is definitely one of my favourites. I loved the idea of mixing key historical facts about world wars and intertwining it with a bit of LGBTQ+ romance.
This book is for people who like to learn while reading, with also a bit of a taste for light romance.
I would definitely read it again for the first time if I could!
Annabel year 8
27th September 2025 at 7:32 pmI loved the general storyline of this book as well as the way it was beautifully written to deeply express the struggles of war, love and death. I really liked how they showed the mental affect that war has on a person and all the struggles that come with it. Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it to anyone looking for a good book to obsess over.
Dalia – year 8
17th September 2025 at 11:01 amThis book was an amazing book to read. I loved how it mixes the idea of life in the trenches with the idea of love. Probably my favourite part was when Danny and Stephen go to the listening box and get seen by the Germans. I don’t know why but that bit was a really nice but because it really showed how much Danny cared for Stephen. I already have recommended it to friends and family and I would definitely read it again!
Tabitha year 9
11th September 2025 at 7:12 pmThe book is beautifully written, balancing raw emotion with lyrical prose. The novel captures both tenderness and brutality, making it powerful but heartbreaking. The pacing was a bit uneven but the honesty and depth stood out. It’s an amazing read for those who appreciate historical and LGBTG+ fiction with real weight.