The boy I love

Gabriella Ardingly College Y9

I loved reading the “The boy I love” because it was emotional and heart breaking, whilst also describing important historic facts, and there was also a lot of humour. It was really upsetting that Danny and Stephen could not be together because of the time they were living in, so they had to keep it secret. I felt sorry for Stephen because his parents were disappointed in him. At the end I got scared that Stephen and Danny would never see each other again, but I was so relieved when they did. The book shows how horrifying and miserable it would have been to fight on the front line, as you could be killed any minute, like many of the characters in the book were. Overall, I really enjoyed reading “The boy I love” because of how emotional it was.

Clara Y8

I’ve never had a book break my heart like this one did. Because even after they fought at the front line together and survived Stephen and Danny don’t even get to be together due to the time that they live in. This book was one of the best books I have ever read because I love books on the war as I find it fascinating how crazy and brutal it was. I believe this book highlighted all of the small parts of the war that often get forgotten about. A great part about this book was the beginning because in a lot of books I start I always take forever to get into it due to the start not being as interesting but this book drew me in from the first few sentences. The romance side of this book was brilliant; the subtle flirting matched with the knowledge that they couldn’t be together was so tantalising that when they finally kissed it finally meant they knew what the consequences were was perfect. I also love the the fact that at the beginning Stephen is cold and serious but Danny somehow brings back the life to him. In all this book was pretty much perfect in every corner and yet ended in the saddest way possible… still I loved this book and would definitely re-read.

Bella year 10 st pauls

I had high expectations of this book and dare I say that they were met. William Hussey did a fine job at incorporating themes of star crossed lovers, history and the LGBTQ+ community. One of the favourite bits of this book was when Stephen came out to Captain Jackson and Jackson was shown to be vulnerable which is not often a connotation of a captain. I love Jackson’s character as it demonstrates the ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’ as a large man, high up in the army ranks in the early 1900’s but still part of the community that is still discriminated against today. I loved how this book was actually historically accurate in the facts and dates about the battle of the Somme. The boy I love throws us around emotionally as the reader as we are given bits of information a little but at a time urging us to keep reading. It displays hidden romance, parental expectations and gives us a better insight into the more social side of history we don’t necessarily learn about at school.

Quinn – Park Community School

This book by William Hussey is certainly a story to remember. Not only does it express the emotions of war, but the emotions of embracing your true identity and feelings. Also, a fascinating story of love in the time of war, and of such love being illegal – very well written. Overall, a stunning book and would clearly recommend to people who love to read poignant and devastatingly beautiful stories.

Olivia

Spoiler alert!!!

I loved The Boy I Love. It has the right balance of war and romance plus a touch of humour from the other privates in their platoon. I thought the start awfully confusing as I had no clue what was going on till later on but then they get to the front and that’s just the start. The end was so amazing, and I love the fact Danny found him in the art museum.

Norah Yr8

This 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

This 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

This 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

I 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

This 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

The 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.