I was especially taken by today's Good Read programme on BBC Radio 4 on which the World War I play, Journey's End, by R.C. Sherriff was reviewed.
Set in the a British trench, located just meters from the German line, I studied this play when I was 15 and 16 years old for my English Litterature 'O' Level examination. It is a powerful and moving play about the horror and senslessness of the so-called Great War. It lets you into the lives of young soldiers who were facing what appeared to be inevitable death. Sadly, the play's outcome fulfills expectations.
The First World War was said to be the one to end all wars. Tragically, this was not to be. Not only did millions of young lives get cut down in the horrors of World War I, but this terrible conflict provided the seeds for the Second World War which was to wipe out millions more.
My darling Yael, I hope you get the opportunity to see or read Journey's End. I have seen it on stage a couple of times. It was written a long time ago, with very differant language and attitudes to that of today. But I beleive you will enjoy it, and I know it will provide you with a human and emotional insight into such a momentous event in history.
Grandpa Jonathan
