My thoughts and a chance to win a copy: Shrapnel by William Wharton

This is where I admit that I’d never read anything by William Wharton until last weekend. And, possibly, that this was a strange choice to start my love affair. And, if I’m honest, I didn’t mean to read ‘Shrapnel’, I simply went to read a paragraph and three hours later…

A previously unpublished wartime memoir from the acclaimed author of ‘Birdy’ and ‘A Midnight Clear’.

One of the most acclaimed American writers of his generation, and author of classic novels such as ‘Birdy’, A ‘Midnight Clear’ and ‘Dad’, William Wharton was a very private man. Writing under a pseudonym, he rarely gave interviews, so fans and critics could only guess how much of his work was autobiographical and how much was fiction.

Now, for the first time, we are able to read the author’s own account of his experiences during the Second World War, events that went on to influence some of his greatest novels.

These are the tales that Wharton never wanted to tell his children. It is an unforgettable true story from one of America’s greatest writers.

Possibly it was the clear contempt for the war, the reluctance to talk about his experiences that made me initially engage with Wharton:

War for me, though brief, had been a soul-shaking trauma. I was scared, miserable and lost confidence in human beings, especially myself.

For ‘Shrapnel’, for me, explored the experiences of those who didn’t want to fight, an unwillingness, an absolute fear. Is it taboo to want to trick your way out of war? Is it cowardly or brave? As I read this memoir moral questions were raised within me and I was left considering what I’d have chosen, how I’d have reacted, how I’d have liked my sons to have reacted:

I discover the difference between being scared and being a coward is having other people find out.

Perhaps, I’d suggest, we need a reminder of what has occurred before us (and still is around the world), a reminder of the devastating and huge decisions young men faced for us. Lest we forget? Yes. For so many reasons, ‘Shrapnel’ is remarkable.

For ‘Shrapnel’ left me thinking about the scars of war, beyond the physical it is the damage and the shame, the psychological, the events that change and shape an individual. I’m left considering anger, frustration, dishonour and guilt. I’m left thinking about weakness in human beings, the ‘follow the leader’ mentality, how humans turn on each other, and I’m left wondering about how many would be brave enough to speak out:

I just spend my time thinking, ‘How can I get out of this, how can I manage to stay alive and not kill any more people?

I read a review that questioned the reliability of the author, recording the events so far after their occurrence. In ‘Shrapnel’ Wharton is telling us the stories that he didn’t want to tell his children. I’d argue that the things that we can’t forget are often those that have damaged or influenced us the most. They are worthy of being spoken aloud, no matter how long after the event. And, I’d argue, that they are possibly most poignant when they have been considered, processed and accepted.

Wharton was nineteen when responsibility was thrust upon him, when decisions were made, when scars were created. I don’t think I’ll ever forget reading this book.

I highly and truly recommend ‘Shrapnel’ to you, and, one day, I will recommend it to my children.

I’ve a copy of ‘Shrapnel’ to give away. Simply leave a ‘please pick me’ comment by 3 pm (GMT) Sept 6, then I’ll pop all names in a mug and ask a small child to select a winner. This competition is open to all.