It was the largest conflict the world had ever known.

It covered three continents and lasted five years. Millions of soldiers returned wounded, millions more never returned at all.

In the summer of 1915, in a small village in Scotland, the Great War has already begun to irrevocably alter the course of five young lives.Eighteen-year-old John Malcolm enlists in the army, eager to fight for his country.

His sweetheart, 15-year-old Charlotte, stays behind to earn her nursing certificate, along with John Malcolms twin sister, Maggie, who recognizes the opportunity to create a new life for herself.

Charlottes brother, Francis, sees only tragedy in the war, but feels the pressure to join up. And Alex, below the recruiting age, is determined to reach the front lines somehow.From the Hardcover edition.