1914 to 1918: A Time to Remember

5 Star Review

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Editorial Book Review:

By Paul Ryan

1914 to 1918: A Time to Remember is a meticulously crafted and poignant examination of World War I from the author's personal experience. The narrative of John R. Cammidge elevates historical fiction by capturing the complexities of courage, duty, and resilience amidst the chaos of war in a manner that is both immersive and profoundly human. The life of Osmond, a young farm wagoner, is immediately captivating to readers as he is depicted with authenticity and reverence in his journey from the English countryside to the trenches of the Western Front. This captivates them from the very first page.

Cammidge's writing is distinguished by its extensive descriptiveness, evocativeness, and precision. He achieves a delicate balance between a captivating narrative flow and historical detail, thereby evoking the settings, characters, and wartime experiences without imposing an excessive amount of exposition on the reader. The interweaving of Osmond's duties, observations, and interactions with both soldiers and civilians results in a layered tapestry that is both intimate and expansive. The story's emotional weight and realism are further bolstered by the author's meticulous attention to the social, military, and cultural contexts of the era.

The book explores the themes of human endurance, sacrifice, and the enduring effects of global conflict on both individuals and communities. Cammidge emphasizes the moral and emotional dilemmas that ordinary individuals encounter when they are confronted with extraordinary circumstances, the bonds that are formed in the face of adversity, and the quiet heroism of those who serve behind the frontlines. Readers are reminded of the personal toll of history and the fortitude required to navigate it by these themes, which continue to resonate today.

The emotional impact of the memoir-style fiction is profound. Readers are encouraged to reflect on the universal questions of survival, identity, and duty, as well as to experience the fear, hope, grief, and camaraderie that are distinctive to life at war. Because it preserves memory, evokes empathy, and honors the lived experiences of those whose stories might otherwise fade into the past, it is crucial to remember 1914 to 1918: A Time to Remember. Cammidge's work is a testament to historical fidelity and narrative artistry, offering both emotional resonance and education in equal measure.

About the Author 

John R. Cammidge

John R. Cammidge was born in York, England, attended Upper Poppleton Primary and Nunthorpe Grammar schools, and then went on to be an undergraduate at Hull University, obtaining an Honours degree in Geology and Geography in 1966. He found work with Ford Motor Company in Brentwood, Essex. He began a career in Human Resources, and graduated from the Institute of Personnel and Development (now known as the CIPD). His career lasted nearly 50 years. He retired in July 2013 and shifted his occupation to author. His first novel (An Unplanned Encounter) was published under the pen name Jonathan R. Husband in 2014, but his subsequent novels have used his real name. The first novel is now published as Unplanned, using his real name. 

In 1977, he joined Bank of America in London and transferred with the company to its Headquarters in San Francisco in August 1979. As a result, most of his time since that date has been spent living in the United States, and in 1995, he became a US citizen. He moved from banking in 2000 to Higher Education, first heading the Human Resources function at Stanford University (2000-2003) and then employed in Oakland by the Office of the President, University of California System (2006-2013). From 2004 to 2006, he ran his own consulting firm. 

His wife is deceased. He has two married children with their families living in Arroyo Grande, CA and Rancho Palos Verdes, CA. He has four grandchildren and his hobbies are reading, golf, travel and gardening.