Here is a boy who was waiting to be punished. But then, unexpectedly, he finds that his fault has been overlooked or forgiven and at once the world reappears in brilliant colours, full of delightful prospects. Here is a soldier who was waiting, with a heavy heart, to suffer and die in battle. But suddenly the luck has changed. There is news! The war is over and everyone bursts out singing! He will go home after all!

This was, unexpectedly, a perfect book for the time - that might be have been true at any moment since it was published, but it feels especially so now. The reluctant leader, the determined dreamer, the moral warrior, the brutal tyrant; I'm so happy to have read this in the context of current events, but also as an antidote to them. I highly recommend for any age (except small children, there are some frightening bits).Of some note: I listened to the audiobook read by Ralph Cosham, and he was a terrific narrator in unexpected ways. I had a look at the printed version and discovered that some of his pronunciations were different than I'd have guessed. Nevertheless, the prose came to life.