The 11th Hour of the 11th Day
Description
In January 1916, Alfred, a young Canadian family man living in Southern Ontario, attends a meeting where a persuasive army officer tries to convince the attendees to do their patriotic duty regarding the war in Europe. Although he later blames it on the free-flowing beer, before he leaves the hotel, Alfred agrees to serve in the Canadian Over-Seas Expeditionary Force. The 11th Hour of the 11th Day follows Alfred as he faces the horrors of war and shows how life changes for his family left at home.Â
The 11th Hour of the 11th Day is based on a true story that captivates readers as they become part of this family. It is both a love story and a war story that demonstrates bravery and determination as the characters strive to overcome life's challenges. Alfred's actual military and medical records are followed detailing the life of a CEF enlisted man and the terrific battles, The Somme and Vimy Ridge, he engaged in. But while the soldiers are away, life also changed for the wives left behind. One hundred years ago, women were dependent on their husbands for support and family decisions. When Alfred left, Annie became the head of the household, responsible and unprepared for the demands presented to her. When Alfred returns home, he is not the man who left, and Annie is not the girl he left behind.
The centennial of World War One (2014) is almost here. The 11th Hour of the 11th Day gives the reader an understanding of the impact of the War to End All Wars on the lives of ordinary people. With a 1914 population of only 7.2 million, Canada contributed 619,636 men and women to the Great War. When the guns fell silent on Nov. 11, 1918, nearly one in ten of those Canadians had died in battle and 173,000 returned home wounded.
The 11th Hour of the 11th Day is based on a true story that captivates readers as they become part of this family. It is both a love story and a war story that demonstrates bravery and determination as the characters strive to overcome life's challenges. Alfred's actual military and medical records are followed detailing the life of a CEF enlisted man and the terrific battles, The Somme and Vimy Ridge, he engaged in. But while the soldiers are away, life also changed for the wives left behind. One hundred years ago, women were dependent on their husbands for support and family decisions. When Alfred left, Annie became the head of the household, responsible and unprepared for the demands presented to her. When Alfred returns home, he is not the man who left, and Annie is not the girl he left behind.
The centennial of World War One (2014) is almost here. The 11th Hour of the 11th Day gives the reader an understanding of the impact of the War to End All Wars on the lives of ordinary people. With a 1914 population of only 7.2 million, Canada contributed 619,636 men and women to the Great War. When the guns fell silent on Nov. 11, 1918, nearly one in ten of those Canadians had died in battle and 173,000 returned home wounded.
