reviews

A down to earth tale of how the Great War really was for the private soldier...this is a story that will engulf many readers.
Sue Horton, adult literacy and english teacher (retired).

Written by a true storyteller...a story of horror, but also of friendship and humour. A great read.
Peter Sharp, book club reviewer.

A compelling story of a sixteen-year-old boy facing the truth of war through innocent eyes. All who read it will now understand how much was given by those who went to war in defence of freedom.
Ruth Wilkes, company director, Nelson.

Harrowing novel of war on the front line…
This novel, told in the first person, about the experiences of a very common soldier, Scouse, during the Somme campaign of World War 1, is both harrowing and uplifting.
The events that form the basis of the story were distilled from childhood recollection of reminiscences of the authors' grandfather and his friends who served in the Labour Corps.
The soldiers of the Labour Corps were recruited from those with little or no education, and their duties were often appalling and degrading.
Scouse, who is illiterate, joins up at 16, and is posted to a front line casualty hospital where his job is to collect and bury the "bits and pieces", that fall from the operating tables. The gradual transition from the initial revulsion and horror to the final and inevitable callous acceptance of the pain and suffering is cleverly portrayed.
The story brings in many aspects of the war that in this modern "enlightened age" we may find unacceptable; the execution for cowardice of a 16 year-old shell shocked soldier and the inhuman treatment of the extraordinarily brave conscientious objectors many of whom were in the most dangerous of duties as stretcher bearers.
The author's descriptions of situations and conditions are graphic and explicit, from the bloody and gruesome, through Scouse's first sexual experience with a beautiful prostitute in Le Havre. to some of the amusing episodes that made life just bearable.
It is an easy read, and the simplicity of the text is in keeping with the char-acter portrayed, without. losing the power of the subject.
If your stomach is weak, don't try it - but you will miss a moving story.'
Don't, be surprised if you learn little of the "Angels of Mons".
Robin Carr

Wirral Globe 15/6/04	Guardian	The Marlborough Express 14/12/04

The author Carl Leckey has done it again, his continued story 'Angels On My Shoulder' is as good as his first book 'Angels of Mons.' Carl Leckey has a gift of knowing how various characters think, and, how they behave. This gift probably comes from his own varied and interesting life of meeting people in many walks of life. He certainly understands varied characters and this is apparent in all his interesting stories.
The Angel On My Shoulder is recommended reading.
Bob Eley.. Xservice Readers Group

Carl Leckey’s second book in the Angels series is a great follow up to The Angels of Mons. I wondered what happened to the hero after the great- war. This is truly a rags to riches tale, he evolves from an ignoramus to a shrewd businessman thanks to his experiences during his army service. From a commoner to member of the nobility after demobilization when he discovers his true birthright?
As an ex serviceman I enjoy his books and I am looking forward to the next one. I lost touch with my army comrades and regret it. I’m glad to see Adam stays in touch with his and includes them in his good fortune. I also enjoyed his book Tales of the Cut based on a completely different subject.

I see no reason at all why Tales of the Cut should not be popular today, it is delightfully humorous and a good read, and will always, in my opinion be a good read, it is humorous and has delightful undercurrents.

The Angels of Mons breaks my heart, there are many shed tears while I am reading it. The reason it is not a popular subject is because it is true to life at that particular time. People today are uninterested in the sad and painful stories of the past. Even those in the military don't want to read about war and hard times! Those of our age need to be reminded of what it cost us to be alive and still here to celebrate life.
Congratulations Carl for revealing the true facts of the horrors those young people faced so graphically but with sympathetically.

We have just finished reading “Angelique. Our united opinion is. Linked to the other two books in the trilogy Angelique is a very exciting read with something in the tale for all types of readers. It is essential to read the other two first otherwise in our opinion Angelique dos not stand alone.

I personally enjoyed the final chapters of life before the mast on the good ship Albatross. Sailing is my true love and to sail on a big square rigger is my ambition. I believe the author covered that episode brilliantly. I can see the makings another exciting novel emerging. No doubt Albatross will be acquired into the OSCADA Empire and put into service for some purpose or other. Where will it all end? Not soon we hope.

Keep them coming and we will keep on reading and enjoying them.
A little bird tells me the author is now writing children’s book? Can’t wait to see how he cope with this new venture.

Well done Carl, put me on your permanent future mailing list for new releases.

Secretary of readers club. Balclutha. NZ.

The Chronicle - 9/11/05	Guardian	The Mail - 11/11/05