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The Boy I Love

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The Boy I Love

By: William Hussey
Narrated by: Alex Wingfield
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Summary

All I think, all I feel, all I know is pressed into this moment. And what I know is that I can’t let him go.

1916. Returning to the Front after injury, nineteen-year-old Stephen wonders what he’s fighting for. Then he meets Private Danny McCormick, a smart, talented new recruit. From their first meeting, there’s something undeniable between them – something forbidden by both society and the army. Determined to protect Danny, Stephen must face down the ignorance of his superiors as well as the onslaught of German shells and sniper fire. As the summer ticks down to the Battle of the Somme, will Stephen and Danny’s love save them – or condemn them?

This book contains slurs that we today recognise as insulting and unacceptable but which were commonly and casually used during the period. These words and phrases do not reflect the opinions of the author and publisher, but it is important in a historical work of fiction to reflect the reality of the world in which the story is set.

2026, The Carnegie Medal for Writing Outstanding book written in English for children and young people, Short-listed

©2025 William Hussey (P)2025 Bolinda Publishing Historical Historical Fiction LGBTQ+ Literature & Fiction Romance Heartfelt Tear-jerking Sniper Injury
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Critic reviews

'It’s a tale from the past, with a message for today. A stunningly poignant, devastating, and ultimately beautiful tour-de-force.' (Simon James Green, author of Gay Club!)
'Deft, tender and unflinching, The Boy I Love is a terrific achievement that grips like a thriller throughout. A love story, a war story, a story of sacrifice and redemption, it shows how the best of humanity can endure even in the darkest times. Breathtakingly good.' (Jonathan Stroud)
'Magnificent. It takes a special writer to simultaneously capture both the horrors of war and the joys of true love, but William Hussey manages it effortlessly. My new favourite YA love story.' (Phil Earle, award-winning author of When the Sky Falls)
All stars
Most relevant
Absolutely beautiful, emotional and one of my absolute favourites of the year. And easy 10/10 and a perfect way to voice those men who would’ve been queer during the war.

The boy I love is looking up at me

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This story not only shows how horrible and horrific the war was, but how a love between two men can become something more. From the detail of the conditions at the front line, to the constant reminders that the war is no place to be taken lightly but, also how each and every solider stands side by side and never abandons their comrades. The narrator did a beautiful job at going from the different accents of the soldiers and how he captured the fear, dread and hope in their voices.

Overall, Stephen and Danny are two of the most loveable characters you will ever meet and you will certainly would want them to get all the happiness they deserve.

5 Star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A love story which will make you smile with love and feel everything heartstring

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This book is a powerful reminder and display of how love prevails even in the hardest of circumstances. The moving and poignant story of a love that wasn’t expected

Moving powerful story

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A Beautiful heartbreaking and at times a hard read.

'The boy I love is here in the gallery
The boy I love is looking down on me
There he is can't you see....?'

real good lisen

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I would definitely recommend this as a read! Narration was excellent. If you liked In Memoriam by Alice Winn (which if you haven't read/listened to, change that immediately!), then you'll probably like this as a more YA version.

definitely recommend

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