Your Death Would Be Mine: Paul and Marie Pireaud in the Great War

Hanna's narrative Paul and Marie Pireaud's marriage during the turbulence of WWI will not disappoint readers. It is accessible to academics as well as casual readers of history. I first read the book as a graduate student in history, but I continue to assign various chapters to my high school seniors, who always seem to enjoy reading about their difficulties and trials in the war. Echoing numerous scholars' arguments that the private is always political, Hanna lends a new angle of inquiry into the Great War.

I had to read this book for a history of war class (college) and I have to say it was awesome. The story gives you great details on how it was to be a part of World War I. The story was also interesting, and very easy to read. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a first hand experience of WWI, or anyone who loves romantic love novels

Martha Hanna's excellent YOUR DEATH WOULD BE MINE is the 2008 Society for Military History Distinguished Book Award winner for Biography and Memoir.

Astonishingly, this book covers fresh material in the study of World War 1: not just the home front; not the French military front; but the effects of the war on a rather ordinary--but extraordinary--newlywed couple, French peasants. It is as much Marie's story as it is Paul's story, and author Hanna is wise enough to let their voices carry the story for us. That is not to say she doesn't provide context and explanation and historical perspective; she does, and excellently. The story is moving and this book is valuable and enlightening. One could wish that there were more photos or maps, but the fact that the letters themselves were preserved, and that Hanna found them and brought their value to light is really enough. This book is a finalist for the Colorado Book Award, and if there is any justice, it will win.