"Don't listen.... Don't look. Don't think. Only remember." Private Peaceful> is an example of the masterful use of flashback in its portrayal of the life of Thomas Peaceful, a private in the British army during WWI. For some reason not known until the end of the book, Private Peaceful wishes not to sleep on a certain night — the night before something will change his life forever. By reliving his whole life that night, Peaceful takes the reader closer to that life-changing event. Michael Morpurgo further enhances the suspense and makes the story come alive by dividing the book into different times of night. Private Peacefulis a reminiscent and nostalgic novel. I would recommend this book only to mature readers, however, as it contains several swear words, immoral conduct, war violence, and some complex anti-Christian statements.