3 Review(s)

Fallon draws on personal accounts, diaries, and letters from soldiers, providing a vivid and humanized portrayal of the hardships of warfare. He contrasts the two battles—Gallipoli, with its disastrous campaign marked by harsh terrain and strategic blunders, and the Somme, infamous for its horrific scale and loss of life. The book illustrates the courage and resilience of soldiers while also underscoring the brutal realities of war, from the devastating loss of life to the psychological and physical toll it took on the men involved.In addition to its focus on the individual soldier’s experience, The Big Fight also explores the broader military strategies and political decisions behind the campaigns. Fallon’s narrative sheds light on the significance of these battles in the larger context of World War I, as well as their lasting impact on both the soldiers who fought in them and the history of warfare. The book is a poignant tribute to the sacrifices made by those who served during these pivotal moments in the war.