England, 1940, and when 17-year-old John Sharratt’s life is shattered by a single, devastating bomb dropped by the Luftwaffe, he is thrust into a world of loss and longing.
With his family gone and his heart heavy, John’s conscription into the army offers a refuge and a new beginning, even in the face of turmoil.
As he dons the battledress of a British soldier at Seaforth Barracks, John embarks on an intense journey of transformation.
Amidst gruelling training and the camaraderie of fellow soldiers, who will become his new family, he learns not only to wield a weapon but also to navigate the depths of grief and resilience.
Each drill sharpens his skills, especially as a marksman.
As his section sees postings in Greece, Crete and North Africa, will John emerge from the shadows of his past to thrive as a rifleman, or will the weight of his sorrow consume him?
With the world on the brink of an all-out war, the lad from Lancashire must face the darkest of nights before the dawn of hope can break through.
Conscript’s Call by Griff Hosker is published on 6 June, 2025.
You may be interested in reading Griff’s feature about his life as a writer.
More of Griff’s books are among over 170 more books listed in our round-up of historical fiction to look forward to this year.
