The Boy I Love by William Hussey

I’m going to start as I mean to go on… THIS BOOK MADE ME CRY!!

Set during First World War, The Boy I Love tells the story of Stephen, a wounded soldier as he heads back to the front lines before the Somme in 1916.

Mourning the loss of his first love, Stephen is ready to confront the horrors of war again to lead his new platoon into battle, but when he meets Private Danny McCormick, everything changes.

Danny is charming, whitty and a little rough around the edges. Taking Danny under his wing, Stephen hopes to protect Danny from the horrors that await them all over in France. As the pair venture forward against the back drop of war, their bond solidifies but will their love be enough to save them?

The Boy I Love is such an amazing story not just because it is beautifully written ( like all of Hussey’s work) but it showcases the hardships of what being gay was like in the early 1900s. William Hussey manages to create this story that captures love in its entirety while also not being afraid of showcasing the battles men and women faced at home because of who they loved. His characters give voice to the notion that was echoed through the ages that queer people exist. They have always been there, are still here and will be here long into the future.

I really loved that Stephen and Danny’s story blossomed despite the backlash they got from the people around them. It shows the hope and solace that people found in a time when they were a rare commodity. Attitudes change over time but people like Stephen and Danny paved the way.

This book and story will stay with me for a long time to come and I will always recommend it to anyone who needs a heartwarming story to read.