Overview
While Gethin's mother spent most of the Second World War cracking German codes at Bletchley Park, his father was a conscientious objector. As he grew up, and his mother maintained her Government-imposed silence on what she had been doing, Gethin's father was voluble on his pacifism, and Gethin dreaded the question 'What did your father do in the War?' The answer 'Nothing' seemed shameful. Now, with his mother's story out in print, he sets off to find out why his father took the stance he did, the roots of the tradition of conscientious objection in the Welsh valleys, and how the family felt about the decision and the shame it brought.
Full Product Details
Author: Gethin Russell-Jones
Publisher: SPCK Publishing
Imprint: Lion Books
Edition: New edition
ISBN: 9780745968544
ISBN 10: 0745968546
Pages: 240
Publication Date: 18 March 2016
Audience:
General/trade
,
General
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active
Availability: In Print
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Reviews
This is a searingly honest account of a son's efforts to comprehend his father's decision to be a conscientious objector rather than fight in the Second World War. He offers reasons not excuses,gives insights not alibis, details his own youthful embarrassment rather than pride,and shows deep respect for the courage of resolute conviction rather than exhibiting unconditional love. Because of that candour,readers will be left with greater understanding of a different kind of courage - and they might join me in having strengthened confidence in a rational system which wages war to defeat evil and,in doing that,protects the right of individuals to believe that it is wrong to fight and kill. The test of civilisation is,after all,not in the treatment of consenting majorities but in the toleration shown to non-conforming minorities -- Lord Neil Kinnock
This is a searingly honest account of a son's efforts to comprehend his father's decision to be a conscientious objector rather than fight in the Second World War. He offers reasons not excuses,gives insights not alibis, details his own youthful embarrassment rather than pride,and shows deep respect for the courage of resolute conviction rather than exhibiting unconditional love. Because of that candour,readers will be left with greater understanding of a different kind of courage - and they might join me in having strengthened confidence in a rational system which wages war to defeat evil and,in doing that,protects the right of individuals to believe that it is wrong to fight and kill. The test of civilisation is,after all,not in the treatment of consenting majorities but in the toleration shown to non-conforming minorities -- Lord Neil Kinnock 'A fascinating insight into 1930s Welsh chapel culture, which formed the background to a decision to register as a conscientious objector in World War 2. It recreates another - and often neglected world - on the page as one reads.' -- Martyn Whittock
Author Information
Gethin Russell Jones combines being a Baptist Pastor with a prolific writing career, and is a columnist for the Plain Truth and IDEA magazine. He has written several books.
