The Boy I Love
By (Author) William Hussey
Andersen Press Ltd
Andersen Press Ltd
2nd April 2025
23rd January 2025
United Kingdom
Young Adult
Fiction
Childrens / Teenage fiction: Historical fiction
Childrens / Teenage personal and social topics: LGBTQ+
Paperback
304
Width 129mm, Height 198mm, Spine 19mm
244g
At just nineteen, Stephen has already survived a year at the front. Now he is returning to the trenches to lead a platoon, despite his wounds. Broken-hearted from the loss of his first love, Stephen wonders what he's fighting for. Then he meets Private Danny McCormick, a smart, talented young recruit whose strong opinions will surely get him into trouble. From their first meeting, there's something undeniable between them something forbidden by both society and the army. Determined to protect Danny, Stephen must face down the prejudices and ignorance of his superiors as well as the onslaught of German shells and sniper fire. As the summer of 1916 ticks down to one big push on the Somme, can Stephen and Danny stay together and will their love save them or condemn them Cover art by Dri Gomez
"Lyrical, tender, and incredibly moving. William Hussey masterfully balances brutal realism with pockets of sincere hope and joy" -- Becky Albertalli
"Its a tale from the past, with a message for today. A stunningly poignant, devastating, and ultimately beautiful tour-de-force" -- Simon James Green
"Magnificent. It takes a special writer to simultaneously capture both the horrors of war and the joys of true love, but William Hussey manages it effortlessly. My new favourite YA love story" -- Phil Earle
"Deft, tender and unflinching, The Boy I Love is a terrific achievement that grips like a thriller throughout. A love story, a war story, a story of sacrifice and redemption, it shows how the best of humanity can endure even in the darkest times. Breathtakingly good" -- Jonathan Stroud
William Hussey is the award-winning author of over a dozen novels, including the critically-acclaimed Hideous Beauty, The Outrage, and Broken Hearts and Zombie Parts. William has spent over a decade visiting schools in the UK and internationally, teaching creative writing to young people and presenting workshops on LGBTQ+ lives and fundamental human rights. William lives in Dumfries with his partner Chris, his faithful dog Bucky and a vivid imagination.