The First World War was fought in trenches and mud. Rising out of the quagmire that was the war was a connection between two young people, a 25 year old Canadian soldier and a 21 year old British nurse. The story of Dick and Lil is a common story; boy meets girl and they fall in love. However the circumstances that put these two together was anything but common.The year was 1914. The German Empire was at war with France and England and numerous other nations. The countries of the British Empire rushed to aid their mother. Many a young man hurried to enlist to protect their countries. Dick Elley was not one of them.Dick, raised in rural Canada, worked for Bell Canada as a telephonist. Coming from a religious family he felt conflicted enlisting in a war where men had to kill. Since he was older than the average age for those enlisting he waited a year, a long tormented year as friend after friend returned to Canada in a pine box. Meanwhile Lil Reed and her two sisters who had been orphaned at an young age joined the nursing service in England. They were used to a pampered life as their remaining adopted family were electricians to the King. They, however, felt a sense of duty to England. They didn't have to serve but unlike Dick felt compelled to serve.The novel traces these two young people's lives as they travel on a route to the destiny that eventually awaited them.War is an ugly experience not only because lives are lost and bodies permanently scarred in many ways but also because minds and emotions are disfigured. After the battle of the Somme Dick's life was in turmoil. A special benefit, if war gives you any benefits, of this turmoil was meeting Lil. After getting shot at the Somme in 1916 Dick went on the healing road trip of his life. This journey took him to medics and doctors at the Front, to hospitals in France and England and finally to a hospital where a beautiful nurse, Lil Reed, not only helped heal his wounds but also his emotions and his soul. Leaving his comrades behind in France was difficult but meeting up with and falling in love with Lil was just what the doctor prescribed and prayers were answered.Prior to meeting Lil Dick had been in love and sadly lost that love in a 'dear Dick' letter while he was in Europe. Prior to meeting Dick Lil had been in love and lost her love by way of his tragic death in France. They were ripe for romance. The fountain at Uxbridge Convalescent seemed to overflow with love as they first discovered each other on a bench in front of it. Dick stated that he was not a believer in love at first sight but after seeing Lil in the distance near the fountain he became a convert.This novel then is the story of two people from two different countries as well as two different cultures who somehow were destined to come together. This story is the story of how out of the rain and mud of France arose a love that overcame the horrific conditions and costs of the Great War. This is the story of Dick and Lil.
