By Lambil & Cauvin
Publisher: Cinebook
ISBN: 9781800441774
Both sides of the American Civil War have been suffering heavy loses, and so that requires recruiting more men. But not everyone is old enough Blutch isn’t happy to find what is obviously a child in the sign-up line, so does his best to dissuade him. Unfortunately, this results in Chesterfield fast-tracking the youngster to the front of the queue. He may not be soldier material, but he’s perfect for a drummer boy.
Using children in battle, often in the thick of action, just to strike a drum, seems ludicrous in the 21st Century, but it was common practice in armies across the globe. And now the Union Army has a new drummer boy he appears to be determined to master the drum, and so it’s practice, practice, practice. But that’s not the whole story.
Credit to Cauvin for highlighting yet another aspect of army life in such an interesting and amusing manner. This is somehow done without negating the grim realities of the battlefield. I was utterly wrong=footed as to where the tale was going, and enjoyed it all the more for it.
I’ve said it lots of times in these reviews – The Bluecoats is an excellent read and if you’re not reading it, you should be.
And if you liked that: Find more Bluecoats books over at cinebook.com
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