The book Soldier Boy by Anthony Hill is an effective novel as it offers intriguing characters, interesting settings and an insight to the world that they lived in.
             The book focuses on the characters Jims Martin and his mother Amelia. Jim is the only son of Charlie and Amelia Martin who had six children. (2 older sisters and 3 younger) He was only 14 years old and fresh from school when he decided to go to war.
             Jims shows patriotism and courage by taking his fathers place when his proposal is refused. "Never mind, dad. I'll go instead!"p.34 His parents didn't want him to go but he is determined to go to war and fight for his country. "I wish I was with them," said Jim Martin that Christmas. " Don't be silly", said his mother " you're far too young." " I could put my age up to eighteen. Lots of fellas are." "You're not even 14 yet" said Amelia. P.32
             Jim was prepared to run away if his parents wouldn't sign his papers. When Jim is getting sick on the battlefield, his determination and willing spirit is shown when Cec Hogan asks how he is feeling. " Right as rain. Just a bit of a cold" p.123
             Amelia is a loving and devoted mother. She is very supportive of all her children, especially Jim. She works extremely hard supporting the family, by running a guesthouse. She is caring, and writes regularly to Jim, yet none of her letters ever reach him. The shock of Jim's death had a great impact on her life, and sent her hair white overnight. Her grief takes many years to get over.
             The book is set in several locations and the story ships freely between them. The family life centers on Tocumwal, and then Melbourne where the family relocates. The setting switches to Jims war life: - on the troop carrier 'The Berrima'; to Heliopolis, near Cairo, Egypt; on the troop carrier 'The Southland' which is torpe
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