The book is partially a Phd project and an old book written after the German Prisoners went back to Germany and been translated into English. found the book very interesting and gives an insight into being a German prisoner based in the northern camp of Skipton (Yorkshire)  through the hardships and dealing with British Administration

"During the First World War, nearly 9 million of the 70 million soldiers mobilised globally spent time in enemy captivity."  This statistic surprised me, as did many in this fascinating and eye-opening book written about the German officers held in a prison camp in Skipton, Yorkshire.  I had no clue this particular place existed.  But I do now.  The first officers arrived in January, 1918 to a place which was initially used as a military training camp.  Evidently 916 were held over a period of nearly two years.  Interestingly, structures and materials were sold after taken down in 1920.   

This historical account is largely comprised of writings by the officers themselves, always compelling, often humorous.  We are taken through daily activities in this POW camp through their recorded details which are thankfully now put together here.  And oh, what stories!  They include a witty ode to an iron bed frame, sordid food descriptions and rations, joyful letter days, putting on plays and festivals, shower rituals (including the funny fake shower officers and the infernal trumpet!), vegetable crop failures, beautiful walks in the countryside, prisoneritis (what a sense of humour!), latrines (not what you think), library book loans, temporary interior decorating a nook, church services and many officers' views on God, influenza, chicken "surprise", all superbly written. 

Finally, FINALLY after what must have felt like decades, the officers were told they would be leaving after war's end.  But that turned out not to be true.  Not yet.  Of course this affected everything from food supplies to staff.  They eventually returned home but not before suffering that one last agony.

Many things will be memorable to me including the officers' illustrations and stories and also the fact that though Germans weren't exactly known for their compassion, they truly cared about their comrades, especially when several died to influenza.  Still, it seems to me that this camp was not nearly as frightful as many I've read about as there was a certain semblance of freedom.  This was acknowledged in this book.

Readers who are intrigued by the war, especially from the POW point of view, should read this.  You will learn a LOT.  Many questions I had were answered, including loads I hadn't even contemplated.  Am I ever glad this was written!

My sincere thank you to Pen & Sword and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this extraordinary book in return for an honest review.  Much appreciated.  I love to learn and this book taught me so much about human nature.