The Brighton Boys at St. Mihiel

"The Brighton Boys at St. Mihiel" by James R. Driscoll is a historical fiction novel that centers on a group of young American soldiers called the Brighton Boys during World War I, specifically as they get ready for the battle at St. Mihiel. The book highlights the bonds of friendship, courage, and the difficult realities of war through characters like Tom Walton, who thinks back to his life before the war while waiting for battle in France. The story begins with the soldiers enduring miserable, rainy conditions and dealing with everyday challenges like their stubborn mule, Maud, while they anticipate the upcoming conflict. The arrival of General Pershing signals the shift from routine tasks to preparing for major action, showing how these young men must face serious and life-changing events.