Break of Dark

A less distinctive style and, consequently, less feeling of sameness. However, the five stories are similar to most of the Aiken in that they're near-adult in viewpoint, theme and style, not really classroom read-alouds.

The three shorter stories lack originality and, despite some good moments, the humour and horror in Sergeant Nice mix a little uneasily but Blackham's Wimpey shouldn't be missed. Those who accuse Westall of 'going over the top' will bristle because the details of conditions in a W. W. II Wellington are even more horrific than the ghosts of burning German fliers which drive British crews mad. It needs its fifty pages for full impact, though, so even here reading aloud would be awkward.