Barney Campbell grew up in the Borders, so it was wonderful to welcome him back to celebrate publication of Fires of Gallipoli.  He had a great chat with Rosamund about the challenges of writing his first historical novel, although, unsurprisingly, his military background proved very useful when mapping out the grim reality of life on the front line in Gallipoli.

The Fires of Gallipoli is a heartbreaking, sweeping portrayal of friendship and its fragility at the very limits of humanity. 

Edward Salter is a shy, reserved lawyer whose life is transformed by the outbreak of war in 1914. On his way to fight in the Gallipoli campaign, he befriends the charming and quietly courageous Theodore Thorne who becomes the crutch Edward relies on throughout the fighting. On leave, Theo invites Edward to his parents’ idyllic estate in Northamptonshire. Here Edward meets Thorne’s sister Miranda and becomes entranced by her. 

Edward escapes the broiling, fetid charnel-house of Gallipoli to work on the staff of Lord Kitchener, but an odd coolness has descended between Edward and Theo. 

Can their friendship survive at the end of the war when everything around them is corrupted and destroyed? 

You can order a copy of Fires of Gallipoli from Bookshop.org HERE.

This event was held at the Mainstreet Trading Company in the barn and can only be accessed by stairs. Please read our accessibility guide for more information.