The Ghosts of the Great War

About the Book

The destructive story of World War I is still deeply felt in Europe, where bodies, parts of bodies, shells, artillery fragments, live ammunition, and personal items such as letters, books, clothing, and other reminders of war are still being discovered. But in the United States of America, it’s known as “the forgotten war,” and Joan McMahon Flatt didn’t know much about it before visiting her daughter, grandchildren, and son-in-law, a Royal Air Force major, in the historic city of Mons in Belgium. With most of Europe commemorating the 100th anniversary of the start of The Great War, the author found herself climbing through trenches, visiting cemeteries, and walking the hallowed grounds around the Somme, Messina Ridge, and other war sites. A truly spiritual experience enveloped her as she contemplated the futility of a war where millions of lives were needlessly lost in a stalemate that lasted more than four years. From explanations on the changes in military warfare, to the effects of the Treaty of Versailles on the Middle East and an examination of how the world is once again on edge, you’ll gain valuable knowledge with Reflections on Belgium.

About the Author

Joan McMahon Flatt is a public speaker, poet, and author of newspaper articles, travel stories, and short stories. She graduated with a degree in English with honors from the University of Texas in Dallas, where she also did her post-graduate studies. She now lives in Dallas with her husband Wayne; she has five children, two stepchildren, and sixteen grandchildren. She is also the author of Profiles of Political Women.