We Will Not Cease
Baxter, ArchibaldThe epic record of New Zealander Archibald Baxter's brutal treatment as a conscientious objector. This is an account of Baxter's lonely fight against "the war to end all wars". NZ Interest. [Larger font]
Comments from Groups
Everyone thought this was a great book, well written without any self-pity. A revelation that men could treat their fellow humans so cruelly. Dunedin 007 This book was well received by all. A very interesting but frightening part of New Zealand's history. Wellington 057 Everyone 'enjoyed' this book more than they expected. It wasn't sensationalised, and they thought it was written very matter-of-factly. Auckland 224 All enjoyed this book: 'incredible read', 'brilliant book', 'should be compulsory' etc. Dunedin 044 All loved the book. Many sought further books of the Baxter family. Taupo 003
Pages
189
189
Year
1939
1939
Reviews
26-07-2023
An interesting and powerful account of one man's stand against war.
13-07-2023
We all felt that this is an important story to be told, and we felt we learned something from it. We felt a lot of admiration for such a steadfast man with so much integrity, and for telling his story so well.
11-04-2023
Well, we could hardly say it was enjoyable but we all read the book and our discussion was interesting and intense. How could people be treated so badly! We think everyone should read this book.
27-06-2022
A very interesting but horrifying read. We were unaware of the cruelties that the objectors endured. Amazing strength of character shown by Archibald.
25-08-2021
All felt this was an important classic, but not a pleasant read. It generated lots of interesting discussion.
21-07-2020
We all agreed that this book is an iconic part of NZ history. Baxter displayed a great deal of courage and determination in spite of the harsh way in which he and other conscientious objectors were treated in WW1. The treatment meted out was brutal, vicious and demeaning with the idea of wearing the men down and turning them into soldiers. Tough story but a thought provoking topic.
29-07-2019
This book evoked too many opinions to list. It was a very informative read, and a good read.
29-07-2019
Well-written and easy reading, but a harrowing story. Good discussion.
29-07-2019
Not everyone in our group read the book as they felt they had read enough about war. But those that read it were very moved by Archibald's incredible determination and bravery. It was well-written and an incredible insight into a very bleak part of our history. Everyone in NZ should read it.
29-07-2019
We were all glad to have read this book though some of it was unpleasant. It led to a very interesting discussion. It was especially timely as there had recently been a number of articles in the ODT about Baxter.
29-07-2019
This was one we were glad we had read, but it was shocking and made some angry about man's inhumanity to man.
29-07-2019
We're glad we read this book as it is an important NZ book, historically. All found the story/account interesting and informative. Many criticised the writing style but understood that was secondary to the story being told. Sparked much discussion about conscientious objecting, conditions a century ago, what changes and what doesn't, differing political views....
29-07-2019
An amazing and very readable account of Baxter's war years as a C.O. Our group greatly admired the stand that he took, and struggled with the very difficult treatment he endured from all sorts of people. A "must read" book that triggered an interesting discussion of our own families' accounts of war.
29-07-2019
We enjoyed the book, even though the writing was a bit longwinded. Interesting history, amazing man.
29-07-2019
We all enjoyed this book, probably because it was relevant to our history. We thought he was very resilient to put up with all that he had to endure.
29-07-2019
Thought provoking. Engendered much discussion.
29-07-2019
Generated great discussion!