Louisa Young's story explores the impact of unthinkable changes on five young people during the First World War. Many of the old certainties about class and women's roles are being swept away, but new and terrifying challenges are appearing. Abridged by Lauris Morgan-Griffiths and read by Olivia Colman.

Episode 1 : Flanders, 1914

It's 1914. Riley Purefoy, a North London working-class boy, arrives in Flanders and gets his first taste of the war. Having been cold-shouldered by the mother of the girl he loves - a girl from a very different social background - he feels he has nothing to lose. At the front, Riley learns some hard lessons about the war, but his ability with the men is rewarded with promotion.

Produced by Christine Hall. Show less