Armstrong’s War

After suffering an injury during a military tour of Afghanistan, Michael, a young soldier, is recovering in the rehabilitation wing of a hospital. The last thing he wants is to spend time with a twelve-year-old girl, but Halley, a spirited Pathfinder and self-described “reading fiend,” is eager to earn her community service badge. The pair is at odds from the start, but they find a shared interest in The Red Badge of Courage, the classic American Civil War novel, which spurs them to reveal their own stories. As their friendship grows, uncomfortable truths are exposed and questioned, redefining the meaning of courage and heroism.

AUTHOR

Colleen Murphy

Colleen Murphy was born in Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec, and grew up in northern Ontario. Her play, The December Man (L’homme de décembre), won the 2007 Governor General’s Literary Award for Drama, the CAA Carol Bolt Award for Drama, and the 2006 Enbridge playRites Award. Other plays include Beating Heart Cadaver (nominated for a 1999 Governor General’s Literary Award), The Piper, Down in Adoration Falling, and All Other Destinations are Cancelled. Twice she has won awards in the CBC Literary Competition. Colleen’s distinct, award-winning films have played in festivals around the world and include Putty Worm (’93), The Feeler (’95), Shoemaker (’96), Desire (’00), War Holes (’03), Girl with Dog (’05), and Out in the Cold (’08).

Reviews

“Framed in surprising plot reversals, a nuanced discussion of hope emerges.” —Colin Thomas, Georgia Straight
“A script built to last.” —Mark Leiren-Young, Vancouver Sun
“[Armstrong’s War] sidesteps any obvious melodramatic moments with a quick joke or a surprising sharp turn and it provides warm and thoughtful moments…” —David C. Jones, Charlebois Post