It is 1944 and the young Canadians of the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry have had enough of drills and night marches and waiting. Private Ewen Morrison is 21 years old when he joins the regiment in Sussex and meets his new platoon, including Reggie Johnson, an Indigenous soldier from Ontario's Six Nations of the Grand River Reserve. His new friend supplements the army's training with some of his own, helping to prepare Ewen for scouting missions against the enemy. Landing on Juno Beach, the men confront the brutal reality of war as they advance across northern Europe with the 2nd Canadian Infantry Division. Reggie's bravery, skill and authority soon earn him a field promotion, but not necessarily the respect of all the men in his platoon.

Based on war diaries and regimental records, The Hawk and the Hare is inspired by the real-life experience of the author's father. This is not the story of generals and officers, but of the men on the ground and the hardships they endured. Exploring themes of friendship, culture and valour, The Hawk and the Hare honours the young men who fought to liberate Europe in the final months of the Second World War.