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katykelly's review against another edition
5.0
It's such a famous modern classic now that I don't think I need to write too detailed a synopsis, just how I felt about the book.
I've had this book on my windowsill for two years now, staring at me with its 'worthy' title and credentials. I admit, the size put me off starting. There was always something more urgent for me to read.
And it did take some time, nearly a week which is unusual for me. But yes. It was definite worthy of my time.
I'd say Birdsong is one of the most important war novels alongside All Quiet on the Western Front, Catch 22 and a handful of others.
There are the stories preceding the War, when
Stephen falls for Isabelle, and a story set later about a woman searching for facts about her
Grandfather. These were both touching and lovely.
But for me, the trench warfare as narrated by Stephen and other soldiers in his company was fascinating, sorrowful and intense. Faulk's description of the bodies, the wasted lives, the feelings of the men, the conditions, the end of the War for Stephen, were incredibly moving and could have been written by someone go lived through it all.
A very necessary read for anyone who wants to know what the First World War really involved. Beautifully written and fully deserving of its good reports.
I've had this book on my windowsill for two years now, staring at me with its 'worthy' title and credentials. I admit, the size put me off starting. There was always something more urgent for me to read.
And it did take some time, nearly a week which is unusual for me. But yes. It was definite worthy of my time.
I'd say Birdsong is one of the most important war novels alongside All Quiet on the Western Front, Catch 22 and a handful of others.
There are the stories preceding the War, when
Stephen falls for Isabelle, and a story set later about a woman searching for facts about her
Grandfather. These were both touching and lovely.
But for me, the trench warfare as narrated by Stephen and other soldiers in his company was fascinating, sorrowful and intense. Faulk's description of the bodies, the wasted lives, the feelings of the men, the conditions, the end of the War for Stephen, were incredibly moving and could have been written by someone go lived through it all.
A very necessary read for anyone who wants to know what the First World War really involved. Beautifully written and fully deserving of its good reports.
rjenks's review against another edition
challenging
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
frooml's review against another edition
challenging
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.25
hanbi3's review against another edition
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
book_concierge's review against another edition
4.0
The scenes of WW I trench warfare will make anyone claustrophbic. The author also uses a flashback technique that some readers find distracting. But the parallel plots (today vs WWI) made for a very interesting book club discussion.
esmem's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: War
sslovesbooks_1's review against another edition
5.0
This is such a hard-breaking read which follows Stephen from his time in France before the First World War. He’s a character that grows on you slowly. He makes choices which have repercussions and he finds himself without what he wanted.
We then move into the trenches of France and are introduced to some special characters. The trench life is horrendous and so well described and it pulls at all your heart strings. The relentless nature of warfare brings with it dangers and horrors for the men fighting.
As we move through the book the beautiful writing and captivating characters can reduce you to tears. The last part of the book was so emotional and left me without words.
I adored this one and loved reading it along with a small group of buddy readers which added so much more to the reading experience. Thanks to all of them. I’ve ordered Charlotte Gray from this author to read at a later date.
If you haven’t read this, I would recommend it, it’s a beautiful read but heartbreaking
We then move into the trenches of France and are introduced to some special characters. The trench life is horrendous and so well described and it pulls at all your heart strings. The relentless nature of warfare brings with it dangers and horrors for the men fighting.
As we move through the book the beautiful writing and captivating characters can reduce you to tears. The last part of the book was so emotional and left me without words.
I adored this one and loved reading it along with a small group of buddy readers which added so much more to the reading experience. Thanks to all of them. I’ve ordered Charlotte Gray from this author to read at a later date.
If you haven’t read this, I would recommend it, it’s a beautiful read but heartbreaking
catherinemia's review against another edition
5.0
Beautiful and heartbreaking book. Studied it for my A Levels and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Very graphic and awful in placea but that is the reality of the content.
Very graphic and awful in placea but that is the reality of the content.
danielden's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0