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julie7's review against another edition
2.0
2⭐️= Average.
Hardback.
The writing in this book was extremely intelligent and descriptive. The two issues that I had ,was that in Part 1 of the book it all got a little confusing and in Part 2 , although it was much more understandable, it was mostly medical - and being a registered nurse, I’ve had my fair share of medicine!😄
Hardback.
The writing in this book was extremely intelligent and descriptive. The two issues that I had ,was that in Part 1 of the book it all got a little confusing and in Part 2 , although it was much more understandable, it was mostly medical - and being a registered nurse, I’ve had my fair share of medicine!😄
ahinks's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
kelest92's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
3.0
therealkathryn's review against another edition
3.0
This prose in this book slips by so quickly I would finish several chapters almost without noticing. The characters move from the life of art school, mundane in retrospect, to the horrors of WWI. Barker's scene-setting and subtle attention to detail really make the book.
alundeberg's review against another edition
4.25
Imagine if Somerset Maugham wrote a prequel to Hemingway's The Sun Also Rises, but focused on art instead of bullfighting: Pat Barker's Life Class would be the result. Maugham and Hemingway should be honored to be in Barker's league; she is quite possibly one of the best authors of fiction set in WWI, and her Regeneration Trilogy sets the bar for that genre. Paul Tannant and Elinor Brooke are students at London's Slade School of Art, and they develop a tenuous romantic relationship over time that is tested by the war. Paul volunteers to be an ambulance driver in Belgium and struggles to reconcile his dedication to art during a time of war. Elinor, ambivalent about her commitment to Paul as other men pursue her, remains steadfastly dedicated to her craft as she pretends the war does not exist. Together Paul and Elinor symbolize what will be the post-war cultural shifts. Paul presages the Lost Generation as he witnesses the horrors around him and finds his voice in creating a new, brutal art, while Elinor is ready to drink and paint her way into the Roaring Twenties. Barker's writing feels entirely natural, full of an immediacy and a deft touch that bring a time and place to life. She is able to explore the themes of love, art, and war without contrivance, averting easy answers.
Highly recommend!
Highly recommend!
bluestarfish's review against another edition
3.0
Slade art students talk about art and life until the war intrudes/is upon them. The novel looks at how differently the characters respond to their changing circumstances, Elinor in London and Paul and Kit in Belgium working with the hospitals and ambulances delivering and receiving wounded soldiers. Pat Barker has a sure command of the language she uses with memorable images of the war front in particular.
ridgewaygirl's review against another edition
4.0
The whole world belonged to them because they were on their way to die.
In the spring of 1914, Paul struggles at Slade, the London art school, especially in life class. Coming from a northern working class background, he feels removed from the other students. But Elinor, one of the few women students welcomes him into her group of friends, which include Kit, a successful artist, and Teresa, one of the life models. All of their lives are turned upside down when war is declared and Kit and Paul sign on as ambulance drivers, Teresa disappears and Elinor stubbornly continues with her art.
This is the first book in a trilogy and, as such, I should almost wait until I've read the other two to say anything. Here, the most interesting character disappeared partway through and was never heard from again. I'm hoping she reappears because Teresa, scrappy Teresa with the troubled, dangerous husband and a determination to life her life, is far more interesting than Elinor, the upper class golden girl who attracts all the men. Still, this is a fascinating novel, describing everything from art school to how wounds were treated on and off the battleground (a lot of detail here, so be prepared). Barker's research may be exhaustive, but she deploys it in such a natural way. Looking forward to the next book in the trilogy.
In the spring of 1914, Paul struggles at Slade, the London art school, especially in life class. Coming from a northern working class background, he feels removed from the other students. But Elinor, one of the few women students welcomes him into her group of friends, which include Kit, a successful artist, and Teresa, one of the life models. All of their lives are turned upside down when war is declared and Kit and Paul sign on as ambulance drivers, Teresa disappears and Elinor stubbornly continues with her art.
This is the first book in a trilogy and, as such, I should almost wait until I've read the other two to say anything. Here, the most interesting character disappeared partway through and was never heard from again. I'm hoping she reappears because Teresa, scrappy Teresa with the troubled, dangerous husband and a determination to life her life, is far more interesting than Elinor, the upper class golden girl who attracts all the men. Still, this is a fascinating novel, describing everything from art school to how wounds were treated on and off the battleground (a lot of detail here, so be prepared). Barker's research may be exhaustive, but she deploys it in such a natural way. Looking forward to the next book in the trilogy.
cheraford's review against another edition
3.0
I am glad I decided to finish this book. Loved the author's style, though I found it hard to relate to any of the characters. The second half of the story saved the book for me