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A review by jessby
Another World by Pat Barker
4.0
There was a lot packed into this psychological drama of less than 300 pages. Two storylines running parallel - firstly Geordie, WWI veteran and grandfather to Nick, is dying. He is troubled by his memories of the frontline and reflects on the relationship he shared with his brother who was killed in action. I really liked how Barker described the tenderness Nick shows to his deteriorating grandfather without becoming overly sentimental.
Secondly is the story of Nick's family consisting of his heavily pregnant second wife, children and stepson. For me this was the more interesting plot line. The home Nick's family have just moved in to has a gruesome history and in the context of the step son's worrying behaviour I found this fascinating and creepy.
Barker's writing is sparse but enthralling. No fussy details to get lost in, just relentless, progressive insight into a significant 6 week period for Nick, underpinned with broader issues of memory, family loyalty and human frailty.
Secondly is the story of Nick's family consisting of his heavily pregnant second wife, children and stepson. For me this was the more interesting plot line. The home Nick's family have just moved in to has a gruesome history and in the context of the step son's worrying behaviour I found this fascinating and creepy.
Barker's writing is sparse but enthralling. No fussy details to get lost in, just relentless, progressive insight into a significant 6 week period for Nick, underpinned with broader issues of memory, family loyalty and human frailty.