“In the first world war, soldiers – including Siegfried Sassoon and Wilfred Owen -- suffering from shell-shock are sent to see a psychologist at Craiglockhart in Scotland. Thoughtful, rather melancholy story but a very enjoyable one nonetheless – there are sparks of both humour and humanity among the very real horrors that the soldiers endured (both on the battlefield and in the hospital, for some – the scene at the London hospital with Yealland 'treats' the mute solder is truly appalling – all the more so, for knowing that it really went on.) Rivers was a sympathetic and likeable character, and his analytical musings about the patients were always fascinating. Sassoon was an intriguing figure, although all the patients were, really. The historical backdrop was very interesting, and gave a real sense of period. It was very well written and easy to read. Impressive, and I liked it a lot better than I thought I might. '”
Michelle K wrote this review Saturday, March 7 2009.
(
reply |
permalink )
