by Sue,
The final book, ladies. It seems much of this novel deals with a
time when Rivers was in Melanesia as an anthropologist. Might be useful
to think about how much these sections contribute to the author's
consideration of mankind, society and the nature of war. Or do they just
interrupt the flow of the story? In the first two novels, Ms. Barker
combines horribly insightful reflections on human psychology with
fantastic storytelling. I shall be reading this at break neck speed to
see if Prior survives. And I’m not even especially fond of Prior. (Very
intimidating. Imagine having him round for dinner. Everything pitilessly
analysed.) We could think, too, about whether the conclusion to this
trilogy is satisfying. Why do you think we’ve all enjoyed these books?
The contemporary feel you mentioned Nancy; the graphic description you
talked of, Katie; and/or is there something about WW1 that is
particularly compelling? Happy reading, ladies.
Hello Ladies,
ReplyDeleteI know it is somewhat of a shock to see me commenting first, haha, but what can I say, new year new leaf. I hope all is well with you both and your families are going healthy and happy.
We are all fine, however the weather is so hot here it tends to sap the energy and keep us inside during most of the day. I imagine it is the reverse for you both experiencing mid winter right now. Katie, the weather reports seem to indicate extreme cold over there for you, have you noticed the difference in temperature this year?
I have enjoyed this series so much, the second book is my favourite even though The Ghost Road was also very good.
I understand why Pat Barker chose to include the stories of River’s time in Micronesia, as so much of the trilogy is focused on death and how different people relate to death and the dying, but I found myself rushing to get back to Billy’s exploits and also the Hospital where River’s was currently working to check on the progress of the patients there. Then there was the flashbacks to River’s early life, I felt a little jostled around at times. So yes, I feel my flow was interrupted a little, but the comparisons with River’s past experiences of death and his and Billy’s present experiences of death made the interruptions valid.
Billy certainly seemed to be the most enigmatic of the characters. It would be very difficult to flesh out characters of the real people in the book so for me they seemed a little dull, but Pat Barker certainly went to town when she created Billy. I really liked his honesty with himself and feel with all the damage done to him, both in his early life and his war experiences where what was driving him back to the Front and the only conclusion for him.
Billy’s diary entries had such amazing imagery of the war torn country and its people, it was very moving and painted a graphic picture of the devastation battles. The battle scene itself and the plight of the soldiers was also portrayed very movingly. It was devastating to read of the characters deaths after getting to know them through Billy’s writing.
Thank you Sue for starting us on this trilogy journey, I hope we can find another series soon that will be just as engaging.
Hello Ladies
ReplyDeleteHope you and your families are well. You both seem to be experiencing real extremes of weather in your worlds. I do hope things are not too uncomfortable. In comparison, we’re having a relatively easy time of it – I shouldn’t say that, probably inviting feet of snow and inches of ice onto East Yorkshire. Jay, wise man, has gone to Malaysia ‘til April and warmer weather arrive, leaving me lots of time to read.
Brilliant beginning. I could see and feel it: the sand, Prior’s interaction with the boy’s mother and grandmother. Prior a lot more sympathetic in his analysis than my introduction above gave him credit for. Horribly realistic scene. And that observer’s skill continues throughout the journal extracts. (Wonderful comment on why so many soldiers writer: ‘first-person narrators can’t die.’) Loved the ruined beauty of the time in France before they are posted (Chapter 9). Of course, those same descriptive powers vividly portray Hallet’s awful injury and death.
Lots of this quite unbearable, but not once did I think of not reading it, or skipping to the end to find out what happened to Prior. Besides, we all know what happened to Owen, so as soon as he appeared, I assumed Prior would share his fate. And Prior’s comment on hearing the soldiers singing because they think the war is about to end, “I wish I didn’t think they were being sacrificed to the subclauses and the small print” is knowingly prophetic. And says everything we need to know about war.
Though Rivers is such a sympathetic character like you, Nancy, I did not find the Malanesian sections so gripping – even more repulsive if anything. Perhaps this was because I found it difficult to identify with the characters. I’m assuming the reader is meant to recognise that mankind has made little progress towards whatever we mean by civilisation. If that’s the case, perhaps we already know. Anyway, Sarah throwing her knickers over the bible and Ada’s determination to provide no opportunity for unwed sex were so much more real to me. And humorous. We needed a bit of humour. Owen’s comment to Hallet as Hallet lay naked in a pond: “’I’d be careful if I were you. I expect those fish are ravenous.’ ‘And not just the fish,’ Prior thought” was a lovely moment.
I’ve so enjoyed this trilogy because of the wonderful male and female characters, the author’s alarming powers of description, and the brilliant analysis of the impact of war on society and individuals. Goodness knows how poor Rivers will respond to Prior’s final letter: ‘My nerves are in perfect working order. By which I mean that in my present situation the only sane thing to do is run away, and I will not do it. Test passed?’ The futility of it all.
Wonderful trilogy. You’re right, Nancy, we should find another one.
Much love to you both and to your families
Hello Ladies,
ReplyDeleteA friend recommended a series for me. Please take a look and let me know how you feel about it.
The first book is The Black House by Peter May it is part of the Lewis Trilogy set in Northern Scotland.
Just an initial suggestion, I'm sure there are many wonderful choices out there.
much love xx
Sounds really good, Nancy. Scotland is always a good place to be, and I really enjoy crime novels. Haven't read one in a long time. This should be a treat. Thank you for the suggestion.
ReplyDeleteHi Ladies,
ReplyDeleteSorry for my tardiness. I feel like time has slipped away from me. The first few weeks of the new year were so frigidly cold here. It was terrible having to leave the house daily. Nancy, I think I would happily trade you for warmer weather! Ha! Sue, I hope you are managing okay without Jay being around. We all are doing well other than the cold.
War stories are not the typical book I pick. You keep forcing me outside of my usual zone, Sue. And for this I thank you. The Narrow Road to the Deep North was incredible and our current trilogy has also been gripping. I guess I find war as distasteful as the pacifist orderlies at Rivers’ clinic did. The political leaders who make the decisions are never the ones laying down their lives. It is the average citizens, like Prior, who pay for those outcomes. I remember watching Pearl Harbor and crying like a fool as fictitious soldiers died. I guess I’m too empathetic?
While I enjoyed Rivers’ memories of the Melanesian people, I failed to see its relevance to the situation faced by Prior and the other GI’s. I was thinking it was an ideal that all men/cultures need war or violence. The tribe Rivers was observing seemed listless and disappointed in their lack of head hunting. It was like the glory of their culture had been diminished by the British restrictions. But the majority of our characters seemed very unhappy with the idea of war. So this seems to void that guess of mine. Nancy, your idea of different cultures and how they accept death sounds on point.
I think Ghost Road was my favorite of the series. I was a bit disappointed that there was a lack of closure from Eye in the Door, though. Whatever happened to Betty Roper, Mac, or Prior’s alter-ego for that matter? Other than the recurring characters, the second book seems a bit independent of books one and three. I’m glad that Sarah returned and I agree, Sue, the visit to her mother added great humor to things. I felt sorry for her losing two fiancés to the war. I think I knew Prior was destined for death when he got approved to go to France the final time. Did Rivers ever declare Prior suicidal? To me, his decision to return was more foolish than noble. All in all though a good series. Thank you again, Sue!
Nancy, your trilogy pick sounds great! I look forward to another series. Do we intend to read this sequentially or with other novels in between? Also I forgot that Evidence against her was my choice, so it may be a moment before I get that intro to you. Hopefully this weekend?
-Katie
Katie, I've no idea how you keep up with everything. Brilliant! An intro this weekend, or indeed next week, is fine with me. I so sympathise about the cold. It's clearly much, much colder where you are than it is here. Nonetheless, yesterday I did a few essential tasks outside, decided it was just too cold and damp for human activity, returned to the house, got back into my winter dressing gown and stayed in for the rest of the day. That is what retirement is for! There is much to look forward to. Meanwhile, take care of yourself. Love to you and yours. Sue
ReplyDeleteHello Ladies,
ReplyDeleteI’m glad you like the Peter May trilogy idea. What do you think of spacing a different novel in-between each one? Any longer than that and I fear I’ll forget what happens as I did from Regeneration to The Eye In The Door. I’m happy to do whatever though.
I think we all agree Barker’s venture into Micronesia wasn’t our favourite part, but I guess it was an important time in River’s life so it needed to be included. I would have preferred more insight into his childhood.
Katie, you are right, what happened to Billy’s alter ego? I’m sure he wasn’t suddenly cured he was way to damaged for that. It seemed being back at the Front made him feel normal. This seems to be something that happens to some soldiers and they continue to want to return to battle, so sad.
Sue, hope Jay is enjoying his visit to Malaysia and you’re enjoying some time to yourself as well. If it’s cold out sounds like a good plan for a reading day! The weather here is still relentlessly hot and I’ve spent quite a few days holed up inside with a book and an icy drink.
love to all,
nancy
Hello Ladies
ReplyDeleteThe idea of spacing a different novel between each of the trilogy books is, for me, definitely a good one. Thanks, Nancy. Jay is having a great time. The prospect of a day with a book and, in my case, a hot drink is just wonderful. Sadly, I'm just about to brave the frost outside to see parents and do shopping before what is promised to be horrible weather tomorrow. The poor plants are sending out green shoots, thinking it's about time for spring. Eventually . . . . Take care ladies. Much love to you both.