Rosemary Heald
the only book I have ever felt compelled to read all over again as soon as I had completed it. It helped me make some sense of the harrowing agonies which have been endured by those carrying out their governments orders in trusting faith.
Jane Phillipson
I am completely in accord with Penny Parks' comments: 'harrowing' and 'joyful' sums this book up perfectly. My late grandfather was a doctor in the trenches and was awarded an MC - something I only knew about after he had died because he was always reluctant to talk about it, apparently. This was the book I wish I had had the creativity, flair and insight to have written. But it's not really about women.
sylvia blakeley
quite simply the best book I've ever read. Taught me a lot about men as well as women
marianne downie
This book came to me at a time when I was researching my family tree. Lots of things in my childhood became clear as I read about the experiences of my ancesters. A most painful,wonderful experience
Pia Larsen
I have to agree with Brian, sadly the only male to respond on this section. I too thought it a great book, but turned to read these comments as I didn't see why this would be chosen to represent a watershed for women. It is superb for World War 1!
Michelle Michaelides
A great educational novel describing the full horrors of the Great War and the trauma left on the soldiers.
An overpowering and harrowing masterpiece, a Tolstoyan epic of love, war and redemption.
Beautifully written : text reminiscent of Flaubert for the description of the love affair and of Zola for the passion it unleashes (you feel the summer heat and the sense of boredom).
A good study of French society at the time.
Anne Boden
An amzing book which made a huge impression on me as my father fought in both world wars, having survived being severely wounded on the Somme.
The lovemaking scenes were so vivid and the lasting strenth and passion from this was to stay with Stephen and Isobel for life. I feel that we are not only allowed into their bedroom but into their hearts and minds. This love, like the French countryside, is rich and effulgent in its beauty. It is made more poignant when contrasted with the later depictions of hatred, cruelty and extremes of suffering, which man is capable of inflicting upon his fellow man in the inhumanity of war. A truly great book.
Liz Seller
It brought to life the horror, futility, waste of life etc. etc of war and made me appreciate this peaceful life with real choices that I now enjoy and appreciate but once took for granted.
Anne Harnett
My favourite read of all time, it really opened my eyes to what really happened during the 1st world war. All of which my father would never speak about. I now know why.
Brian Richie
There's no denying its a great book, one of my favourites of all time, but I'm sorry, but it does amazingly little, if anything to change the way we see women...why the hell did anyone vote for it?
Penny Parks
This was the most harrowing and yet joyful book I am ever likely to read. I feel no need to ever read anymore novels on the First World War, as this is the definitive. More than once tears ran down my face, and when I finished the last page, I HAD to turn the cover over and start reading it again. I should be compulsory. The best book I have ever read, a masterpiece.
Michelle Brady
The most moving book that I have read. It really made my sit back after I had finished it and contemplate my life and treasure those things that we normally take for granted.
Sarah Parkin
I was overwhelmed with awe, sadness and respect for those who fought in the bloody war and realised how little I know about the men and women who gave their lives in conflict. This is true of many of my generation and this is the saddest thing of all.
