books:

	Birdsong: A Novel of Love and War Sebastian Faulks Vintage, 1997 - 496 pages average customer review:based on 187 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

However, I was well rewarded for my patience. Stephen's story on the front is absolutely the gripping. I finally began to connect to this character once Faulks got him to the trenches. It was such a compelling connection, that I read the rest of the book in a little under 4 days.

In retrospect, the slow pace of the opening is a good analogy of the frivilous cares and slow pace of a nation at peace. The frenzied pace of Faulks' war story deepens the characters and the plot while standing in strong contrast to peacetime. Faulks moves his novel in such a way that the reader is able to live the story with the characters.

This is a must-read for anyone interested in excellent literature--not just historical fiction and especially not romance. Stick with Faulks through the beginning because the story that follows is unforgettably beautiful all the way to its ending.

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My all time #1?

Its interesting reading the reviews posted here to observe that this is a book which draws 5's and 1's, scorn and adulation. For me, it is a benchmark for all novels and the "holding my breath as I read" from the American reviewer or the "tears streaming down my cheeks" from the British Bobby encapsulate so much of the impact which I felt on reading this beautiful yet awful tale.
Novels are generally unappealing to me - I regard them as self indulgent and perhaps a waste of time. I tend towards non fiction. But I found myself reading Birdsong while on holiday in 1995, locked into the book from start to finish, aching with the passion, pain and sadness which comes with this book. And today, seven years after I first read this book, it still pulls me.
And it is wonderful to read of others who have been equally touched by Birdsong - and I am incredulous at a few of the negative comments made.
I would echo the sentiments of the reviewer who opined that this will be ranked as one of the great novels of the late 20C. And on that note, sitting in the airport, I think I will go and buy another copy and re-read it!

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Superb

Every word is a pleasure, the novel is a tour de force. Sensual, erotic and deeply moving. His prose is a delight to read and the love stories are first rate. He is a flawed hero, one we can identify with. His women are also fascinating characters making heroic sacrifices. The book is one you will never forget. A huge novel, but you will want to read it twice in one sitting! A testimony to love, and the so-called lost generation.


Sweeping and Riveting

I kept passing over this book thinking it fell into the 'historical romance' genre (which to me means less than good writing). I was definitely wrong. The story is sweeping with impecably good writing. I was engrossed from page one. The romance in the book, which is central to the story plot, is touching. But it is the war writing which is unforgetable. The writing is mysterious and evocative. I think Faulks does a better at describing World War I trench warfare than Hemingway. The last part of the book which deals with the main character's grandaughter is fine but could have been deleted from the book altogether as it does nothing to advance the plot. Although it does serve as a foil to the war scenes by showing how good and simple life can be without war.

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A WAR IN TWO FIELDS---LOVE...AND WWI

The first 80 pages of this novel describes a torrid love affair that should hold your interest. The next 320 pages describes action in WW I in France of a British squad or Company. The details are typical war material (without the heavy swearing that is in most war literature)related in an interesting way and much of the action takes place underground while digging tunnels. This is not for the feint of heart as the horrors of war get quite detailed. Mr. Faulks surely knows how to write!


reviews: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, page 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18

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