Birdsong - Sebastian Faulks

On my bedside table is a sepia-tinted photograph of my grandfather, aged about 17, in his British army uniform, prior to his stint in France towards the end of the First World War. He was lucky; he returned. Had he not done so I would not be writing this now. I thought about him a lot as I was reading Sebastian Faulks’ novel “Birdsong” in which the author vividly portrays what life was like for those who endured the trauma of service in the trenches. I hesitate to recommend the book to anyone as it is not a comfortable read. It is not for the faint-hearted or anyone of a nervous disposition ... more

A history teacher friend of mine recommended Sebastian Faulk's 'Birdsong' to me a number of years ago, on the basis that it had two main ingredients that I would find irresistible: a World War I setting combined with a endearing romantic vein running throughout. So, on his advise, I bought a copy of the book almost immediately, however, it stood on a shelf until two years ago, forgotten and completely unread. One day I picked up the book by chance and started to read. I have just recently read the book for my second time. No mean feat I must point out, as it is seldom that I ever read a novel ... more

Birdsong, for me, was one of those books that had been on my 'to read' list for years. Indeed, the copy I own is littered with praise from critics, which left little doubt in my mind that I was in for an absorbing read. Summary The plot primarily revolves around the life of Stephen Wraysford at various points throughout his life in France, prior to and during WWI. Initially, we meet Stephen in 1910; he has arrived at the Azaires' house to stay while conducting some work abroad. Whilst there, he embarks on an affair with the young wife of his host, Isabelle, and the two decide to run away ... more

I have read several books and poetry on the First World War but Birdsong by Sebastian Faulks stimulated my interest and affected me the most in this terrible period of the twentieth century. Birdsong opens in France in 1910 with the arrival of twenty-year-old Stephen Wraysford at the house of the Azaire family. He is there to study the textile industry at the factory owned by Monsieur Adaire, who is a cold fish and a snob. His wife Isabelle is younger and it is obvious it is a marriage of convenience. The young Englishman is immediately attracted to her but she is more reticent and keeps her ... more

There are some books, where after I have read them, I am compelled to consult my bookshelves and re-read another book that echoes the plot or style of the one I have just read. After reading ‘Birdsong’, I re-read ‘All Quiet on the Western Front’. One of these, I concluded, is a great novel and the other I’m afraid, just falls short of greatness. It is 1910, and Stephen Wraysford is visiting a small town in France on business. He stays with a local textile entrepreneur and his family, the Azaires’. During his stay he falls in love with Madam Azaire, and she ... more