The Group met on 10th July at The Hundred to
discuss The Letter Bearer.
There were mixed feelings about the book; all agreed that it
was well written with beautiful descriptive passages although one needed to
concentrate to fully appreciate the quality of the language. It would make a great film.
In many ways it was felt to be an essay on the anonymity of
war – the nature of war is the huge number of anonymous people who are no
longer individuals, just a mass of humanity.
Some readers found it interesting but unsatisfactory
especially its conclusion, as the book seemed to fizzle out at the end and the
main character's identity was never resolved.
Was the protagonist deliberately not remembering his name, or could he
really not remember? Because it is set
in wartime do we need to know who he is?
The Group had the most sympathy for the Italian POW, but for
most, the favourite character was Umpty, the nickname given to the protagonist.
It was decided it was an enjoyable read but one which
engenders many questions for which any new reader should be prepared.
The next meeting is arranged for Thursday 18th September at 8 pm. in The Hundred when we shall be discussing 'Hard Times' by
Charles Dickens.
Hi,
ReplyDeleteI just finished this novel, and I was wondering if you felt that in the end the Rider was still trying to make for the British lines or was he heading into the wilderness, never to return ? It wasn't clear to me.
I think he probably intended to die, I am still wondering if he did?
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