The First World War is filled with iconic concepts and grisly tales that make for gripping novels. One of which is Birdsong by Sebastian Faulks, the second installment of his French trilogy. The 1993 book is set both before and during the conflict, which began in 1914, and tells the story of Stephen, a young Englishman, who arrives in Amiens in 1910. A clandestine love affair, which tears apart the family he lives with, and the experiences of war, including tunneling beneath the trenches of No Man’s Land, have engrossed readers since its publication.
Both British and German troops dug under each other’s positions, using explosives to wipe out parts of the enemy’s defensive line. Goodreads says in its description of the book: “Published to international critical and popular acclaim, this intensely romantic yet stunningly realistic novel spans three generations and the unimaginable gulf between the First World War and the present.” It adds: “Sebastian Faulks creates a world of fiction that is as tragic as A Farewell to Arms and as sensuous as The English Patient.
“Crafted from the ruins of war and the indestructibility of love, Birdsong is a novel that will be read and marveled at for years to come.”
A reviewer wrote on the site: “A very moving and haunting book. It captures the horrors of the first world war in such detail that it will stay with me for a very long time.”
Another said: “This is a powerful novel, and certainly not for the faint hearted. I read this for my local book club and I can imagine when we meet in February this book is going to make for great discussion.
“The battlefield scenes are so descriptive and cleverly written and at times make harrowing reading but the author makes sure you are in that trench and you are witnessing the vivid descriptions of carnage and brutalities of war.”
Comedian and actor Alan Davies is a fan of Birdsong, saying in an XL version of the QI episode Highs and Lows in 2010 people should buy the book rather than let him explain it.
He outlined the concept of the novel, and the studio audience became so engrossed that the Jonathan Creek star commented on how quiet they had become.
The BBC produced a two-part 2012 television drama based on Birdsong starring Eddie Redmayne.
Some readers, though, have found the book to be disconnected.
One reveiwer wrote: “Birdsong is certainly unique, but it ultimately didn’t come together.
“The book opens in 1910, and, who-ee is it steamy. Then, the book transitions to World War I. Personally, I haven’t seen any war books this steamy, and I was intrigued how the narrative would unfold.
“But, sadly, I was disappointed. First, the author just dropped the steamy plotline. Second, the World War I bit had such wasted potential. The book explores the experience of men who tunneled during the war.
“This is beyond the traditional trench warfare—these men were digging deep underground to listen for any sign of enemy movement. Uh uh. You couldn’t pay me enough money to go into those dark death holes. No way. No thank you.”