Review of "The Soldier's Art (Dance to the Music of Time)" on 'Goodreads'
5 stars
What makes this novel most interesting to me is that it is an illuminating view of World War II without being involved in what we would consider "The main action." Instead, we spend the book with more administrative action and leave in London. Despite the almost complete lack of martial combat, the effects of the war on soldiers and civilians alike are shown in a realistic and sometimes intense manner. The army is not romanticized but neither is it presented as a complete farce.
Tragedy strikes quickly and somewhat often in this novel. Powell's subdued writing at these points are oddly affecting and poignant. I had actually finished a chapter during the intermission of a Gordon Lightfoot concert and was approached by a random stranger asking if everything was all right.
The Britishness of how these tragedies are processed (knuckle down, carry on chap! Righto!) might rub readers the wrong …
What makes this novel most interesting to me is that it is an illuminating view of World War II without being involved in what we would consider "The main action." Instead, we spend the book with more administrative action and leave in London. Despite the almost complete lack of martial combat, the effects of the war on soldiers and civilians alike are shown in a realistic and sometimes intense manner. The army is not romanticized but neither is it presented as a complete farce.
Tragedy strikes quickly and somewhat often in this novel. Powell's subdued writing at these points are oddly affecting and poignant. I had actually finished a chapter during the intermission of a Gordon Lightfoot concert and was approached by a random stranger asking if everything was all right.
The Britishness of how these tragedies are processed (knuckle down, carry on chap! Righto!) might rub readers the wrong way who are more use to a melodramatic reaction to such tragedy. But hey, sometimes it's nice to see reactions that don't involve rending one's cloak, crying a river, and shouting "why?!".