I don’t read many non-fiction books or biographies/autobiographies so this was something different for me.
It was fascinating to read a personal account of the effects the war had on one woman’s life and on society as a whole. Reading this book made me realise how little I actually knew about World War I. A lot of the places and events mentioned in the book were unfamiliar to me and left me wanting to find out more.
Rather than just relying on her memory, Brittain uses a number of different sources, including her private diaries and correspondence and verses from poems, some of which were written by Roland or Vera herself. As I read about all the pain and sorrow she was forced to endure, I became completely absorbed in Vera Brittain’s story. I found it very inspirational that despite having her entire world torn apart by the war, she was still able to go on to build a successful career for herself as a novelist, feminist and pacifist.
Although Testament of Youth was a long, demanding and often heartbreaking book, I’m glad I read it and I feel I learned a lot from it.
Highly Recommended
Genre: Non-Fiction (Autobiography)/Pages: 640/Publisher: Virago/Year: 1933/Source: borrowed a copy
I remember watching a BBC show on Vera Britain when I lived in the UK; I really enjoyed it. I am working my way through Murder in the Name of Honor, which is pretty heavy stuff.
Nice to see another book lover named Helen! Of course you’re British, it’s just not a name Americans ever have (my parents are British so that’s how I came to be a Helen)
Enjoyed your review.
I enjoyed your review also-this is the first I have heard of Vera Britain
This sounds terrific! and I have not heard of her – but that’s not surprising. I’m quite thrilled with how this challenge is pushing me and exposing me to so many new people.
Love the colors of your blog, too.
Thanks for the comments – I’m glad you liked my review.
I didn’t know anything about Vera Brittain either until my sister told me about Testament of Youth and I thought it would be a perfect book to read for the Women Unbound challenge. 🙂
I’ve never heard of Vera Brittain before, so I’m glad you brought her to my attention. Thanks for a great review!