A beautifully written novel, the first in Barker's "Regeneration Trilogy" (the third volume won the Booker Prize). Set in a war hospital in Engliand during World War I, the story revolves around several patients and physicians, including the poet Siegfried Sassoon. After serving honorably, Sassoon wrote an anti-war statement, which he asked an MP to read in session. His friend and fellow officer Robert Graves, knowing that Sassoon would be facing a court martial, claims the statement was due to battle fatigue and has him sent to Craiglockhaven for treatment. Dr. Rivers's task is to get Sassoon to agree to return to the front. A fascinating look at the social pressure put on young men during the war, as well as the effects of the war and of the treatment of the psychological scars it caused.

I listened to this one on audio, read wonderfully by Peter Firth, and I will be moving on to the next two volumes, [The Eye in the Door] and [The Ghost Road]. ( )

an amazing book. i've read it, that is to say, listened to it as i can no longer read, perhaps 10 times and just finished it again. the narration by peter firth is outstanding and nuanced.

barker is a master at dialogue and for me that elevates this book to greatness. the characters are finely drawn through description but, for me, even more so by their interchanges. ( )

For whatever reason this wasn't exactly what I was expecting - billed as a 'World War I' novel; it is really the story of a military psychiatric hospital during World War I and attempts to rehabilitate "shell-shock" victims to get them back to the front. It focuses on the internal life of the physician, Dr. Rivers, and his interaction with many patients in particular Siegfried Sassoon, a decorated officer, who is sent to the hospital in lieu of a court-martial for publicly objecting to the War. Apparently, I learned at the end, most of the characters were real people.

The writing was quite good but ultimately I find novels that feature alot of pschoanalysis rather dull. I did enjoy reflections on trench warfare and the interesting and tragic forms in which mental breakdowns occur for example pschosomatic paralysis and mutism. But much of the novel hemmed and hawed vaguely about repressed sexuality, fear, guilt, dream analysis. Frankly, I wanted more action.

I feel as if I will definately go on to read the rest of the trilogy as the writing is fine and there is much critical acclaim. Perhaps with different expectations -- I will enjoy them more. Overall, a worthy read, but a bit bland. ( )

Regeneration is the first book in Pat Barker’s World War I trilogy. Siegfried Sasson was an historical figure, a noted poet and decorated war hero who penned the Soldier’s Declaration - a refusal to continue serving as a British officer based on the moral grounds that the war was a misguided effort contributing to the senseless slaughter of men. Spared a court martial, Sassoon was sent to Craiglockhart War Hospital in Scotland where the famous psychiatrist Dr. William Rivers was assigned the task of “curing” him from insanity in order to send him back to France and the front line.

The novel, however, is less about Sassoon and more about the psychological effects of war. Barker shows us the shell-shocked and mentally damaged patients through the eyes (mostly) of Dr. Rivers. Billy Prior arrives at the hospital unable to speak. A young soldier by the name of Burns is so traumatized by his experiences he is unable to eat without vomiting. The reader meets yet another soldier who is “paralyzed” even though his spinal cord is physically undamaged. In sensitively revealing the psychic injuries of the characters, Barker asks the essential question: Is war worth the toll it takes on those who sacrifice for it? Even Rivers, who is tasked with restoring men to duty, begins to question the morality of war.

Pat Barker’s strength is in revealing the emotions of her characters without being maudlin. Often she employs dialogue between doctor and patient to reveal the the horror of war and its impact.

Regeneration is a war novel which is set not on the battlefield, but inside the minds of its characters - many of whom are historical figures. I found it to be a slow start - it is a drama that slowly reels the reader into the story. Regeneration is written with compassion and a subtle tension which reveals a sometimes barbaric and disturbing period in the history of psychiatry. Barker writes with honesty and has created a novel which pricks at the conscience.

Regeneration was long-listed for the Booker Prize in 1991.

Recommended for those readers interested in historical fiction, particularly during World War I. Those interested in psychology will also find this novel a fascinating character study. ( )

Asces. Believable characters, sharp dialogoue. Great balance between characterizations and plot. ( )