zak_dunstone's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
jmross10's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
I’m not entirely sure how to rate this book because of the way the story is told.
I think using the various objects in the character’s lives to relay the information was a really interesting approach to storytelling. In particular, when telling a war story because it opened up a wider range of possibilities than one might think at first.
The bouncing around timeline wasn’t my favorite but I did like how it all came together over time.
What I liked most about the story was that it followed individuals on all sides of the war and not a particular group. There are (attempted) explanations for why they did what they did or why they feel the way they do. But also, addresses the repercussions of those choices and the ripple effect.
It was not the most compelling read as a whole. I do think it accomplished what it set out too though.
I think using the various objects in the character’s lives to relay the information was a really interesting approach to storytelling. In particular, when telling a war story because it opened up a wider range of possibilities than one might think at first.
The bouncing around timeline wasn’t my favorite but I did like how it all came together over time.
What I liked most about the story was that it followed individuals on all sides of the war and not a particular group. There are (attempted) explanations for why they did what they did or why they feel the way they do. But also, addresses the repercussions of those choices and the ripple effect.
It was not the most compelling read as a whole. I do think it accomplished what it set out too though.
mccleark's review
2.0
BA5799 is a British soldier fighting a war in an ambiguously Middle Eastern country. The narrative jumps between his time before, during, and after his service, as well as the backstories of some of the people he encounters while abroad. The catch is, this isn’t just his story told by him – it’s told by everything around him. Rather, all the objects that he and others in his life encounter, use, manipulate, and interact with. It’s not BA5799 who tells us how it felt to fly to his assignment – it’s a round of ammunition. It’s his mother’s purse that tells us what happens when she visits him in the hospital after he has to come back home.
While this is certainly an interesting way to tell a story, I found that the actual execution of the idea fell flat. I was looking forward to hearing each object’s voice – how would a boot see the person wearing it differently than a $20 bill saw the person handling it? I was disappointed to discover that each object sounded the same – from virus to bike to gun to beer glass, each relayed its story in a flat, monotone recounting. While it was fun to try and guess what most of the objects were, even that was taken away from the reader sometimes – the author would come out and tell you what was talking. I also found the objects improbably insightful. While I’m willing to accept the notion that a prosthetic leg or a wheelbarrow can see and sense what’s going on around it, I’m less inclined to believe that these objects can also tell what people are thinking. I wanted to have to guess the characters’ thoughts from the objects’ observations; to have to infer that someone was worried by the way they clenched their fingers around the purse. Instead, the purse just knew that the person was worried and even why they’re worried. It knows the person’s backstory, thoughts, and feelings in a way that a purse couldn’t possibly know unless it was telepathic. Which, hey, maybe that was what the author was going for. But I found it to be a lot of ‘telling’, not ‘showing’, and it quickly grew tiresome.
It wasn’t all bad, though. I liked that the book was told in non-chronological order, which the author did ‘because that’s what it’s like to be blown up. I liked the idea of creating a puzzle with each chapter’ (https://www.theguardian.com/books/2016/feb/26/anatomy-of-a-soldier-harry-parker-review). I also enjoyed experiencing the same scenes from multiple points of view. I appreciated that the narrative focused not just on our British soldier, but also on the people in the country in which he was fighting – from sympathizers to insurgents to those who just wanted what was best for their family. Being American, I also liked that it gave me some insight to the differences between British and American cultures, particularly what the media has told me is American military culture. But really, that was pretty much it. I wish this had been executed better; I wish I could recommend this book. But as it is, unless you’re absolutely dying for a war story, I’d stay away. The gimmick isn’t worth the time it takes to read the book.
If you liked this review, check out my others on my blog!
While this is certainly an interesting way to tell a story, I found that the actual execution of the idea fell flat. I was looking forward to hearing each object’s voice – how would a boot see the person wearing it differently than a $20 bill saw the person handling it? I was disappointed to discover that each object sounded the same – from virus to bike to gun to beer glass, each relayed its story in a flat, monotone recounting. While it was fun to try and guess what most of the objects were, even that was taken away from the reader sometimes – the author would come out and tell you what was talking. I also found the objects improbably insightful. While I’m willing to accept the notion that a prosthetic leg or a wheelbarrow can see and sense what’s going on around it, I’m less inclined to believe that these objects can also tell what people are thinking. I wanted to have to guess the characters’ thoughts from the objects’ observations; to have to infer that someone was worried by the way they clenched their fingers around the purse. Instead, the purse just knew that the person was worried and even why they’re worried. It knows the person’s backstory, thoughts, and feelings in a way that a purse couldn’t possibly know unless it was telepathic. Which, hey, maybe that was what the author was going for. But I found it to be a lot of ‘telling’, not ‘showing’, and it quickly grew tiresome.
It wasn’t all bad, though. I liked that the book was told in non-chronological order, which the author did ‘because that’s what it’s like to be blown up. I liked the idea of creating a puzzle with each chapter’ (https://www.theguardian.com/books/2016/feb/26/anatomy-of-a-soldier-harry-parker-review). I also enjoyed experiencing the same scenes from multiple points of view. I appreciated that the narrative focused not just on our British soldier, but also on the people in the country in which he was fighting – from sympathizers to insurgents to those who just wanted what was best for their family. Being American, I also liked that it gave me some insight to the differences between British and American cultures, particularly what the media has told me is American military culture. But really, that was pretty much it. I wish this had been executed better; I wish I could recommend this book. But as it is, unless you’re absolutely dying for a war story, I’d stay away. The gimmick isn’t worth the time it takes to read the book.
If you liked this review, check out my others on my blog!
snoakes7001's review
4.0
This is a novel narrated by inanimate objects. That sounds like it has the potential to be a bit on the twee side, but the subject matter ensures that it is anything but.
Captain Tom Barnes is serving in Afghanistan when an IED changes his life forever. The story jumps between the actual explosion, the events leading up to it, Tom's time in hospital and his eventual recovery and rehabilitation.
The structure of the story make it hard to connect with the characters at first, but as it progresses Tom's personality emerges a little. Using this device however, does make it possible to introduce a certain innocence or naivety that wouldn't be possible with a first person narrative from a world-weary soldier.
I found some of it a little too visceral for my taste, but that's just me being squeamish. All in all it's a good read if you want to read something a little bit different.
Captain Tom Barnes is serving in Afghanistan when an IED changes his life forever. The story jumps between the actual explosion, the events leading up to it, Tom's time in hospital and his eventual recovery and rehabilitation.
The structure of the story make it hard to connect with the characters at first, but as it progresses Tom's personality emerges a little. Using this device however, does make it possible to introduce a certain innocence or naivety that wouldn't be possible with a first person narrative from a world-weary soldier.
I found some of it a little too visceral for my taste, but that's just me being squeamish. All in all it's a good read if you want to read something a little bit different.
thedutchbookreviewer's review against another edition
5.0
Read my full review here
What if your life changes in the blink of an eye?
Captain Tom Barnes is leading British troops into a war zone when he gets injured by an exploding IED. This horrible moment and the upcoming months that follow the accident are narrated by forty-five objects, telling one hell of a story.
The biggest reason why I picked up this book was because of the amazing cover. It is a huge eye catcher and I just bought it before actually knowing what it is about. So, before reading I actually didn’t know that the story was narrated by objects. Which actually was a pleasant surprise! I never read a book before that narrates through objects, which makes this book a one-of-a-kind.
What if your life changes in the blink of an eye?
Captain Tom Barnes is leading British troops into a war zone when he gets injured by an exploding IED. This horrible moment and the upcoming months that follow the accident are narrated by forty-five objects, telling one hell of a story.
The biggest reason why I picked up this book was because of the amazing cover. It is a huge eye catcher and I just bought it before actually knowing what it is about. So, before reading I actually didn’t know that the story was narrated by objects. Which actually was a pleasant surprise! I never read a book before that narrates through objects, which makes this book a one-of-a-kind.
bibliobethreads's review against another edition
5.0
What an incredible surprise Anatomy Of A Soldier was! This was my second pick for my new #wasitworththebump challenge for September nominated by the awesome Kerrie over at @lovedreadingthis I’m also lucky enough to have an exclusive Goldsboro signed first edition and after finishing it, it’s certainly taking pride of place on my favourites shelf.
This is the story of Captain Tom Barnes who has been deployed to a war-torn area and two young boys on the other side, one of whom goes into intense training to defeat the infidels and any of their own people who are seen to be colluding with the enemy.
Most strikingly, this story is told from the point of view of objects - over forty in total. We get a birds eye view of proceedings from a helmet, boots, dog tags, an explosive device and medical equipment that keeps Barnes alive when he steps on the aforementioned device when out on patrol one night.
This is a fascinating and unique tale, specifically because the narration is orchestrated by inanimate objects. It takes all the emotion out of the situation and is reported in quite a matter of fact way but as the reader, you are completely aware that horrifying things are happening.
As a result, for me it felt even more dramatic and tense because of that rather cold, monotone delivery of events from the point of view of an object. In essence, it actually had the effect of heightening the drama.
Personally I do have quite strong views against war but whatever your views are I don’t think you could fail to be moved by this powerhouse of a novel. These things are happening and have happened to soldiers all over the world and the author does not sugar coat anything. Finally, I really loved that he also told the story from both sides of the war. I think it’s important to remember that there are innocents on both sides and I very much appreciated him highlighting that.
Was it worth the bump? Hell yes!!
Five perfect stars
This is the story of Captain Tom Barnes who has been deployed to a war-torn area and two young boys on the other side, one of whom goes into intense training to defeat the infidels and any of their own people who are seen to be colluding with the enemy.
Most strikingly, this story is told from the point of view of objects - over forty in total. We get a birds eye view of proceedings from a helmet, boots, dog tags, an explosive device and medical equipment that keeps Barnes alive when he steps on the aforementioned device when out on patrol one night.
This is a fascinating and unique tale, specifically because the narration is orchestrated by inanimate objects. It takes all the emotion out of the situation and is reported in quite a matter of fact way but as the reader, you are completely aware that horrifying things are happening.
As a result, for me it felt even more dramatic and tense because of that rather cold, monotone delivery of events from the point of view of an object. In essence, it actually had the effect of heightening the drama.
Personally I do have quite strong views against war but whatever your views are I don’t think you could fail to be moved by this powerhouse of a novel. These things are happening and have happened to soldiers all over the world and the author does not sugar coat anything. Finally, I really loved that he also told the story from both sides of the war. I think it’s important to remember that there are innocents on both sides and I very much appreciated him highlighting that.
Was it worth the bump? Hell yes!!
Five perfect stars
grapestakes's review against another edition
5.0
So creative without losing any of its authenticity. So refreshing to read about war in a completely non-political way. Makes you aware of all the THINGS around us and what they represent and provide for us. My new go-to recommendation for all audiences.
thereadingparamedic's review
4.0
I liked how unusual this book was, I've never read anything like it. However, I did have to continually remind myself that the book was being told from the perspective of objects and not people. A different look at the sad consequences of combat, & how those involved are able to rebuild their lives after injury.
renee_pompeii's review
4.0
Because this story is told by *things*, it comes at you from all angles and points of view with a sense of equal importance...if that makes sense. A unique and gut-wrenching read, told by a talented and transportative writer. As a running enthusiast, I was particularly moved by the last chapter, and it gave me my greatest connection with what BA5799 was faced with...(and yes, I'll always think of Capt. Tom Barnes as BA5799. I don't think I will ever forget his ID number.)