The Return of the Soldier cover art

The Return of the Soldier

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The Return of the Soldier

By: Rebecca West
Narrated by: Nadia May
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About this listen

 When Captain Chris Baldry, a World War I soldier, is sent home with a severe case of shellshock amnesia, he is a stranger to his wife, Kitty, and his adoring cousin, Jenny. Recoiling from the horrors of war and disillusioned with years of superficial married life, his mind has regressed 15 years into the past, where his heart may take refuge once again in the magic circle of his youth and of his first love, Margaret Allington.

In this lyrical and poignant story of a wounded man and the three concerned women who seek to heal him, Rebecca West explores the complexity of the mind and its subtle strategies for coping with life's painful realities. Only when Chris has the courage to face one pivotal moment of truth in his married life will he be able to awaken from his boyish fantasy and become, indeed, "every inch a soldier".

©1996 Blackstone Audio (P)1996 Blackstone Audio Classics Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Fiction Literary Fiction Romance Heartfelt Solider

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All stars
Most relevant  
Thoroughly appreciated the writing, observances, characters, and the story, would listen again just to enjoy it once more

Very touching

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This short book is a joy. Many of the themes are as relevant today as they were at the time of writing (between the two world wars). Beautifully read too.

Beautiful prose and touching story

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Loved this book. Beautifully read with the perfect accent for the story.
I went from likening to despising and back to sympathy as the book went on.
A calm, quiet way of telling a complex and tragic story

I kept changing my mind!

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Although I stuck with it I found it difficult to keep up with. The narration was good.

Difficult to keep up with story

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The story is compelling, and the descriptions sublime. Beautifully read. Just wish it was longer.

Excellent

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I really enjoyed this. Her portrayal of class was utterly excruciating and gripping. Loved it!
Structurally it's a short story, but with more development and depth.

Brilliant and compelling

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A deep and moving portrayal of human nature, hurt and self protection.
Truly worth listening too.

Profound.

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though the class snobbery is hard to take. In fact the empty superiority of the narrator and her friend are central to the end tragedy of the returning of ‘the soldier’.

Quite a profound story

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