November 2012: Cynthia Rylant: I Had Seen Castles

Occlith · Nov 4, 2012

Discussion open.

Conscious Bob · Nov 6, 2012

So it is, I had a look in the bookshop for this title, I'll try the library next before I order it on Amazon.

Occlith · Nov 18, 2012

In this slim novel, Cynthia Rylant provides a thoughtful read with a well-developed lead character and interesting and complex secondary characters. This story doesn’t focus solely on the horrors of war but also the after effects on those who fought and non-combatant survivors.

After becoming a soldier, John’s idealism fades as he experiences the tragic realities of “friendly fire”, despair, and disillusionment as he realizes that the sacrifices of he and his fellow soldiers have helped fuel the fortunes of those profiting from the war. He is also deeply affected by the large scale death of civilians.

:star4:

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Conscious Bob · Nov 20, 2012

Occlith said:
After becoming a soldier, John’s idealism fades as he experiences the tragic realities of “friendly fire”, despair, and disillusionment as he realizes that the sacrifices of he and his fellow soldiers have helped fuel the fortunes of those profiting from the war. He is also deeply affected by the large scale death of civilians.

Thought provoking.

I wouldn't say John is entirely idealistic as before he enlists John knows it's going to be bad but the circumstances of the time means the war's pull is inexorable for him and his family.

I think 'profiting from the war' in the novel's context is more a variable outcome of circumstance than implied direct exploitation because the most fortunate of his fellow Americans in this respect are those that had no sons in combat while working in the improved economic conditions of the homefront.

I read it as a story of an old man trying to come to terms with post traumatic stress disorder which he can never shake.

November 2012: Cynthia Rylant: I Had Seen Castles

Occlith

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Conscious Bob

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Occlith

Well-Known Member

Conscious Bob

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