With thanks to @GracePublicity and @bedsqpublishers for the opportunity to read and share my thoughts.
Synopsis
Second Lieutenant Wilfred Owen was twenty-four years old when he was admitted to the newly established Craiglockhart War Hospital for treatment of shell shock. A nascent poet, trying to make sense of the terror he had witnessed, he read a collection of poems from a fellow officer, Siegfried Sassoon, and was impressed by his portrayal of the soldier’s plight. One month later, Sassoon himself arrived at Craiglockhart, having refused to return to the front after being wounded during battle.
Over their months at Craiglockhart, each encouraged the other in their work, their personal reckonings with the morality of war, and their treatment. Therapy provided Owen, Sassoon, and their wardmates with insights that allowed them to express themselves better, and for the 28 months that Craiglockhart was in operation, it notably incubated the era’s most significant developments in both psychiatry and poetry.
Soldiers Don’t Go Mad tells for the first time the story of the soldiers and doctors who struggled with the effects of industrial warfare on the psyche. As he investigates the roots of what we now know as PTSD, Glass brings historical bearing to how we must consider war’s ravaging effects on mental health, and the ways in which creative work helps us come to terms with even the darkest of times.
Review
A powerful, visceral, brilliantly informative account of the unbearable horrors faced by WW1 soldiers exploring the emergence and evolution of treatment for what we now refer to as PTSD. It’s steeped in history and perfectly encapsulates the strength and fragility of the human spirit in the darkest of times.
Glass offers a searingly honest, raw insight through personal accounts and heartbreaking stories of the soldiers we meet. The disinformation, propaganda and glorifying of war that was prevalent prior to its commencement meant soldiers were ill prepared for the atrocities they faced. No one was prepared for the effects of modern warfare and the physical and mental trauma inflicted or witnessed, leaving lives forever altered.
The incredible writing examines how dangerously unprepared the country was in dealing with the mental fallout of war. The appalling treatment endured by soldiers suffering from mental trauma is inconceivable. Craiglockhart’s set up couldn’t come soon enough and with the help of the talented and empathetic psychiatrists pioneering treatment was developed to help restore good well-being. Although, not everyone could be helped and it’s difficult knowing that once the men were deemed fit for service most will be pushed back to endure the horrors that led them there in the first place.
We see the power of art as the soldiers utilise writing to share their experiences and try to work through their trauma. Glass pens a fascinating insight of war viewed through a literary lens. The poetry included, diary entries and personal letters written by the soldiers highlights the stark realities of war and the camaraderie and friendships that sustain and devastate.
Sassoon and Owen’s moving war poetry has always stuck with me. It’s brilliant to have such an in-depth look at their lives – the tragic events that brought them together, the meaningful connection forged, and getting to know the men behind the words. The excellent research gives an authentic account that’s emotional, engaging and impactful. The more I discovered, the harder it was to put this book down!
Soldiers Don’t Go Mad offers much food for thought. It’s an important read raising many questions that are still relevant today. It’s gripping and eye-opening – I highly recommend.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#SoldiersDontGoMad, #CharlesGlass, #BedfordSquarePublishers, #BookReview, #BookRecommendation, #WW1, #Warpoetry
BookswithDanSamEnd 