Book Review

Last week, I had to read the novelette The Return of the Soldier by Rebecca West. West tells the story of three women who love one man who returns from the front (World War I) suffering from shell shock. Each of the women deal differently with the situation. The man's wife (Kitty) turns out to be a self-centered narcisstic beauty who only cares about making sure her rich lifestyle remains secure. The second woman (Jenny) is a cousin who was a childhood playmate and whom the man supports through the business he runs. She is less concerned about her circumstances and more concerned that he be healed. The third woman (Margaret) turns out to be the woman the man loved and lost. She will suffer the most and have to sacrifice the most in order for the man (Chris) to be healed. Chris believes it is fifteen years earlier and he is in love again with Margaret. He has no recollection of his wife and finds it painful to meet her. Kitty and Jenny find a doctor who discovers a way to heal Chris of shell shock but the healing will come with a price. The happiness that Chris knows with Margaret will be lost and Chris will have to return to the fighting in France. By bringing Chris back to reality, the women may be dooming him to death. Ultimately, it is Margaret who makes the fateful decision and sacrifices the love between her and Chris so he might be healed.

I found the novelette very touching. It also showed that there are other casualties besides the soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines that fight the battles. Those who love them and have to deal with them when they come home from the fight also have to deal with what has happened to their loved one. It can be very traumatic as the novel shows. The novel also touches on the topic of rich people. It shows how vain and self-centered they can be. I found myself thoroughly disgusted by the character Kitty who showed so little feeling for others and didn't hesitate to hurt others if she wished to.

Overall, I'd definitely recommend this novelette. It be a bit dated as it deals with World War I but it is still a very touching story. Also, at 90 pages, it is a very easy read. You'll most likely find the novelette either at the library and at various on-line bookstores. I doubt you'll be able to find it at most regular bookstores due to how old the novel is. Cost wise, the list price on my edition was $10.95 which I thought expensive for such a short novel. Still, it is a very touching story. Because of the cost, you might want to borrow it from the library. Cheers!