Birdsong

June 2, 1997
The British novelist "proves himself a grand storyteller" with this tale of WWI-era love and heartbreak, said PW.

The sound of birdsong can scarcely penetrate the noise of battle in this book about the horrors of WWI. A valiant English officer witnesses them all: a headless, young soldier impaled on rolls of barbed wire, a cave-in of rubble with a single arm protruding. Such graphic writing, highly effective in print, gains even more force in audio. Peter Firth's skilled narration brings into brilliant focus, not only the reality of the carnage, but also the humanity and courage of the fighting men. Despite a weak denouement, BIRDSONG will move any listener who appreciates fine literature. J.C. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine