The best biography I've ever read
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A great biography which must have some kind of record as it was shortlisted for the two leading non-fiction prizes of its day - the Whitbread and the NCR non-fiction prize. It is both movingly written and deeply researched. Paul Berry was Vera Brittain's friend and her executot who, although commissioned to write the book was unable to do so and turned it over to Mark Bostridge who was largely repsonsible for the finished work. Read Lives for Sale for a fascinating insight into how the partnership worked.
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A brilliant biography, well written and well researched
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The authors have written a beautiful and sympathetic account of Vera Brittains life. This book fills in the gaps left by Testament of Youth, such as the detailed (and much later) account given of her brother Edwards death in 1917, her strained friendship with the Leightons after the war and her relationship with her children, especially her son John, with whom she seemed to have an un-easy relationship right up to her death in 1970. This is a facinating and well researched biography, detailing her lack of confidence as an author, and the relationships that sustained her throughout her life and career. Like Testament of Youth, I couldnt put this book down.
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Our century's leading feminist, pacifist and writer
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Vera Brittain's life was totally affected by the First World War. Her values and beliefs stemmed from her personal losses of fiance, brother and friends. The impact influenced her actions, thoughts and writings. This biography not only gives a very readable account of Vera Brittain' life, but analyses her relationships, her books and the decisions she took. The Vera Brittain behind Testament of Youth, Testament of Friendship and Testament of Experience is explored; the gaps are highlighted and reasons given for the fuller picture that this biograpy reveals. It is illuminating, critical of Vera Brittain at times, but gives a far more complete picture of her life than readers have been able to access so far. The reader will not only gain a greater depth of understanding of Vera Brittain but also of the times in which she lived and the people and events associated with her.
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