Toby's Room
Barker, PatWhen Elinor Brooke's beloved brother Toby is killed on the Western Front, the presence of an unposted letter in his personal effects sets her on a determined path to find out what really happened to him. Her search for answers plays out against an even more urgent quest that is engaging those around her: how to restore the lives of soldiers with horrific facial injuries. Featuring the Bloomsbury Set and the Slade School of Art, this is a story that chronicles the pioneering of facial reconstruction and plastic surgery while considering the personal and societal costs of war.
Meticulous research and the inclusion of notable historical figures such as New Zealander Sir Harold Gillies and artist Henry Tonks, support the credentials of an author already well known for her powerful accounts of the Great War.
Comments from Groups
One of our best books. Good discussion. Enjoyed by everyone. Hamilton 007 This is the second book by Pat Barker that we have had this year. We enjoy her skill as a writer, and for this book, our most animated discussion was in relation to the plastic surgery and the NZ surgeon/connection. Absence of a nursing perspective noted. Wellington 012 We found this book challenging, and found the sibling incest unnecessary. The references to Tonks and Gillies were interesting, and some of us checked the website. Hamilton 034 We all felt this was a marvellous and deeply moving book. Reading it as we approach the 150th anniversary made it even more poignant. So skilfully written. Excellent notes. Wellington 041 Mixed reviews but plenty to discuss. The art/anatomy/facial reconstruction was fascinating, but for the majority the characters were unlikeable, and it was difficult to feel interested in their fates. Christchurch 363 This was good reading despite the sometimes harrowing descriptions, which conveyed exceptionally well the horrors of trench warfare etc. Comments were positive about the characterisations of individuals, as well as the portrayal of attitudes of the time towards sexual matters. Also of the 'class' differences, both 'social' and 'military' hierarchies, and gender codes. Most members of the group spoke of their enjoyment of the quality of the writing. Christchurch 058 Only one person really liked this book, while the rest of the group disliked the characters and the incest episode. However, the discussion covered the deprivations of WW1, the current commemorations, and the work done by Gillies and Tonks. Although Pat Barker's 'Regeneration' trilogy was written nearly 20 years ago, those of us who had read it, had an overall better view of that work than of 'Toby's Room'. Wellington 134 The group was somewhat disappointed by Toby's Room. Some felt the beginning was too light and fluffy, and it became interesting only when it focused on facial reconstruction and the role of art. Te Horo 002
Pages
264
264
Year
2012
2012
Reviews
07-08-2020
A fairly lukewarm reaction to this book from our group, we were generally very uncomfortable with the sibling incest and felt it was an unnecessary part of the story. It offered a different perspective of WW1 and in that respect we found it an interesting read, but it was difficult to feel sympathy for any of the characters.
09-04-2018
We all enjoyed the book although parts were harrowing and dealt with difficult subjects. Some of the group had read Pat Barker's Regeneration series, and thought this one not quite as good but still well written. Highly recommended.
09-04-2018
Well written book. We enjoyed the NZ connection.
09-04-2018
Everyone enjoyed this book, particularly the development of the main characters and their complex relationships; the vivid descriptions of the WWI context; the fascinating, if rather gruesome, accounts of facial reconstruction after horrific injuries; the way in which the book raised many questions that remained unanswered. Several of us resolved to read the other two books in the trilogy. (The recommended website with illustrations by Tonks and others of patients with facial injuries was well worth looking at).
09-04-2018
An interesting and insightful book. There was a diverse opinion of it, with some not enjoying it while others found it interesting and well worthwhile. Good discussion followed and covered many family histories and experiences. Would recommend as an informative and well written book.
09-04-2018
Mixed responses and feedback. 50% really liked the book, 50% indifferent.
04-04-2018
All in the group found Pat Barker's use of words very satisfying. The subject matter created great discussion, especially the plastic surgery developed to rebuild faces damaged by war. That there was subtlety in each of the characters added to the variety of readers' responses and the discussion.
04-04-2018
We all loved the descriptions of the reconstructive surgery and the role of Tonks in documenting it through his drawings. But....we thought the first two chapters were irrelevant ( the brother and sister relationship) and cheapened the book.
26-03-2018
We had mixed feelings about this book. We found it interesting learning about facial reconstruction of war injuries and the work of Gillies and Tonks, but we felt the characters in the book were not portrayed in enough depth. The book did give rise to plenty of discussion on war in general - conscientious objection, the effect of war on families and individuals etc. While the book was clever and original, few of us wanted to pursue Barker's other works.