Pat Barker (1) (1943–)

[a:Pat Barker|4000|Pat Barker|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1539120639p2/4000.jpg] has written the story of the [b:The Iliad|1371|The Iliad|Homer|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1388188509l/1371._SX50_.jpg|3293141] from the viewpoint of a woman, the slave and former queen, Briseis, won for his slave by Achilles. Once the wife of King Mynes of Lyrnessus, an ally of Troy, Achilles slew Mynes and the brothers of Briseis, then received her as his war prize. She and Achilles later have a child, but it is the battles and machinations of Agamemnon and the other Greek kings as well as Priam the Trojan ruler which create much of the theater of this story. Barker's writing skills shine, the pace is rapid in spite of the huge cast of characters (I wrote them down) and emphasize the suffering of all during wartime as Briseis bathes the dead and supports the vanquished while mourning her own losses.… (mais)

Whilst not up there with the 'Regeneration' trilogy, this is an involving read. Toby is never present beyond the first few chapters of the book: istead it is his sister Elinor. But he is entirely central to the narrative. His confused sexual feelings, his disappearance in action (this is the First World War) in more than usually odd circumstances. All of this occupies Elinor's thoughts and actions, despite her career as an artist. It's an interesting look at the life at that time of a woman such as Elinor, and a good story too, so I'm not sure why I don't give it more stars. Maybe I'll add to this later....… (mais)

This story is best described as a psychological thriller. I found it gripping.
Child psychologist Tom Seymour is out walking with his wife along a canal. Their marriage is fragile and they were seeking space by going outdoors. They witness a young man throw himself in the canal after swallowing tablets. Tom dives in and rescues him, only to realise that it is a young man, Danny, who as a 10 year old was charged with murder of an elderly woman and Tom's testimony that he was capable of standing trial in an adult court helped secure his incarceration. Was their meeting again random chance or something more sinister?… (mais)