Plot Summary

The Ghost Road

Pat Barker
Guide cover placeholder

The Ghost Road

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1995

Book Brief

Pat Barker

The Ghost Road

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1995
Book Details
Pages

288

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

France • 1910s

Publication Year

1995

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

The Ghost Road by Pat Barker explores the intertwined lives of fictional soldier Billy Prior and real-life psychiatrist William Rivers during the final days of World War I, focusing on themes of psychological trauma, the horrors of war, and the struggle for personal identity amidst societal change. The narrative follows Prior's return to battle and Rivers' reflections on his past anthropological work, highlighting their internal and external conflicts. Depictions of wartime violence and psychological trauma.

Dark

Mysterious

Melancholic

Contemplative

Gritty

Reviews & Readership

4.2

18,415 ratings

77%

Loved it

17%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Reviews for Pat Barker's The Ghost Road highlight its compelling narrative and powerful depiction of World War I's psychological impact. Readers praise Barker's intricate character development and historical accuracy. However, some criticize the complex structure and pacing. Overall, it's a haunting, thought-provoking conclusion to the Regeneration Trilogy.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Ghost Road?

Readers who appreciate The Ghost Road by Pat Barker typically enjoy historical fiction with deep psychological insights. Fans of works like Regeneration and Birdsong by Sebastian Faulks will find its exploration of World War I's impact on the human psyche compelling. Ideal for those who relish intricate character studies and reflective war narratives.

4.2

18,415 ratings

77%

Loved it

17%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

288

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

France • 1910s

Publication Year

1995

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Buy This Book

We’re just getting started

Add this title to our list of requested Study Guides!