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Birdsong

Questions About Birdsong

by Sebastian Faulks

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Answered Questions (6)

Please can anyone explain what is meant by the following paragraph? ''His exceptional hearing was frequently in demand. The previous winter, two miles south of Ypres, he had lowered his ear to rat-level in the trench into a water-filled petrol can and held it there until his head lost all feeling. He preferred the airless quiet of the tunnel to the numbing of his skull.'' Why did he hold his head in water? Thank you
Donald Scott the listener didn't put his head in the tank, just listed with ear pressed onto the tank. Vibration from tunnellers would presumably be transmitted in…m´Ç°ù±ðthe listener didn't put his head in the tank, just listed with ear pressed onto the tank. Vibration from tunnellers would presumably be transmitted into the drum and amplified to allow the human ear to pick it up.

Sebastian Faulks is meticulous in his research. Every angle is covered and this topic of what occurred in these dark days in the trenches during WWI is no exception.

I used to play football with the author. He was pretty decent at that too...😉(less)
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It seems this book is set (chronologically) before the others. Should I read Birdsong first, or The Girl at the Lion d'Or?
Amy Napthine I have only ever read Birdsong, and i wasn't missing anything so i think you should be okay. …m´Ç°ù±ðI have only ever read Birdsong, and i wasn't missing anything so i think you should be okay. (less)
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Why is this title Birdsong?
RiRi
This answer contains spoilers� (view spoiler)
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Am I alone thinking that Sebastina Faulks is a better writer than Hemingway?Someone compared Birdsong to Hamingway's war novel, but I don't think it is half as good.
Christine Parker I vote Sebastian Faulks. I don't like Hemingways style…m´Ç°ù±ðI vote Sebastian Faulks. I don't like Hemingways style(less)
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Does this book have a happy or sad ending?
Jill Giannotta It is a cyclic novel where life events repeat themselves. It’s not all doom and gloom, but there are parts which break your heart. It’s not over senti…m´Ç°ù±ðIt is a cyclic novel where life events repeat themselves. It’s not all doom and gloom, but there are parts which break your heart. It’s not over sentimental or gushy, quite the reverse. Cultural norms, the dependence of women on men, contribute to the unhappiness. The book spans pre First World War, and goes right up to the 1970s.(less)
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Unanswered Questions (2)

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