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Goodbye to All That summary
Brief summary
Goodbye to All That by Robert Graves is a memoir that chronicles the author's experiences during World War I. It offers a raw and honest portrayal of the war and its impact on soldiers' lives.
Table of Contents
Goodbye to All That
Summary of key ideas
The War's Onset and Grave's Early Life
At the beginning of Goodbye to All That, Robert Graves recounts his early life, born into a middle-class English family with Irish roots, his experiences growing up in Wimbledon and attending boarding schools, which he found restrictive and deficient in creativity. Graves provides a detailed insight into the socio-cultural mores of the British middle class during the early 20th century, highlighting their emphasis on formality and decorum.
Soon, the narrative pivots as World War I breaks out. At this young age, Graves' life takes a dramatic turn. He enlists in the Royal Welch Fusiliers, and, after a brief period of training, finds himself on the front lines in France, where he is confronted by the grim realities of war. His descriptions of trench warfare are graphic, capturing the horror and brutality of battle.
Existential Anguish and War's Brutality
As Goodbye to All That continues, Graves paints a picture of the psychological distress caused by the war. The persistent fear of death, the loss of comrades, and the bloody injuries were routine, which led to an overwhelming feeling of dread and disillusionment. We see how war can forcibly rip away innocence and force youngsters to face mortality prematurely.
Graves also portrays the incompetence and lack of empathy of the high command, recounting instances of callous decisions that disregarded the welfare of soldiers. He shows us the glaring divide between the officials far from the front lines and the ordinary soldiers in the trenches. This realization further fuels the sense of disillusionment among the soldiers.
A Return Home and Post-war Struggles
Midway through the war, Graves is badly wounded and erroneously reported dead, a development that gives the book its title – a 'goodbye to all that.' He returns home to England to convalesce and, in this period, finds solace in poetry and his relationship with fellow poet Siegfried Sassoon. However, even the temporary respite from the war doesn't spare him from the mental anguish prevalent among the returning soldiers.
The period after the war poses a different kind of struggle for Graves, as he strives to reintegrate into a profoundly changed society that could not comprehend the soldiers' traumatic experiences. He chronicles his ventures into family life and academia during this period, vividly illustrating a society grappling with the aftermath of the Great War.
The End and Graves' Departure from England
In the final sections of Goodbye to All That, Graves explores his growing disillusionment with English society, further fueled by his post-war experiences and a tumultuous personal life. Still haunted by the scars left by the war, and now burdened by financial issues, marital discord, and a general revulsion for the societal norms and values he once held dear, Graves eventually decides to withdraw from England and his previous life.
The book ends with Graves and his second wife, Nancy Nicholson, moving to Majorca, marking the final, symbolic goodbye to 'all that.' While the war might be over, its grim shadows linger. The book completes its circle here – with Graves attempting to find a new sense of normalcy after having said his goodbyes, to his past and to his homeland, leaving readers with a profound insight into the abysmal impacts of war on individual lives.
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What is Goodbye to All That about?
Goodbye to All That is an autobiographical memoir by Robert Graves, recounting his experiences as a soldier in World War I and his disillusionment with the war and its aftermath. The book provides a candid and critical examination of the war and its impact on the lives of those who fought in it. It also offers insights into the social and political climate of the time.
Goodbye to All That Review
Goodbye to All That (1929) is a compelling memoir by Robert Graves that offers a unique perspective on the horrors of World War I and its aftermath. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- The raw honesty of the author's narrative allows readers to experience the emotional toll of war firsthand.
- Through vivid descriptions and personal anecdotes, the book provides a detailed account of the realities of trench warfare and its impact on soldiers.
- Graves' reflections on the futility of war and the disillusionment that follows make the book a thought-provoking read that resonates with readers long after they've finished.
Who should read Goodbye to All That?
- Readers who are interested in personal accounts of World War I
- Those who want to gain a deeper understanding of the impact of war on individuals
- People who enjoy autobiographical works that offer a candid and reflective perspective
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Goodbye to All That FAQs
What is the main message of Goodbye to All That?
The main message of Goodbye to All That is a candid account of World War I and its impact on the author's life.
How long does it take to read Goodbye to All That?
The reading time for Goodbye to All That varies depending on the reader. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Goodbye to All That a good book? Is it worth reading?
Goodbye to All That is a remarkable book that provides a compelling insight into the experiences of war. It's definitely worth reading.
Who is the author of Goodbye to All That?
The author of Goodbye to All That is Robert Graves.
What to read after Goodbye to All That?
If you're wondering what to read next after Goodbye to All That, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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- Simply Complexity by Neil F. Johnson
- Trust Me, I’m Lying by Ryan Holiday
- The World Without Us by Alan Weisman
- The Paradox of Choice by Barry Schwartz