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Where My Heart Used to Beat
Where My Heart Used to Beat: A Novel | Sebastian Faulks
11 posts | 13 read | 6 to read
A sweeping drama about the madness of war and the power of love that marks acclaimed novelist Sebastian Faulks's return, after twenty years, to the fictional territory of his #1 international bestseller Birdsong London, 1980. Robert Hendricks, an established psychiatrist and author, has so bottled up memories of his own wartime past that he is nearly sunk into a life of aloneness and depression. Out of the blue, a baffling letter arrives from one Dr. Alexander Pereira, a neurologist and a World War I veteran who claims to be an admirer of Robert's published work. The letter brings Robert to the older man's home on a rocky, secluded island off the south of France, and into tempests of memories--his childhood as a fatherless English boy, the carnage he witnessed and the wound he can't remember receiving as a young officer in World War II, and, above all, the great, devastating love of his life, an Italian woman, "L," whom he met during the war. As Robert's recollections pour forth, he's unsure whether they will lead to psychosis--or redemption. But Dr. Pereira knows. Profoundly affecting and masterfully told, Where My Heart Used to Beat sweeps through the 20th century, brilliantly interrogating the darkest corners of the human mind and bearing tender witness to the abiding strength of love.
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Cuilin
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BarbaraBB I used to love Faulks but haven‘t heard of this one. 2y
Eggs 💙💚💙 2y
53 likes2 comments
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Karenmartinreads
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Pickpick

A book with heart. Read my full review at karenmartinreads.blogspot.com.

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jbhops
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Back home again, a new book to read. I've plowed through 3 books in 6 days. It's that on/off obsession that I struggle with. When I'm on, I'm really on. When I'm off, I want nothing to do with them.

Sills Do tell - where is the setting of this book? 7y
jbhops @Sills an island in the Mediterranean, near France. 7y
Sills Nee to add this one👍 7y
19 likes3 comments
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rachaich
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Enjoying his writing hugely... but have to put this on hold as my book club read arrived! #multiread #halfwaythrough

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Karen5
Pickpick

I like it , didn't have like a main story thought, it's more about his whole life .

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cyarwood
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Pickpick

A man reflects on his life - an absent father, a world war, a lost love, a study of psychiatry. It ambles along with much to think over - themes and concepts abound. A good one to take to Book Group for discussion.

I feel that an entire person's life is within the two covers - rather than a book. A testament to good writing.

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Cuilin
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2 likes1 stack add
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Millmj
Pickpick

I enjoy this author's books - not one of his best but still good!

Abailliekaras I haven't gone back after birdsong. I probably should... 8y
1 comment
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Clare_Riley
Pickpick

Not a book to read if you're feeling low, but satisfying nonetheless. Robert Hendricks made me feel very sad - a life seemingly half-lived. I need a break from 'war and her aftermath' books. I love them, but they are rather traumatic!

Joanne1 I'm reading birdsong at the moment. Enjoying it but boy the war and wounded scenes are full on. I'll need a break from war after this one... Except that I teach war history. 8y
Clare_Riley Pat Barker is even more graphic than Sebastian Faulks. A cheerier read is definitely required after their books!! 8y
2 likes2 comments
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Clare_Riley
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A dear friend of mine lost her mum today from cancer, and I read this this evening. It made me feel very sad.

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Clare_Riley
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I'm looking forward to this one. I've seen mixed reviews though. Please don't let me down!!!