51 pages • 1 hour read
Timothy FindleyThe Wars
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1977A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Wars by Timothy Findley is a 1977 novel about Robert Ross, a young Canadian officer who enlists in the military and fights in the First World War. Through varied narrative perspectives, it details his experiences from training in Canada to the brutal realities of the front lines in Europe, as well as his personal relationships and eventual tragic fate. The novel includes depictions of war-related violence, sexual assault, and suicide.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Timothy Findley’s The Wars is widely acclaimed for its powerful depiction of World War I and its profound psychological insight. While praised for compelling character development and evocative prose, some critiques note a fragmented narrative structure. Overall, the novel’s emotional depth and historical realism resonate strongly with readers.
Who Should Read The Wars?
Readers who appreciate The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien or All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque will likely enjoy The Wars by Timothy Findley. The novel appeals to those interested in profound, poignant explorations of war's human impact, told through a literary and reflective narrative.