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Flanders |
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 Flanders by Patricia Anthony Berkley Publishing Group 354 pages, April 2000 ISBN 0425172937 Reviewed by Morgan Ann Adams Written through the journals of fictional Texan sharpshooter Travis Lee Stanhope, Flanders pulls the reader into the depths of the trenches during the First World War. Travis himself is unsure of what he is avoiding by leaving prestigious Harvard University for war. America is not yet involved in World War I, and Travis is forced to enlist in the British army, where he is simultaneously an outcast and a novelty. In Flanders, Travis' personal demons do not appear any smaller than they did in America. Quickly, the young man falls into trouble with women, drink, and a blood thirsty army buddy. War itself quickly loses its charm for Travis, whose letters and journals are all addressed to his fourteen-year-old brother Bobby. Family problems at home make the trip across the ocean through Bobby's letters. Through war and writing, Travis slowly discovers the past he has run from is buried too deep. This twenty-year-old man faces issues of sexuality, addiction, death and sin while keeping up a steady pace of killing. This would be more than enough to occupy Patricia Anthony's fine novel. Travis' world is dually enchanting and haunting. Added to the mix is a burgeoning psychic ability which allows Travis to see and care for his friends after their deaths. The many trips to the graveyard of Travis' mind are interesting, but unnecessary. Travis' success in finding himself would be more appreciated, and accepted, were he an average young man struggling to find his uniqueness. Since we see the world strictly as Travis sees it, this addition to his persona is simply more confusion to work through. Flanders could easily fall into the category of typical coming-of-age stories. Anthony's crisp, unyielding writing style brings the reader so thoroughly into Travis' mind, that it is impossible not to feel his struggle personally. This is an impressive novel. The language is wry and direct, a perfect representation of the protagonist. Anthony manages to balance wit with tearful emotion in a manner equaled only by great novels of war, such as From Here to Eternity. Sharp detail and honest emotion characterize Flanders as a novel of critical significance. |
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