Days Without End

by Sebastian Barry
Days Without End cover
Good Books rating 4.67
Historical Fiction
Technical:
  • ID: 656
  • Added: 2025-09-18
  • Updated: 2025-09-18
  • ISBN: 9780571277001
  • Published: 2016-10-20
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99

Days Without End is a powerful and poignant novel that weaves together themes of love, identity, and the harsh realities of war. The story follows Thomas McNulty and his companion, John Cole, as they navigate the tumultuous landscape of 19th-century America, from the frontier to the battlefields of the Civil War. The narrative is rich with vivid descriptions of the era, offering a stark and unforgettable portrayal of the human experience in times of conflict and change. Sebastian Barry's prose is both lyrical and unflinching, capturing the raw emotions and brutal realities of the characters' journey. The novel explores the deep bond between Thomas and John, their struggles with identity and belonging, and the enduring impact of war on their lives. With its compelling storytelling and historical depth, Days Without End is a masterful exploration of love, survival, and the indomitable spirit of the human heart.

Reviews
FictionFanBlog · 2017-09-25
haunting 4.50

The story effectively portrays the complex emotions and experiences of soldiers in war, highlighting their struggles and the unintended consequences of conflict. It offers a poignant exploration of identity and the human condition.

The reviewer appreciates how the book delves into the lives of ordinary soldiers, showing how they are drawn into wars they may not fully understand or support. They find the portrayal of the characters' emotional journeys and the broader themes of identity and self-renewal particularly compelling. The narrative's ability to capture the harsh realities of war while maintaining a focus on the characters' personal growth and relationships is highly praised. The reviewer also notes the book's haunting and fresh perspective on historical events, making it a memorable read.

Quick quotes

    Barry also does a good job of showing how ordinary soldiers get drawn into wars they don't necessarily understand nor feel strongly about.

    The story effectively portrays the complex emotions and experiences of soldiers in war.

    It offers a poignant exploration of identity and the human condition.

Julia's Books · 2017-06-07
brilliant 4.70

The book is praised for its sublime use of language and the outstanding audiobook performance that enhances the reading experience. It is considered a brilliant piece of literature.

The reviewer is captivated by the book's sublime use of language, which they find to be one of its standout features. They also highlight the exceptional audiobook performance, which greatly enriches the overall experience. The reviewer considers the book a brilliant piece of literature, with a narrative that is both emotionally resonant and beautifully crafted. They appreciate the depth of the characters and the way the story explores themes of love, family, and the human condition. The reviewer highly recommends the book for its literary merit and the powerful impact it leaves on the reader.

Quick quotes

    It's a brilliant book, with the most sublime use of language, my appreciation of which was enhanced by Kelly's fabulous reading.

    The reviewer is captivated by the book's sublime use of language.

    They also highlight the exceptional audiobook performance, which greatly enriches the overall experience.

The Guardian · 2016-10-28
majestic 4.80

The book is celebrated for its majestic prose and its exploration of national identity and self-renewal amidst the horrors of war. It is considered a standout novel of the year.

The reviewer is impressed by the book's majestic prose and its ability to explore deep themes of national identity and self-renewal. They highlight the intimate relationships formed between the characters amidst the backdrop of war, which adds a layer of emotional depth to the narrative. The reviewer also praises the book's contemporary relevance and its portrayal of the American West, making it a compelling and thought-provoking read. They consider it one of the best novels of the year, with a powerful blend of historical context and personal storytelling.

Quick quotes

    Barry deftly explores notions of national identity and self-renewal as two young soldiers find intimacy amid the horrors of war.

    Sebastian Barry's western tale, laced with contemporary concerns and expressed in majestic prose, is the year's best novel so far.

    A beautiful, savage, tender, searing work of art.

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