Human Traces: A Novel Audiobook

" Took a long time to finish this one... "

" This was the second book of Faulk's I have read, the first being Engleby which I absolutely enjoyed. I found Human Traces quite laborious to read, not just because it is very large but because it seems, at times, quite obvious and tedious. Perhaps this is partly due to the era in which it is set (late 1800s to early 1900s) and the language this subsequently calls for; and that the fact that the book is very long - but these things shouldn't matter t an engaging story. I couldn't help asking, at the end, what the point was... no real singular substantial statement seems to be made. Faulks does, however, bring up some very interesting historical, philosophical and psychological points, ideas and discussions. I almost had the sense that the fiction which all this was wrapped up in (although it is based somewhat on actual historical events) was a superlative vessel, and that the 'fact' itself was more interesting than the fabricate story. "

" Read it some time ago. An interesting insight to the beginning of modern phycology! Typically a little pretentious from S.F. "

" I normally enjoy Sebastian Faulks and much of this book was up to his usual standard. However, it contains 3 or 4 extrremely long discussions of highly detailed psychological argument. While these were interesting in themselves, they're not what I expect or desire when reading a novel. They hold up the development of the storyline. "

" Hard going and much longer than it needed to be. Faulks' knowledge on his subjects is astronomical, but it felt like he created these characters just to show the reader what he knows about the subject, reducing the enjoyment of reading fiction. "

" It's a long well charactered and well plotted narrative about two struggling mad doctors in Europe. It contains some valuable nuggets of insight phrased most appealingly. "

" Beautifully characterised with brilliant period detail (particularly detail of early psychiatry!). In many ways, not that much happens in this novel. And everything happens. Loved it. "

" An epic recounting of the history of psychology and sanatoriums. Perhaps a bit dry and rambling at times when he gets into the specifics of psychology, but well worth the effort. "

" Difficult to read at first, but a fascinating insight into the world of early psychology and neuroscience; a unique insight of war from the 'normal populations' point of - in different countries and culture. "

" A fantastic book. To me, this is his best - I just want to read more and more "

" Cardboard 19th-century psychiatric folk plod through 600 pages of stodgy research. "

" For those who like this sort of thing, this is the sort of thing they like... "

" An interesting book if the reader is into medicine. "

" I was drawn first to Faulks's war novels, but this book is by far the best thing of his I have read. It is wonderful "

" Very good read about human relationships. Two friends who become doctors of the mind -psychiatrists. A story of friendship, discovery, happiness and human tragedy "

" S Faulks made a very important point in this book about not interpreting everything in Freudian terms. Sometimes I wish I'd never read/heard about Freud/ his influence is very seductive, especially whne you're a teenager (if I remember correctly that long ago!) "

" Lots of stuff about the early years of psychiatry. Interesting story and at times a little too much information! "

" Hard going and much longer than it needed to be. Faulks' knowledge on his subjects is astronomical, but it felt like he created these characters just to show the reader what he knows about the subject, reducing the enjoyment of reading fiction. "

" Tried very hard to stick with this one, but I gave up. Sorry, it was tedious and hard going. "

" The book started out very interesting. When the author decided to include entire speeches about psychological theory, part were interesting, but it did get very drawn out and monotonous. "

" The understanding of what makes us human...a thought-provoking read. "

" Good writing. A challenging number if pages but worth the effort. His intimate scenes are a bit jarring in the text. "

" a very interesting subject, but for some reason tough going. even though i was really interested in it, i heaved a sigh every-time i went back. mixed feelings... "

" It's a long well charactered and well plotted narrative about two struggling mad doctors in Europe. It contains some valuable nuggets of insight phrased most appealingly. "

" An interesting book if the reader is into medicine. "

" This book was very well researched... "