I began reading Testament of Youth from the very beginning page because after reading the Foreward I was hooked.  This is an outstanding recording of the author's pre war and war years during WWI.  I am amazed at the depth of detail she includes, especially conversations had years before.  Of course, that generation used letters to communicate with each other and those precious letters were saved and poured over which were a great source of inspiration and remembrance.

I especially enjoyed reading the trials and tribulations of young Vera in her earnest desire to attend Oxford. This illuminated for me the idea that the war itself was simply a disruption for most of the people at the time who lived in England.  Since there was no conscription at the very outset only a small percentage of people and families were affected.  After many months of tutoring and exams Vera finally reaches her goal to attend Oxford where she enjoys a successful first year.  Since the war had begun that year her attitude changes and we see her change into a more mature pragmatic citizen who wants to help out as a nurse so as to feel closer to Roland who is serving in France.  She realizes that practical experience and physical labor is what she needs then not to be tucked away in an ivory tower.

The War did disrupt her life in many real and awfully sad ways.  She lost almost everyone who meant anything to her especially Roland and Edward.  What terrible tragedy to experience the loss of these two brilliant men which was quite depressing to read.