Gibbs, Philip 1877-1962 creator text utu 2015 monographic en 1 online resource : multiple file formats "Back to Life" by Philip Gibbs is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative unfolds in the aftermath of World War I, capturing the experiences of soldiers and civilians during the liberation of Lille, France. The story focuses on characters like Wickham Brand, a war correspondent, and his interactions with the local population that has endured years of German occupation, portraying their mixed emotions of joy, relief, and deep-seated resentment towards their oppressors. The opening of the book establishes a vivid scene as the protagonist recalls the day of Lille's liberation after four years of war. Brand and his fellow officers experience a tumultuous arrival into the city, where civilians greet them with tears of joy and gratitude, but also with tales filled with bitterness and suffering under German rule. The emotional weight of the narrative is heightened by Brand's reflections on the character of his friend Wickham Brand, who, despite the joy of liberation, is burdened by the trauma of war and the collective memories of those who suffered. The mix of exultation and haunting recollections of hardship provides a poignant backdrop for the unfolding story of healing and the quest for understanding in the aftermath of conflict. (This is an automatically generated summary.) Release date is 2015-11-19 Produced by David Widger from page images generously provided by Google Books Original publication data not identified World War, 1914-1918 -- Fiction PR Original publication data not identified https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/50497 https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/50497 UtSlPG 260607 20260610134148.0 50497