A review by emiged
Random Harvest by James Hilton

3.0

Like several of the other reviewers I had already seen the movie when I picked up the book. That took away the surprise reveal at the end of the book, of course, but it was interesting to consider the different structures; the book worked backwards chronologically beginning with a successful, married Charles Rainier, while the movie started in the asylum and moved forward from that point.

While I found the film very moving, I didn't get the same emotional impact from the book - again, probably because the element of surprise was taken away. The book focused more on Charles Rainier / Smithy. I felt the film was more centered around Paula. But enough of the comparisons already...

It was an interesting peek into the society and culture of Britain between the wars. Over in the States we have an easier time distancing ourselves from the two World Wars, I think, possibly because of our distance from the Continent. From the point of view of a former soldier in The War To End All Wars turned reluctant, but successful businessman, it was fascinating to see how his life unfolded and his memory eventually returned. Heartbreaking, though, to consider that it took 20 years.

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