Timothy Findley’s The Wars is widely acclaimed for its powerful depiction of World War I and its profound psychological insight. While praised for compelling character development and evocative prose, some critiques note a fragmented narrative structure. Overall, the novel’s emotional depth and historical realism resonate strongly with readers.

Readers who appreciate The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien or All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque will likely enjoy The Wars by Timothy Findley. The novel appeals to those interested in profound, poignant explorations of war's human impact, told through a literary and reflective narrative.

The Wars by Timothy Findley is a 1977 novel about Robert Ross, a young Canadian officer who enlists in the military and fights in the First World War. Through varied narrative perspectives, it details his experiences from training in Canada to the brutal realities of the front lines in Europe, as well as his personal relationships and eventual tragic fate. The novel includes depictions of war-related violence, sexual assault, and suicide.

Challenging / Dark / Mysterious / Melancholic / Emotional

- Timothy Findley, the author of The Wars, was not only a novelist but also a successful actor and playwright, demonstrating his versatility in the arts.
- The Wars was first published in 1977 and won the Governor General's Award for English-language fiction, one of Canada’s most prestigious literary prizes.
- The novel's exploration of the psychological impact of war reflects Findley's own experiences and his pacifist beliefs, influencing Canadian literature's depiction of World War I.

**Robert Ross**  
A young Canadian man who leaves behind a privileged life to serve in the First World War, experiencing extreme horror and suffering. His journey explores the impact of war on his beliefs and humanity.

**Rowena Ross**  
Robert's sister, who is confined to a wheelchair and represents innocence and purity in his life. Her memory influences Robert's worldview throughout the novel.

**Juliet d’Orsey**  
The younger sister of Barbara, providing a unique perspective on Robert through her childhood diaries and as an elderly woman recounting past events. Her observations offer insight into Robert's life during his time at a convalescent hospital.

Timothy Findley

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore The Wars reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read The Wars | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore The Wars and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Wars Summary and Study Guide

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1 The Wars Part 1 Summary & Analysis

Part 2 The Wars Part 2 Summary & Analysis

Part 3 The Wars Part 3 Summary & Analysis

Part 4 The Wars Part 4 Summary & Analysis

Part 5-Epilogue

The Wars Part 5-Epilogue Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

The Wars Character Analysis

theme

Themes

The Wars Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Wars Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

The Wars Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

The Wars Essay Topics

The Wars

Before You Read

Super Short Summary

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Wars?

Reading Age

Book Details