The Psychiatrist - John West

 

The Psychiatrist – John West

 

This is a truly gripping book.  It weaves together brilliant research, a deep understanding of World War 2 and a half-told memoir into a fantastic fact-based novel.  Inspired by a true story.

Eric West wanted to put World War 2 behind him.  So why, After a lifetime of helping and healing others, did psychiatrist, Dr Eric West, decide to revisit the scenes of his worst nightmares?

He never wanted to talk about the debacle at Dunkirk.  he never wanted to relive the retreat from Cassel in 1940 and his capture at the hands of the occupying German forces.

He wanted to blank out the horror of that journey to the POW camp deep in the heart of Easter Europe and the subsequent four years of his life where, along with other Dunkirk veterans, he was incarcerated and brutally used as a forced slave labourer for the Third Reich.

He never spoke about his Long march Home in the winter of 1945. 

In ‘The Psychiatrist’ the author John West tells a story of the psychological affects of war on man.  On how long-term incarceration affects the very soul of a who a man is.  This book does not pull any punches, it is brutally honest and even at time shocking about the horrors of war. It shows men at their bravest, their courage and how they have to cope, no matter what the situation.  This draws out a story of things forgotten and areas of war not often written about. 

The writing draws you into the story, the words leap off the pages, and you are actually invested in Eric West and his journey.   It also, makes you think, it makes you think of sacrifices that were made, not only of those that died but of those that suffered and continued to suffer long after the War ended.  A very thoughtful book.

I can’t recommend this book enough.  It is one of those that you can’t put down I read this in 3 sittings.

Very highly recommended, go out and buy this book you wont regret it.