Back to Life

"Back to Life" by Philip Gibbs is a historical fiction set just after World War I. The story takes place during the liberation of Lille, France, showing the emotional experiences of soldiers and townspeople. The main character, Wickham Brand, works as a war reporter. The story begins with Brand remembering the day Lille was freed after four years. As Brand and other officers enter the city, they are met with happy, grateful residents but encounter stories of suffering. Brand thinks about his friend, also named Wickham Brand, who is bothered by traumas of past battles. The book creates a powerful scene using both happiness and sad memories, telling the story of people trying to heal and learn from each other after fighting ends.