If we had to pick just one word to sum up The Returning, we'd pick warfare. Why? The entire book exposes the horrors of the aftermath of war, for soldiers and families alike. The characters provide a close account of the atrocities of the war—from losing an arm in battle, to being abandoned as a kid, to learning to survive without an engagement or parent. Over the course of the book, we come to terms with the fact that the war doesn't just take place on the battlefield—it lingers on in the lives of those who survive as well.
Questions About Warfare
- Why are the Uplanders and Downlanders fighting in the first place? Is the war worth it?
- Cam thinks it doesn't matter how people died, just that they died. Do you agree? Do you think family members have the right to know how their loved ones died, like Ban suggests?
- What do you think it would be like to be the only person to return home from a war? Is Cam's response to everyday life realistic?
Chew on This
Even though the Uplanders win the war, they still have to sacrifice a lot to defeat the Downlanders, and ultimately it's not worth it.
Cam's psychological problems after returning from war ruin his life and relationships, showing the impact of war continues for those who return.