Double Vision

"A story that is both terrifying and fascinating . . . Wholly engrossing."—The New York Times Book Review

"As briskly taut as a thriller and, at the same time, a deeply thoughtful consideration of how our lives are changed by sweeping historical tragedy and everyday acts of violence . . . We keep paging rapidly through the novel, even as we pause to admire the trenchant reflections."—Francine Prose, O magazine

"Eerily gorgeous . . . Double Vision [shows] what a leap of faith dealing with tragedy requires, especially within relationships. Powerfully, unflinchingly, Double Vision honors how frightening it is to make that jump."—John Freeman, The Philadelphia Inquirer

"A fine novel by one of England's most talented writers . . . pat barker leaves the reader enriched by words and ideas."—The Washington Times

"[A] provocative and timely novel."—Joyce Carol Oates, The New York Review of Books

"In mid-career, Barker has turned herself into a maestro of the psychological thriller . . . Double Vision undeniably gets the pulse pounding."—Dan Cryer, Newsday

"There are crimes for which there may be no forgiveness, events for which there may be no forgetfulness, and Barker does not seek to ameliorate these hard facts. What she does do in this absorbing novel is emphasize the importance of continuing to ask certain questions and of seeking human connection wherever we can find them."—Margot Livesey, The Boston Globe


ql"A complex, deeply engaging ensemble piece . . . This is a very literary book, in the classic sense of the term: a book of ideas."—Neil Gordon, The New York Times

"Fifty or one hundred years from now, if a reader wants to understand the decade of Bosnia and Kosovo and Osama bin Laden, Ms. Barker's novel will offer prime testimony . . . [We] need the insight and intelligence Pat Barker has to offer."—The New York Sun

"In effortless prose as sharp and polished as new frost, Barker shows how tightly bound we are and how our actions reverberate; every step is fraught with consequence. Over the proceedings hangs a painful question: Can—and should—art attempt to capture the depths of human tragedy? Barker herself leaves the question open, but if you read her new novel, you'll say yes. Highly recommended."—Library Journal

"A gripping novel, noteworthy for the author's gifts as a stylist and her formidable, engaged intelligence."—Publishers Weekly