Barrack-Room Ballads
Barrack-Room Ballads
Book Brief
Beta128
Poem • Fiction
British Empire • 19th century
2003
Adult
16+ years
Super Short Summary
Barrack-Room Ballads is a collection of poems by Rudyard Kipling that explores the lives and experiences of British soldiers in colonial India. The poems reflect themes of camaraderie, duty, and the emotional struggles faced by military personnel. The collection gained popularity for its vivid and poignant representation of soldiers' lives.
Gritty
Nostalgic
Mysterious
Bittersweet
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
149 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Barrack-Room Ballads by Rudyard Kipling is praised for its rhythmic and vivid portrayal of British soldiers' lives, capturing the era's spirit and dialect authentically. However, some critique its imperialist themes and racial stereotypes. The collection remains a significant, albeit controversial, reflection of colonial sentiments.
Who Should Read Barrack-Room Ballads?
A reader who enjoys Barrack-Room Ballads by Rudyard Kipling likely appreciates colonial British themes, military life, and rhythmic poetry. They might also enjoy The Jungle Book by Kipling for its exploration of British imperialism or Tommy by Kipling for similar soldierly perspectives.
149 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Barrack-Room Ballads was first published in 1892 and is considered one of Kipling's most significant contributions to English verse, highlighting the lives and voices of British soldiers.
The collection includes one of Kipling's most famous poems, "Gunga Din," which brought attention to the figure of the loyal colonial servant, despite prevalent racial attitudes of the time.
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Kipling's experiences in British India greatly influenced the themes and vernacular expressions found in Barrack-Room Ballads, adding authenticity and vividness to his depictions of military life.
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128
Poem • Fiction
British Empire • 19th century
2003
Adult
16+ years
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