Through Sherston’s experiences, Sassoon critiques the war and the societal structures that perpetuate it, highlighting the chasm between the reality of the trenches and the public’s perception. The novel’s depiction of Sherston’s moral and psychological struggle against the war’s injustices makes it a significant anti-war statement and a classic of war literature.

Critically acclaimed upon its release, the novel was lauded for its authenticity, emotional depth, and literary merit. It has since been recognized as one of the most important books about the First World War, offering future generations a vivid, personal account of the conflict’s brutality and the profound impact it had on those who lived through it.