This paper summarizes and reviews Carr's story about a young shell-shocked war veteran who arrives in Yorkshire village of
Oxgodby to restore a medieval mural in the local church. The paper explains that the 14th century mural was hidden beneath layers of paint and is used to symbolize the hidden real self of the protagonist. Everything is told from the viewpoint of the
narrator, Tom Birkin, who comes to this small
countryside after he has been through horrible experiences, i.e. war and a broken marriage. It tells how his soul is severely scarred ,and there appears to be no way out of the horrible psychological condition that he has developed after the war. Coming to the countryside is part of the healing process that the narrator undergoes, and he finally finds peace with himself and the reality of his situation.