The Middle Parts of Fortune: Somme and Ancre is a novel by Frederic Manning, first published in 1929. It is a semi-autobiographical account of Manning's experiences as a soldier in the British Army during World War I. The novel follows the story of Private Bourne, a young man who joins the British Army in 1916 and is sent to the Somme and Ancre battlefields in France. Through Bourne's eyes, the reader is exposed to the horrors of war, as well as the camaraderie and courage of the soldiers. The novel is a powerful and moving account of the physical and psychological effects of war on the individual. The novel is divided into three parts. The first part follows Bourne's journey to the front lines and his introduction to the realities of war. The second part focuses on the battle of the Somme, and the third part follows the battle of Ancre. Throughout the novel, Manning conveys the physical and psychological effects of war on the individual, as well as the courage and resilience of the soldiers. The Middle Parts of Fortune: Somme and Ancre is a powerful and moving account of the horrors of war and the courage of the soldiers who fought in it. It is a must-read for anyone interested in World War I or the effects of war on the individual.
By Frederic Manning · First published 1916 · Genre: Historical Fiction, War Fiction, Realism · 18 chapters