The Deserter by Gilbert Frankau
The Deserter is a novel by Gilbert Frankau that tells the story of a British soldier who deserts during World War I and finds himself in France, where he falls in love with a French woman. The book explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and redemption as the protagonist struggles to come to terms with his actions and find a way back into society.
By Gilbert Frankau · First published 1928 · Genre: War, Historical, Drama · 115 words
First lines
"I'm sorry I done it, Major. " We bandaged the livid face; And led him out, ere the wan sun rose, To die his death of disgrace.
The bolt-heads locked to the cartridge; The rifles steadied to rest, As cold stock nestled at colder cheek And foresight lined on the breast.
"_Fire! _" called the Sergeant-Major.
The muzzles flamed as he spoke: And the shameless soul of a nameless man Went up in the cordite-smoke.
What this Textopian page supports
The Deserter is listed on Textopian as a novel by Gilbert Frankau, dated 1928 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Gilbert Frankau
- Date: 1928 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: War, Historical, Drama, Poetry, Tragedy
- Length: 115 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Deserter by Gilbert Frankau
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Deserter?
- How does this novel by Gilbert Frankau fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does War first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Friend Of Paul by Frederic Manning
- No Mans Land by Gilbert Parker
- The Mutiney Of The Mavericks by Rudyard Kipling
- The White Flag by Sabine Baring Gould
- The Song Of The Red Edged Steel by Gilbert Frankau
- The Deliverer by Gilbert Parker
Genres
- War — The narrative centers around military themes, focusing on soldiers and the consequences of desertion during wartime.
- Historical — Set against the backdrop of a specific historical period, reflecting the societal and military norms of the time.
- Drama — The story involves intense emotional conflicts and moral dilemmas, particularly surrounding themes of honor and disgrace.
- Poetry — The writing style employs poetic elements, including structured verses and vivid imagery.
Tags
war · desertion · military · conflict · identity · betrayal · loyalty · survival · courage · sacrifice · drama · humanity