The Soldier's Story, being a Bit of Orange Peel
This novel is a satirical comedy that follows the misadventures of a young officer who joins the British Army during World War I. The story revolves around his experiences in training and on the front lines, where he struggles to adapt to military life and often finds himself in absurd situations. The protagonist's naivety and lack of discipline lead to a series of mishaps, including getting lost, causing chaos, and being reprimanded by his superiors. Despite his ineptitude, he manages to survive and even find some success through sheer luck and the help of his fellow soldiers. Throughout the novel, the author pokes fun at the British military establishment, highlighting its bureaucratic inefficiencies and the absurdities of war. The story is a commentary on the human cost of conflict and the resilience of those who serve in it. The tone is lighthearted and humorous, with a focus on character development and witty dialogue. The novel explores themes of identity, loyalty, and the complexities of human relationships in the face of adversity. Overall, this book offers a unique perspective on World War I, one that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
By H.C. McNeile · First published 1919 · Genre: Drama, Military Fiction, Romance · 8,092 words
First lines
"YOU can set your minds at rest about one thing, you fellows," began the / Soldier, with a grin. "My yarn isn't about the war. There have been / quite enough lies told already about that performance without my adding / to the number. No; my story concerns peace soldiering, and, strangely / enough, I had an ocular demonstration when dining at the Ritz two nights / ago that everything had finished up quite satisfactorily, in the / approved story-book manner. At least, when I say quite / satisfactorily-there was a price, and it was paid by one of the / principal actors. But that is the unchangeable rule: one can but shrug / one's shoulders and pay accordingly.
What this Textopian page supports
The Soldier's Story, being a Bit of Orange Peel is listed on Textopian as a novel by H.C. McNeile, dated 1919 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: H.C. McNeile
- Date: 1919 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Drama, Military Fiction, Romance, Mystery, Tragedy
- Length: 8,092 words
- Structure: 1 section, 135 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for The Soldier's Story, being a Bit of Orange Peel by H.C. McNeile
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Similar titles
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- A Glass Of Whisky by H. C. Mcneile
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- The Little Serving Maid by Hilaire Belloc
- No Mans Land by H. C. Mcneile
Genres
- Drama — The narrative focuses on complex interpersonal relationships, emotional conflicts, and moral dilemmas, which are central to the drama genre.
- Military Fiction — The story is set within a military context, involving soldiers and their experiences, which aligns with the military fiction genre.
- Romance — The plot includes romantic elements, such as past engagements and enduring love, which are significant to the romance genre.
- Mystery — The story contains elements of mystery, particularly surrounding the character of Sergeant Trevor and his past, which are gradually revealed.
Tags
War Fiction · Adventure Novel · British Literature · WWI Setting · Humor · Satire · Coming of Age · Male Protagonist · Soldier's Life · Military Service · Trench Warfare · Shell Shock