The story revolves around the life of Arlington Stringham, a young man who returns to his hometown after serving in World War I. He is disillusioned with the war and its effects on society, and he begins to question the values and morals of those around him. Stringham's interactions with various characters, including his family and friends, reveal their superficiality and hypocrisy. He becomes increasingly isolated as he struggles to reconcile his own sense of morality with the societal norms that surround him. Throughout the story, Stringham's narrative voice is characterized by its wit and sarcasm, which serve as a commentary on the absurdities of life in post-war England. The novel explores themes of disillusionment, moral decay, and the search for meaning in a seemingly meaningless world.
By Hector Hugh Munro · First published 1909 · Genre: Satire, Comedy, Tragedy