The novel is set during World War I and follows the story of a French army commander who is ordered to lead his troops on a suicidal attack against a heavily fortified German position. The commander refuses to carry out the order, citing the futility of the mission and the high likelihood of heavy casualties. As a result, he is court-martialed and sentenced to death for cowardice in the face of the enemy. The novel explores themes of military bureaucracy, the dehumanizing effects of war, and the moral complexities of leadership during times of conflict. The story is told through the eyes of a young officer who serves under the commander and grapples with his own sense of duty and morality as he witnesses the events unfold.
By Irvin S. Cobb · First published 1935 · Genre: War, Historical Fiction, Drama · 16 chapters