
ERNEST PSICHARI
A young officer, fresh from the trenches, reflects on the paradox of power and humility that the ancient centurion embodies. In the opening pages, he weaves a biblical quotation with the stark reality of command, showing how a single word can move a soldier to act, heal, or obey. The narrator’s voice is both intimate and analytical, offering a glimpse of a mind that sees the battlefield as a stage for deeper moral questions.
The novel unfolds as a thoughtful exploration of military psychology, linking the discipline of the army with a quiet, almost liturgical reverence for duty. It examines the soldier’s place in society, comparing the regimented obedience of the uniform to the spiritual obedience taught by the Gospel. Through a blend of personal observation and detached reportage, the story invites listeners to consider what it means to serve, to sacrifice, and to find meaning in the clash between sword and faith.
Language
fr
Duration
~3 hours (227K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Original publisher
France: Louis Conard, 1922.
Credits
Laurent Vogel (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive/Canadian Libraries)
Release date
2022-07-29
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1883–1914
A French writer, soldier, and religious thinker, he brought together the pull of adventure, military life, and a deep spiritual search. His books draw on his time in Africa and on the convictions that shaped his short, intense life.
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