
Transcriber's note: Unusual and inconsistent spelling is as printed.
His sabre descended in one swift sweep. - Frontispiece.
Set against the turmoil of early‑nineteenth‑century Europe, this tale follows a young Englishman named Roy as he steps from the familiar streets of London into the storm‑torn battlefields of Spain and the cramped dungeons of France. Through vivid recollections of marching camps, uneasy alliances, and the gritty reality of life as a prisoner of war, the narrative paints a compelling picture of duty, camaraderie, and the fragile hope that sustains a soldier far from home. Interwoven with moments of quiet longing—such as the tender encounters with Polly, a spirited grenadier’s daughter—the story captures both the grandeur and the tenderness of an age on the brink of empire.
As the war spreads, Roy finds himself caught in the strategic maneuvers surrounding the legendary Sir John Moore, whose relentless drive and moral code inspire those around him. The novel balances detailed depictions of military life with personal struggles, offering listeners a rich tapestry of historical insight and human emotion. By the close of the first act, Roy stands at a crossroads, his future shaped by the relentless call of honor and the uncertain tides of conflict.
Language
en
Duration
~7 hours (460K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Original publisher
United Kingdom: C. Arthur Pearson, Limited, 1901.
Release date
2023-08-02
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1845–1939
Best known for bringing science and storytelling together, this prolific Victorian writer created books that made astronomy, geology, and everyday wonder feel approachable to young readers. Her fiction often carried clear moral and religious themes, while her nonfiction opened the natural world to beginners.
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