
A young editor discovers a manuscript that reads like a time‑capsule, capturing the schoolyard adventures and early adulthood of three English boys who later find themselves on the brutal beaches of Gallipoli. The narrative is framed by a gentle, reflective voice that weaves together vivid recollections of public‑school life with the looming shadow of war, offering listeners both the humor of youthful mischief and the weight of a generation’s hopes.
The story opens with a tender scene of a grandfather and his grandson watching swallows over a French river, a moment that hints at the fleeting innocence soon to be tested. As the boys grow, their personalities emerge—brash, loyal, and eager to prove themselves—while the editor’s commentary adds layers of insight into how personal memory and collective history intertwine. The first act promises a poignant portrait of friendship, ambition, and the early signs of the conflict that will reshape their lives.
Language
en
Duration
~10 hours (626K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Janet Kegg and the Project Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team
Release date
2005-02-13
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1888–1974
Best remembered for the First World War novel Tell England, this English writer built a long career around stories of faith, conflict, and ordinary people under pressure. His life included wartime service, injury, and years of recovery that seem to have fed the emotional depth of his fiction.
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