A Hero of Liége: A Story of the Great War

Kenneth Amory, a seventeen‑year‑old raised in the shadow of a powerful Anglo‑German partnership, finds his world upended as the first stirrings of a continental conflict sweep through Cologne. Charged by his guardian Max Finkelstein to pack his belongings and head home, he hesitates, drawn instead to the bustling streets where regiments, artillery, and supply trains march in a practiced rhythm. The young man’s fascination with the mobilization—its orderly chaos and the palpable optimism of soldiers—offers a vivid glimpse of a society on the brink of war.

Through Kenneth’s eyes the novel paints the delicate balance between business ambitions and the looming threat of a larger conflict, while introducing a cast of characters whose loyalties and personalities hint at deeper entanglements. The narrative captures the tension of a city caught between industry and impending turmoil, inviting listeners to experience the uncertainty and excitement of a pivotal moment in history. As the first act unfolds, the stage is set for choices that will test family ties, personal courage, and the fragile hopes of a generation.