The Marne Book Cover

The Marne


A Literary Fiction Novel


Subgenres:

  • World War I,
  • France,
  • Coming-of-Age
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This book is for you if you're into...

  • WWI stories seen through the eyes of an American outsider
  • Privileged families forced to confront real danger abroad
  • Characters wrestling with duty versus comfort in wartime
Publisher Description

The Marne is named after the critical French battles along the Marne River during the First World War. Troy Belknap is a wealthy American whose family is enjoying their annual summer visit to France when the Germans invade.

Troy's tutor and close friend M. Grantier leaves for his hometown when news spreads of the German invasion. Troy's father, Mr. Belknap, secures space on a ship to the United States, but they are unable to make the voyage when Mrs. Belknap becomes sick with pneumonia. Mr. Belknap leaves Mrs. Belknap and Troy behind with the plans that they will depart in another month.

Incensed that his beloved France is being destroyed, Troy is agitated by the fleeing American travelers and their aristocratic sense that the war is merely background noise: a topic to discuss at dinner and send monetary support. He wishes to join the foreign legion but is too young.

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