Twelve-year-old Juliet d’Orsey remembers the time Robert spent at her family’s home, which has become a convalescent hospital where Robert is treated. Robert’s tour of duty is over, and he returns to Britain. Ross has begun to wander outside during storms. Two days later, news reaches Robert that Rodwell shot himself. After facing a gas attack, he accidentally kills a man in cold blood. Robert receives a mission from the command center. After developing a relationship with Barbara, Robert leaves again for France.Ī series of mines explode near the front and collapse the dugout a German assault begins. Along with Taffler and Barbara, Robert takes the ashes and scatters them in the Thames. Harris dies and is cremated before Robert can arrange a funeral. Taffler introduces him to Barbara d’Orsey, who is visiting another patient (Villiers, who has been badly burned). At the hospital, Robert meets Taffler again. He takes leave to visit Harris in England at his deathbed. In France, Robert is in charge of a convoy, and meets others including Willie Poole, Levitt, and Rodwell. Ross awaits Robert’s return and collects every letter he sends. He travels with Harris and the two men bond. By the time the boat docks, he has been bruised by the horses traveling on the boat, and the Captain insists that he visit the infirmary. An officer named Harris contracts pneumonia and nearly dies. Storms beset his journey across the Atlantic storms. A girl takes Robert up to her room where they watch Taffler through a peephole as he engages in a rough sexual encounter with the brothel’s bouncer.Īt only 19, Robert is promoted to Second Lieutenant, and he sets out for Europe. With the other recruits, Robert visits a local brothel. He meets Eugene Taffler, a famous war hero. He intends to join the military and is sent to Alberta for training.

In April 1915, Robert arrives in Ontario. Old photographs show the onset of the First World War Robert Ross is in military clothing and standing with his wheelchair-bound sister, Rowena. The novel begins with Robert Ross, surrounded by burning wreckage.

The wars timothy findley sparknotes