The Rough Road

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

27786

Title

The Rough Road

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

A poignant tale of the Great War following Doggie Trevor, a gentle soul coddled from childhood who finds courage amidst the trenches. This story explores themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the profound bonds formed between soldiers, contrasting the brutal reality of war with enduring human compassion and the quiet heroism of ordinary men.

Summary up to 500 words

Set against the grim backdrop of World War I, William John Locke's *The Rough Road* chronicles the transformation of James 'Doggie' Marmaduke Trevor, a sensitive young man raised in the sheltered, Gothic beauty of Durdlebury. Unlike his rougher cousin Oliver, Doggie was kept away from harsh realities by an overprotective mother until the outbreak of the Great War forced him into the conflict. Initially terrified, Doggie's character is forged in the brutal conditions of the Western Front, where he survives a severe injury to his leg after a desperate mission to deliver a vital packet to Jeanne, a French woman he loved. The narrative weaves together the perspectives of Doggie, his loyal friend Phineas, and his cousin Peggy, who travels to France to reunite the wounded Doggie with Jeanne. Through scenes of trench warfare, hospital recovery, and emotional reunions, the novel highlights the resilience of the human spirit, the tragedy of lost youth, and the redemptive power of friendship and love in the face of death. Doggie, often mocked as a 'toy Pom' for his delicate upbringing, finds a new sense of purpose and camaraderie among his fellow soldiers, including the humorous Phineas and the boxer Sergeant Ballinghall. Despite his fear and the administrative nightmare of trying to deliver his packet to Jeanne, he acts with a courage that defies his timid reputation. The story serves as a tribute to the 'Doggies' of the war—unsung heroes who endured immense hardship without seeking glory. Ultimately, the novel explores how love and loyalty can redeem a broken soul, as Doggie transitions from a frightened civilian to a man who has 'made himself' a hero, finding solace in the bonds of his friends and the enduring memory of his devotion to Jeanne.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

Download URL

https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/27786.epub.noimages

Local file path

data/epubs/pg27786.epub

Download EPUB

Downloaded at

2026-07-03 15:36 UTC

Categories

• History
• Fiction