At Plattsburg

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

25825

Title

At Plattsburg

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Set in 1916, this novel follows a group of civilian recruits at the Plattsburg training camp as they undergo military drills, camaraderie, and a grueling eleven-day hike. Blending humor with sudden tragedy, the story explores themes of patriotism, class, and the transition from civilian life to soldiering, culminating in a skirmish that tests the bonds of the squad.

Summary up to 500 words

Allen French's *At Plattsburg* offers a nostalgic yet sobering look at the 1916 Plattsburg training camp, chronicling the transformation of civilian recruits into disciplined soldiers. The narrative follows Private Richard Godwin, a pacifist who joins the militia despite his reservations, and David Farnham, a wealthy, ambitious young man from a different social stratum. Through a series of letters to their mothers and camp diaries, the novel captures the raw energy, camaraderie, and friction inherent in the experience of 'greenhorns' adapting to military life. The tone shifts from lighthearted banter, boxing matches, and swimming in the lake to the grim reality of combat training. A pivotal moment occurs during a simulated war game where a captain is accidentally shot by a platoon using live ammunition. This incident forces the men to confront the fragility of life and the sudden transition from play to potential death. As the camp breaks up, the recruits reflect on their profound growth. David Farnham, initially focused on personal gain and social standing, decides to dedicate his future to ambulance service in France, signaling a shift from self-interest to public duty. The novel serves as both a tribute to the spirit of the era and a reminder of the potential cost of war, illustrating how the shared experience of the squad forged deep bonds that transcended their diverse backgrounds.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/25825.epub.noimages

Local file path

data/epubs/pg25825.epub

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Categories

• Fiction
• Military History