Where the Souls of Men are Calling

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

26835

Title

Where the Souls of Men are Calling

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Set in the small American town of Hillsdale in 1917, this novel follows Jeb Tumpson, a young man torn between his family's traditional values and the rising tide of World War I. When German U-boat attacks threaten to drag the nation into conflict, Jeb's patriotic fervor leads him to the front lines. The story explores themes of courage, redemption, and the harsh realities of war through Jeb's transformation from an immature youth into a brave soldier who saves lives under...

Summary up to 500 words

In Credo Fitch Harris's *Where the Souls of Men are Calling*, the narrative unfolds in the fictional town of Hillsdale, a place suspended between progress and tradition. As World War I escalates, Colonel Hampton warns of impending conflict following German U-boat attacks, igniting a fervor for war among his nephew, Jeb Tumpson. Driven by a desire for honor and revenge, the immature but eager Jeb prepares for battle, while his cousin Marian, a trained nurse returned from Europe, harbors feelings for him yet fears his lack of maturity. Jeb's journey takes him from Hillsdale to the chaotic battlefields of France. Early in his service, he faces a harrowing ordeal on a sinking lifeboat. Witnessing the murder of a young nurse by a German officer, Jeb is forced to confront his own capacity for violence. Overcome with rage, he assists his Irish sergeant, Tim, in killing the murderer. This act serves as a pivotal turning point, forcing Jeb to mature and accept the grim realities of war. After recovering from this trauma, he continues to serve with distinction. His bravery is further demonstrated when he charges through heavy artillery fire to rescue a wounded platoon leader, earning him the Croix de Guerre. The novel concludes with news of Jeb's heroism reaching Hillsdale, where the Colonel and the town editor celebrate his profound growth. Marian, inspired by his courage and noble character, accepts his proposal, realizing that the boy she once knew has transformed into a man worthy of her love. Through the extreme pressures of war, the story offers a poignant commentary on the evolution of character, illustrating how the horrors of conflict can strip away immaturity and reveal the true strength of the human soul.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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data/epubs/pg26835.epub

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Categories

• History
• Fiction