Bobby, an eighteen-year-old soldier, navigates the chaos and fear of World War II’s battlefields in Europe, embodying the hero he once dreamed of being. Meanwhile, his mother Alice clings to hope, envisioning his return and a fresh start for them both. Richard Yates’s novel tenderly and ironically captures Bobby’s journey and the complex bond between mother and son.

Why You Should Read?

• Explores the intense and complicated mother-son relationship.
• Offers a tender yet ironic take on the experiences of war.
• Delves into themes of heroism, fear, and hope amidst chaos.
• Appeals to readers interested in historical fiction and character-driven stories.