1914: A Novel

Mind and bodies are shattered in this carefully researched yet meandering descent into the tragedy and triumph of war. Set against the allegiances, politics, and shocking trench warfare of WWI, Smith's novel follows nine men from various walks of life as they struggle to come to terms with war, violence, and themselves. Despite convincing physical descriptions of the agony of battle, a rambling narrative and unfocused plot sacrifice momentum and suspense in favor of exposition. From American Gordon to British friends Arthur and Perry, the characters%E2%80%94many of them underdeveloped%E2%80%94do little to summon reader empathy or interest. While the internal conflicts of characters can fascinate, the stagnant motivations of these combatants are less than engaging. Even German Lance Corporal Hentsch%E2%80%94who provides one of the more interesting perspectives on battle%E2%80%94seems to exist primarily as a vehicle for an author interested more in history than narrative.