The Conscript Mother

"The Conscript Mother" by Robert Herrick is a moving story set around World War I, looking at the life of Signora Maironi, a mother facing the challenge of her son, Enrico, being drafted into the war. With Italy on the brink of conflict, the story follows Signora Maironi's emotional journey, highlighting her deep worries about her son's well-being and health as he goes off to fight. Their short meetings are filled with a mix of love and fear, showing how war deeply affects families. As Signora Maironi holds onto hope, the story paints a vivid picture of the sacrifices, fears, dread, and inevitable heartache experienced by mothers and families as their sons head into the deadly chaos and tragedies of war.