The Dark Forest

"The Dark Forest" by Hugh Walpole is a story that takes place during World War I, centering on John Trenchard, an Englishman, and Marie Ivanovna, a Russian nurse he's set to marry. The story explores what happens as they face the challenges of war, their developing love, and cultural differences all become factors. The journey starts with key personalities at a Petrograd train station, including the clumsy but enthusiastic John and the dynamic Marie. As members of a Red Cross unit getting ready to assist in the war, their initial train journey shows John wrestling with who he is and what his purpose is amidst the disorder of war. Despite the initial hope, a feeling of dissatisfaction begins to show, mostly as John questions his ideas about love compared to the harshness of the war.