The Ordeal by Fire By a Sergeant in the French Army

"The Ordeal by Fire" by Marcel Berger is a historical fiction book that paints a picture of life on the edge of World War I, following Michel Dreher as his normal life is disrupted by the coming war. The story explores the mix of feelings felt by young people, their relationships, and the scary feeling that war is close. Michel's story starts at Vallorbe Station, where he meets the Landry family, and becomes friends with Jeannine Landry, leading to fun arguments and maybe even romance. As Europe gets closer to war, Michel thinks a lot about love, life, and what he’s supposed to do. He doesn't really believe in war, but he understands love for his country. Through his connection with the Landrys and his deep thoughts about people, Berger shows what it was like for a generation that had to choose between what they wanted and what they thought they had to do, starting the setup for the sad story of war.