The Four Roads

"The Four Roads" by Sheila Kaye-Smith is a story set in the early 1900s, about the people of Sussex facing all the hard parts of World War I. The story follows Tom Beatup, a young farmer who struggles with going off to war and what will happen to his family's farm when he leaves. The book presents a clear picture of the Sussex countryside, using the four roads as a symbol of life's journeys. We see Reverend Mr. Sumption worried about his son Jerry joining up, and Tom Beatup sadly getting ready to leave his farm for the army. Tom is stressed trying to balance what he needs to do for his family and his duty to fight. The book introduces ideas about giving up things, the tough parts of country life, and how war changes who people are and their communities.