Impressions and Experiences of a French Trooper, 1914-1915

"Impressions and Experiences of a French Trooper, 1914-1915" by Christian Mallet is a firsthand narrative from a soldier in the 22nd Regiment of Dragoons during World War I, covering the period from the start of troop mobilization to the initial battles in Belgium and France. The book shares the soldier’s personal journey encompassing the emotional weight and physical hardships endured on the front lines through descriptive accounts and thoughtful observations. The story begins with the sudden shift to war as the main character is woken by a bugle call in Rheims, signaling the end of regular life and the start of war. Amidst the chaos of rushed goodbyes, nervous citizens, and the harsh reality of war, the book captures both the aspirations and worries of young soldiers as the world changes around them. The book vividly portrays the immediate and large changes war brings to soldiers and their loved ones as the story sets the scene for the events that will mark the rest of the book.