The Red Planet

"The Red Planet" by William John Locke is a story set during World War I that shows how loss and responsibility affect people. Major Duncan Meredyth, a soldier in a wheelchair because of the battle, lives in Wellingsford, England. The book talks about the sadness of people who have lost loved ones in the war, especially the Fenimore family. The story starts with Major Meredyth thinking about his life and his friend, Sergeant Marigold, who also fought in the war. Then, he gets a message from Lady Fenimore and learns that her son, Lieutenant Oswald Fenimore, has died. This makes everyone sad and shows the troubles people face when loved ones are at war, focusing on Meredyth's introspective nature and his search for meaning after such loss.