Going West

"Going West" by Basil King is a story set in the aftermath of World War I that grapples with themes of duty, dedication, and the lasting scars of war on individuals. It presents the journey of Lester, an ordinary man and soon-to-be broker, whose life takes a dramatic turn when he is sent to fight in the war. Amid the harsh conditions of combat, Lester contemplates his past, particularly his relationship with Molly Dove, the woman he loves and longs to return to. With a deep understanding of his family's legacy of military service, Lester must face his fears and questions his being within the mayhem of war. Surviving horrific events, he is forced to face the realities and implications of violence, reflecting on the very fabric of life. With devastation left in the wake of war, the woman he loves seeks to establish a bond with him after he passes, culminating in a resolution of love, loss, and the possibility of future hope.