The Thirteen Travellers

"The Thirteen Travellers" by Hugh Walpole is a story set in the early 20th century that looks at how war can change people and society, and what that means for someone's identity and place in the world. The story starts with Absalom Jay, who used to be a big deal in London but now feels lost after the Great War. He cares a lot about looking good and being accepted by high society, but the war has turned his life upside down. He's becoming more and more alone, especially after losing his servant, and he doesn't want to admit that the world is changing. Through Absalom's life, the story invites the reader to consider how easily someone's social standing can be lost and how history can impact a person's life.