The Deserter, and Other Stories: A Book of Two Wars

"The Deserter, and Other Stories: A Book of Two Wars" by Harold Frederic is a compilation of tales set against the backdrop of conflict, specifically around the Civil War period. It centers on events related to the impact of war, the lives of common folk, and challenges of desertion. The lead story introduces Job Parshall, a young boy toiling on a farm, as he crosses paths with Mose Whipple, a soldier who abandoned his post to return to his sick father. Beginning on a harsh winter day, Job's discovery of a ring sparks conversations about Mose and memories of his own family hardships. Learning of Mose's situation and his father's poor health, Job decides to visit, which leads to a meeting with Mose in the barn where the grim realities of their lives is uncovered, emphasizing the emotional hardship war inflicts on those involved.