In the Foreign Legion

"In the Foreign Legion" by Erwin Rosen is a true story unfolding in the early 1900s, chronicling the author's time as a soldier in the French Foreign Legion, giving readers a glimpse into the lives and struggles of the men who join. It centers on a young German man who, after facing disappointment and heartbreak, decides to join the Legion, looking for adventure and a fresh start. The story kicks off with the main character thinking about his difficult past, feeling like he's hit rock bottom after a missed opportunity for happiness. He arrives in Belfort to sign up, dealing with feelings of fear, uncertainty, and a strong desire to leave his old life behind. At the enlistment office, he meets a varied group of recruits, each with their own problems and dreams, setting the stage for a journey filled with despair, friendship, tough challenges, and a glimmer of hope for personal redemption.