Alone

"Alone" by Norman Douglas is a reflective journey set after the Great War that explores themes of disillusionment and the search for purpose. The book is a series of personal sketches and musings, primarily focused on the author’s experiences in Italy. Douglas, as the central figure, shares his thoughts and feelings as he navigates encounters with various interesting characters and vivid landscapes. The narrative opens with a sense of nostalgia and frustration, detailing his attempts to find meaningful work in government offices filled with quirky individuals and absurd situations. Through his keen observations and witty prose, Douglas highlights the humor and absurdity of bureaucratic life, while also uncovering deeper themes of solitude, identity, and the quest for meaning in a world recovering from chaos.