The Middle of the Road: A Novel

"The Middle of the Road: A Novel" by Philip Gibbs is a story set after World War I, about Bertram Pollard, a soldier trying to find his way after the war while dealing with a complicated marriage to his wife, Joyce. The book looks at big ideas like love, what it means to lose something, and how people felt lost in a world that was changing fast. The story starts with Bertram anxiously awaiting the birth of his child, recalling his past with Joyce and his wartime experiences, revealing his feelings of inadequacy and fears about the future. As their relationship is explored, the themes of jealousy and how society expects people to behave come to light, especially when Bertram faces Joyce’s wish to be independent. A tragic turn occurs with the stillbirth of their child, leaving Bertram with deep sadness and unsettled emotions in a world struggling to find its footing.