A Volunteer Poilu

"A Volunteer Poilu" by Henry Beston is a story about the author's time as a volunteer in the French army during World War I. It tells about a group of American volunteers and their connection to the French soldiers, showing both the good and bad sides of fighting in a war. The book starts with the ship Rochambeau, which is carrying supplies and people to France, including soldiers, business people, and regular citizens. One young American says he wants to join the war, even though it's dangerous. The story captures different feelings about the war and shows how everyone is connected as they head into an unsure future. The book shows what it was like on the ship and gets readers ready for later events at war.