In Son At The Front, Edith Wharton explores the complexities of family dynamics, loyalty, sacrifice, and the devastating impact of war. The story follows the lives of American artist John Campton and his son, George, as they navigate the tumultuous years leading up to World War I.

Wharton expertly weaves together themes of love, duty, and the struggles of parenthood against the backdrop of impending conflict. The characters are nuanced and the emotions are palpable, making readers feel deeply invested in their fates.

The novel is a poignant exploration of the toll that war takes on families, and the ways in which it can shape and change individuals. Wharton's prose is both beautiful and haunting, capturing the essence of a tumultuous period in history with clarity and depth.

Overall, Son At The Front is a compelling and thought-provoking read that delves into the complexities of human relationships in times of crisis. It is a poignant reminder of the enduring impact of war on both individuals and society as a whole.

Book Description:
This is an overlooked novel by the author of House Of Mirth, Age Of Innocence, and more. She already became the first woman to win the Pulitzer prize for literature before this novel was written. Edith Wharton is known for her combination of social observations, criticism, and compassion. This WWI novel is told from the point of view of parents, forced to live their own lives when their son is at the front. John and Julia are divorced parents. When their only son George enlists, Julia and her second husband do their best to give him a desk job. But George shocks everybody by enlisting. His mother is horrified, his father and stepfather are secretly proud. But would he return alive? - Summary by Stav Nisser