In "Flag and the Faithful," William J. Lampton tells the story of a young American soldier named Jack who finds himself torn between loyalty to his country and his own moral beliefs. Set during the Vietnam War, the novel provides a gripping and realistic portrayal of the challenges faced by soldiers on the front lines.

Lampton's writing is both vivid and poignant, capturing the raw emotions and brutal realities of war with startling clarity. The characters are well-developed and relatable, with Jack's internal struggle serving as a powerful focal point for the narrative.

The novel is not just a war story, but a meditation on the nature of patriotism, sacrifice, and the complexities of human nature. Through Jack's journey, Lampton explores the idea that true heroism lies not in blind obedience, but in the courage to stand up for what is right.

Overall, "Flag and the Faithful" is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant novel that sheds light on the often overlooked moral dilemmas faced by soldiers in times of war. Lampton's storytelling is both gripping and insightful, making this a must-read for anyone interested in military fiction or exploring the complexities of human nature.

Book Description:
LibriVox volunteers bring you 12 recordings of The Flag and the Faithful by William J. Lampton. This was the Weekly Poetry project for January 20, 2013.William J. Lampton was the second cousin of Jane Clemens (the youngest of the three daughters of Samuel Langhorne Clemens, better known by his pen name Mark Twain.)He launched his jounalist carreer in 1877 by starting the Ashland (Kentucky) Weekly Review, with his father’s money. Lampton wrote several book, as well as humorous poems he called 'yawps'. These were printed in the New York Sun and published in Yawps and Other Things ca. 1900.