William, An Englishman by Cicely Hamilton is a powerful and poignant novel that follows the life of William Tully, a young man who enlists to fight in World War I. Through the eyes of William, readers are given a harrowing look at the brutal realities of war and the toll it takes on both individuals and society as a whole.

Hamilton's writing is raw and emotive, capturing the fear, despair, and hopelessness that permeated the trenches of the Great War. The characters are well-developed and complex, particularly William, whose internal struggles and moral dilemmas are expertly portrayed. The relationships between the soldiers, both camaraderie and conflict, are vividly depicted, adding depth to the narrative.

One of the novel's strengths is its exploration of the war's impact on society, particularly the changing roles of women and the class divide that became more pronounced during the conflict. Hamilton does not shy away from addressing difficult topics such as PTSD, poverty, and social injustice, making the story feel both relevant and timeless.

Overall, William, An Englishman is a moving and thought-provoking novel that offers a unique perspective on the human cost of war. Hamilton's prose is evocative and gripping, drawing readers into William's world and leaving a lasting impression. This is a book that will stay with you long after you've turned the final page.

Book Description:

William – an Englishman is a 1919 novel by Cicely Hamilton. The novel explores the effect of the First World War on a married couple during the rise of Socialism and the Suffragette movement. It was originally published by Skeffington & Son before being reprinted by Persephone Books in 1999. Described as 'a passionate assertion of the futility of war' by The Spectator, William - an Englishman won the first Prix Femina-Vie Heureuse Anglais prize in 1920.