"1914"

"1914" by John Oxenham is a historical fiction novel written in the early 20th century. The story is set on the eve of World War I, focusing on the life of Mr. John Dare, an import-export merchant, who is experiencing unease over his business dealings as political tensions escalate throughout Europe. The narrative explores his family dynamics, particularly concerning his daughter Lois, who is studying music in Germany, and the potential ramifications of the brewing conflict on their lives. The opening of the book introduces us to the quiet morning of July 25, 1914, as Mr. Dare contemplates his growing worries about the impending war and its impact on his business and familial responsibilities. He is anxious about his daughter Lois, who may be in danger due to rising tensions following the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand. As he discusses the potential for global conflict with his wife, they plan to bring Lois home, while also revealing the day-to-day familial interactions that highlight the normalcy before chaos. The narrative establishes a backdrop of looming disaster, intertwining personal stakes with the larger historical narrative of the onset of World War I.