A soldier's mother in France

"A Soldier’s Mother in France" by Rheta Childe Dorr is a wartime memoir written in the early 20th century. The author shares her journey as a correspondent in France during World War I, focusing on her experiences and observations of American soldiers and their lives during the war. The book provides a unique perspective from a mother, highlighting the feelings of anxiety and pride towards her son and all soldiers fighting far from home. At the start of the memoir, Dorr reflects on her service pin symbolizing her son’s involvement in the American Expeditionary Force. She expresses her initial intent to document the military and political landscape but quickly becomes emotionally invested in the well-being of not only her son but also the other mothers worrying for their children. Dorr describes her travels through many military camps, noting the character and morale of the troops, their relationships with the local French population, and the infrastructure being built to support the army. Through poignant anecdotes, the author captures the essence of an American mother's love and the broader societal sacrifices made by families during the war.