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Cover of Forward, Children!

Forward, Children!

Written by Paul Alexander Bartlett

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World War, 1939-1945

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About this book

"Forward, Children!" by Paul Alexander Bartlett is an anti-war novel written in the late 20th century, nearly a decade after the author’s death. The novel vividly depicts the harrowing experiences of soldiers in World War II, focusing on tank warfare and the emotional toll of combat. The central character, Orville Dennison, navigates both the physical and psychological challenges of warfare while coping with memories of life before the chaos of battle. The opening of "Forward, Children!" sets the stage for the intense and grim atmosphere of tank warfare. It introduces Orville Dennison, a soldier awakened by his comrade Landel amidst the harsh realities of their situation—cold nights, the noise of distant shellfire, and the camaraderie among his crew as they prepare for their next meal and the day ahead. The narrative alternates between the immediate concerns of survival and Dennison's reflective memories of home and the passage of time, establishing a poignant conflict between hope and the brutal experiences of war. As Dennison prepares for the challenges ahead, readers are drawn into a world where the echoes of humanity clash with the starkness of military life.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in Forward, Children!, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • intermediate
  • dark
  • grim
  • poignant

Paul Alexander Bartlett's posthumously published anti-war novel, "Forward, Children!", offers a visceral and deeply psychological portrayal of World War II tank warfare. The narrative centers on Orville Dennison, a soldier grappling with the brutal realities of combat while simultaneously wrestling with poignant memories of his life before the conflict. Through vivid descriptions of cold nights, distant shellfire, and the camaraderie among his crew, the book immerses readers in the grim atmosphere of the front lines. It poignantly explores the conflict between the enduring human spirit and the dehumanizing experiences of war, establishing a powerful anti-war message through Dennison's internal and external struggles. The novel serves as a stark reminder of the profound emotional and physical toll exacted by armed conflict.

“The steel shell of the tank was a coffin, a tomb that moved, and we were its living dead.”

Key themes

The Horrors of War
This theme is central, depicting the brutal, dehumanizing realities of tank warfare, including graphic violence, the constant threat of death, and the sensory overload of combat. It challenges any romanticized notions of war.
Psychological Toll and Trauma
Explores the profound mental and emotional impact of combat on soldiers, focusing on Orville Dennison's internal struggles, his coping mechanisms, and the development of trauma and detachment.
Memory vs. Reality
This theme highlights the stark contrast between the brutal reality of the battlefield and the idealized or peaceful memories of home, serving as both a coping mechanism and a source of profound anguish for Orville Dennison.

Worth discussing

How does the novel use Orville Dennison's memories to highlight the psychological toll of war?

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