The Tin Soldier

"The Tin Soldier" by Temple Bailey is a novel written in the late 1910s. The story begins in a toy shop where a shabby old gentleman makes an appearance, revealing themes of longing and melancholy as he seeks tin soldiers to buy for his son and expresses a desire to be part of the war. Key characters include Jean, a young woman who works at the shop, and Derry Drake, the son of the old gentleman, whose lives intertwine in unexpected ways against the backdrop of war and societal expectations. At the start of the narrative, the atmosphere is set with the arrival of the old gentleman at the toy shop amidst a rainy evening, contrasted with the youthful energy of Jean and her colleague, Emily. The old man’s somewhat tragic demeanor draws sympathy from the women, particularly as he recalls the urgency of acquiring soldiers amid the war. Meanwhile, Jean's home life is interjected with her dynamic with her father, Dr. McKenzie, highlighting her aspirations and reflections shaped by the war—a pivotal theme that unfolds as the story progresses. The opening portrays a poignant look at how a world embroiled in conflict touches the lives of its characters, especially through the motif of a tin soldier representing both valiance and vulnerability.