This is a clever concept. Will Remain is the fictional author of a trilogy of books about three generations of Marines -- literally, the Remains of the Corps. This first volume, Eagle, begins the adventure. It's well-researched and does all the things that historical fiction is supposed to do. However, it goes a step further, using literary techniques to create something that is richer and more complex -- and as ambitious as To Kill a Mockingbird.
Eagle focuses on the relationship of two young men in Harvard in the months before the United States entered World War I. Like college students throughout the eons, they have their own lingo, a fixation on sports (in this case rowing), a tiered social structure, and a reverence for tradition. Like many boys turning into men, the main characters -- Kenneth and Lawrence -- find comfort in each other's company, are in love with the same woman, and come from different family circumstances. And, like generation after generation of idealistic young males searching for adventure, they decide to join the Marines for the best and worst of reasons. Kenneth sees it as a chance to compete ... to prove himself in a world that requires proof of quality. Lawrence sees it as a way to expand his already expansive perspective.
As a mother and historian, I want to say -- no, wait -- you are young, life is too precious to risk it for such shallow reasons -- for any reason. But young men never listen to mothers -- they must chase their romantic notions about war -- it's a result of throbbing testosterone and media lies (in this case literature) -- and the needs of the nation in question. Mothers' fears never win out. Clearly, [this] story raised the hairs on my arms and tore at my soul. I look forward to the next volume in his trilogy--but with a heavy heart.