'Anne Severn and the Fieldings' Summary

Anne Severn, an orphaned girl, finds a home with the Fielding family, becoming a beloved member of their circle and forming intimate connections with each of the three sons. The idyllic harmony is shattered by the outbreak of World War I, which irrevocably alters the lives of all involved. The Fielding brothers, each returning from the war deeply affected by their experiences, grapple with the trauma they have endured. Anne, serving as an ambulance driver, faces the brutal realities of the conflict, encountering the horrors of war firsthand, much like Sinclair herself did as a volunteer in 1914. As the characters navigate the challenges of rebuilding their lives and facing the aftermath of the war, the novel explores themes of love, loss, and the complexities of human relationships amidst societal expectations and personal desires. Sinclair's nuanced portrayal of the characters' emotional journeys and their struggle to find meaning in the face of tragedy makes this novel a timeless and poignant exploration of the human spirit.