'Red Planet' Summary

Major Duncan Meredyth, a veteran of the Boer War, returns to his tranquil English village, physically scarred and emotionally wounded. The village, caught in the shadow of the Great War, offers a façade of serenity that belies the deep currents of anxieties and hidden secrets. Duncan's life becomes entangled with the villagers, particularly with the charming and enigmatic Captain Lionel Haddon, a celebrated figure whose past holds a hidden secret. Duncan, forced to confront his own inner demons and the burdens of his war experiences, discovers a clandestine affair that threatens to unravel the fragile peace of the village. He is torn between his duty to expose the truth and his loyalty to those he cares for. The novel explores the complexities of war, the scars it leaves on individuals and communities, and the moral dilemmas that arise when secrets are revealed. The Red Planet offers a vivid portrayal of life in a small English town during wartime, showcasing the intertwined lives of the villagers, the hidden truths that lie beneath the surface, and the consequences of war on their souls.