Key plot details
- The novel opens during World War One. An army officer - the narrator of the story - is awaiting execution.
- The narrative flashes back to his childhood. We find out that Alexander Moore - known as Alec - is an Irish aristocrat. He grew up as a landlord鈥檚 son. His parents, Alicia and Frederick, are rather cold and detached.
- Alec meets Jerry, a village boy who shares his passion for horses. After initially fighting they become firm friends.
- Alec鈥檚 mother is annoyed about his friendship with 鈥渢hat boy鈥 from a lower class. She takes Alec away to Europe with her, apparently to broaden his education.
- War breaks out and Alicia says Alec must join up. To encourage him to do so - for her own selfish reasons - she tells Alec that Frederick is not his father.
- Alec is stunned. He meets a drunken Jerry, who is joining the army the next morning. Alec decides to do the same.
- In France, Alec and Jerry are stationed together. But as Alec is an officer, they are now divided by rank as well as class.
- Jerry鈥檚 father 鈥 who is also a soldier - goes missing on the battlefield. Jerry leaves to search for him but when he comes back he is arrested for desertion.
- Jerry is sentenced to death. The cruel and tyrannical Major Glendinning orders Alec to command the firing squad that will execute his friend.
- Instead, Alec encourages Jerry to reminisce fondly about their time together as boys - he then shoots Jerry himself. Alec too is now sentenced to death.