'Mr Britling Sees It Through' (1916) by H G Wells

'Mr Britling Sees It Through' is a reflective and semi-autobiographical novel set in England during the early years of World War I. The story follows Mr. Britling, a writer and intellectual living in rural Essex, as he grapples with the personal and societal upheavals brought on by the war.

The novel begins with Mr. Britling hosting a guest, Herr Heinrich, a German tutor. Their discussions about European politics and cultural differences set the stage for the tension that will define the story. As Britain enters the war, Britling’s idealistic beliefs about humanity and progress are shaken. He struggles to reconcile the horrors of the conflict with his earlier optimism.

Much of the novel revolves around Britling’s personal journey. His family life, including his strained relationships and his role as a father, reflects the broader social impact of the war. A significant emotional turning point occurs when Britling's son, Hugh, enlists and is later killed in action, deepening Britling's despair and forcing him to confront the senselessness of war.

Through Britling’s reflections, Wells explores themes of patriotism, the human cost of war, and the tension between personal loss and societal change. The novel ends with a sense of cautious hope as Britling begins to find solace in the resilience of humanity and the potential for rebuilding a better world after the war.

Mr. Britling Sees It Through captures the psychological and emotional impact of World War I on individuals and society, offering a poignant and personal perspective on the early 20th century’s defining conflict.