Summary:
"La grande ombre" by Arthur Conan Doyle is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. The story is set against the backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars, focusing on characters caught in the tumult of that era, particularly Jock Calder, who reflects on the significant changes in society and war that have shaped his life and thoughts. The opening of the novel introduces Jock Calder, a man reflecting on his life amid the early 19th century's chaos. He recalls his nostalgia for times of less tumult and shares a vivid memory of a signal fire signaling impending French invasion. His narrative takes us through his childhood experiences, interactions with his family, and hints of greater conflicts ahead, especially the shadow that Napoleon casts over Europe. We meet other notable characters, including Jim Horscroft, the doctor's son, and his cousin Edie, whose presence begins to reshape Jock's once straightforward life. The opening sets a rich historical context laced with personal reflections, laying the groundwork for a tale of love and conflict intertwined with the larger narrative of war. (This is an automatically generated summary.)