The Summons

"The Summons" by A. E. W. Mason is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story appears to explore themes of duty, personal relationships, and the psychological struggles of its characters, primarily focusing on Captain Harry Luttrell as he grapples with military obligations and complicated emotions related to his love life, particularly with Stella Croyle. The narrative is set against the backdrop of the Olympic Games in Stockholm and unfolds in various locations as it delves into Luttrell's internal conflicts. At the start of the book, we meet Harry Luttrell aboard his yacht as he receives a telegram offering him a military transfer, which he must respond to before the evening's festivities. This telegram sparks deep contemplation about his future, his identity as a soldier, and his tumultuous relationship with Stella Croyle. As he struggles with the decision to accept the transfer or remain in Stockholm, the discussions with his friend Sir Charles Hardiman highlight his internal conflicts and concerns about both his commitment to the military and to Stella, who represents a life of distraction and danger to his ambition. The opening sets an intriguing tone that foreshadows the complex emotional and moral dilemmas that will unfold throughout the novel. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Alfred Edward Woodley Mason was an English author and Liberal Party Member of Parliament. He is best remembered for his 1902 novel of courage and cowardice in wartime, The Four Feathers, and is also known as the creator of Inspector Hanaud, a French detective who was an early template for Agatha Christie's famous Hercule Poirot.