Command

"Command" by William McFee is a novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative explores the life and perspectives of Mr. Reginald Spokesly, a second officer in the Merchant Service, as he navigates through his professional and personal aspirations during a tumultuous time. The story delves into themes of ambition, societal expectations, and the interpersonal dynamics aboard a ship. At the start of the book, we are introduced to the protagonist Reginald Spokesly, who is depicted as a self-important officer struggling with his identity and ambitions in the shadow of the war. He reflects on his superficial relationships and romantic notions, particularly towards Ada Rivers, a woman he admires but whose depth he fails to fully appreciate. Through Spokesly’s interactions with other crew members and his thoughts on leadership and self-worth, we begin to sense his internal conflicts and desires for recognition and authority, as well as the critiques of class dynamics and gender roles in early 20th-century England. The opening sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the impact of war on personal ambitions and relationships. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

William Morley Punshon McFee was an English writer of sea stories. Both of his parents were Canadian.