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The Good Soldier
novel by Ford
The Good Soldier, tragic novel by Ford Madox Ford, published in 1915.
The novel relates events in the lives of John Dowell, a Philadelphian from a âgoodâ family, and his wife, Florence, who supposedly suffers from heart disease. Florenceâs condition mandates that the Dowells live in a succession of European health spas. In this setting they develop and maintain a long friendship with the AshburnhamsâEdward, who also apparently suffers from heart disease, and his wife, Leonora. John Dowell narrates the story of deception and betrayal. The novelâs structure was innovative, built not upon strict chronological development but rather through the random accretion of Dowellâs memories, discoveries, and growing awareness.
This article was most recently revised and updated by Kathleen Kuiper.
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