Walter Blythe stands as the moral conscience of Rilla of Ingleside. In this episode, Dr. Corey McEleney joins us to examine Walter’s transformation from a conflict-averse college student into a celebrated war hero, and how his empathetic reflections on war allowed L.M. Montgomery to to wrestle with her own doubts. We also turn to WWI battlefield poetry, tracing its evolution from patriotic fervor to some of the most searing critiques of the war. The poems mentioned or discussed by Corey McEleney are here: In Flanders Fields by John McCrae The Poet As Hero by Siegfried Sassoon Glory of Women by Siegfried Sassoon They by Siegfried Sassoon The General by Siegfried Sassoon Dulce et Decorum Est by Wilfred Owen You can find more about Corey McEleney at Fordham University. Inspired by: Corey is inspired by the novel Regeneration by Pat Barker for a fictionalized account of the WWI poet/soldier Siegried Sassoon. Kelly is inspired by the movie 1917 directed by Sam Mendes for a realistic portrayal of WWI inspired by Sam Mendes’ own grandfather. Ragon is inspired by the novel The Everlasting by Alix E. Harrow for a fantastical time travel love story that’s also a reflection on war, heroism and propaganda. You can support the pod by shopping through our Bookshop link for any books we’ve recommended! If you want to get a free logo sticker from us, either leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or share your love for the pod on social media! Send us a photo of your share or review at either our email: [email protected] or on our KindredSpirits.BookClub Instagram.

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