Parade's End is a tetralogy of novels written by Ford Madox Ford between 1924 and 1928. The novels are set in England and France during the First World War and follow the life of Christopher Tietjens, a British aristocrat and civil servant.
The first novel, Some Do Not, begins in 1912 and follows Christopher as he is forced to marry Sylvia Satterthwaite, a woman he does not love, due to a misunderstanding. Christopher is a loyal and honourable man, and despite his feelings for Sylvia, he remains faithful to her throughout the novel. The novel follows Christopher as he is sent to France to serve in the war, and his relationship with Sylvia deteriorates as she becomes increasingly jealous and manipulative.
The second novel, No More Parades, follows Christopher as he returns from the war and is sent to work in the War Office in London. He meets Valentine Wannop, a suffragette and pacifist, and the two develop a strong bond. Christopher is also reunited with Sylvia, who is now pregnant with his child. The novel follows Christopher as he struggles to reconcile his feelings for Valentine and his duty to his family.
The third novel, A Man Could Stand Up, follows Christopher as he is sent back to France to serve in the war. He is reunited with Valentine, who has been sent to France as a nurse, and the two share a passionate affair. The novel follows Christopher as he is forced to confront the horrors of war and his own mortality.
The fourth and final novel, The Last Post, follows Christopher as he returns to England after the war. He is reunited with Sylvia and their son, and the novel follows Christopher as he attempts to rebuild his life and reconcile his feelings for Valentine and Sylvia. The novel ends with Christopher and Valentine finally being able to express their love for one another.
Parade's End is a powerful and moving story of love, loyalty, and the horrors of war. It is a timeless classic that has been praised for its vivid and realistic portrayal of the First World War and its characters. The novel is a testament to Ford Madox Ford's skill as a writer and his ability to capture the complexity of human emotions.