The Red Badge of Courage

A young soldier named Henry Fleming dreams of glory in the Union army, until he is thrown into the brutal reality of battle against the Confederates. Terrified and ashamed, Henry deserts his comrades, but returns determined to prove his courage. The Red Badge of Courage is a realistic portrayal of war by author Stephen Crane, who drew inspiration from the emotional depth missing in contemporary writings about the American Civil War. Published first in 1894, this classic novel continues to captivate readers with its raw depiction of human struggle and strength.