Parade's End is a four-part novel written by Ford Madox Ford, first published in 1924-1928. The novel tells the story of Christopher Tietjens, a British aristocrat and a very traditional man, who often finds himself at odds with the modern world around him. The story is set during the years leading up to WWI and follows Tietjens as he struggles to adjust to the rapid changes occurring in society, as well as his relationship with three important women, Sylvia, Valentine and Edith.
The novel begins with Christopher in an unhappy marriage to Sylvia, the daughter of a wealthy Liberal MP. Christopher, who works for the War Office and is an old-fashioned Conservative, is devoted to his wife despite her lack of interest in him. She is having an affair and due to his strong sense of honor and loyalty, he finds it difficult to leave her despite her betrayal. Her behavior eventually leads to their separation, and he begins a relationship with Valentine Wannop, the daughter of a suffragette and a pacifist. Valentine is a strong-willed and independent woman, who helps Christopher to start to accept the changes in society.
Meanwhile, Christopher is sent to France to work in the War Office during WWI. While he is away, Sylvia and their son are killed in a car accident and he decides to never speak of them again. After the war, Christopher remains unmarried and he and Valentine continue their relationship, though they remain apart for most of the time. Christopher's old friend Edith Duchemin takes a liking to him and he finds himself her husband shortly afterwards. Edith is a feminist and a single mother who is determined to make the world a better place for women.
The novel ends with Christopher and Valentine's relationship finally culminating into a relationship of marriage, with the blessing of their respective families. Together, they travel to France on their honeymoon, with Edith and her daughter accompanying them. Despite the changes in society and the war, Christopher and Valentine's love prevails and they look to the future with optimism.
Parade’s End is an evocative exploration of the strong hold of the past on the present and the power of love in the midst of enormous societal changes. Ford’s vivid portrayal of the effect of war and social class on individuals and families, as well as his sensitive treatment of relationships, are among the novel's many strengths. It is a masterpiece that has had a lasting influence on the English novel and remains one of the great works of modern literature.
