by Jaimy Gordon
First published 1979
Private T. Pigeon finds himself caught between military duty and personal survival in this fifth installment of Gordon's Treacle Story Series. The young soldier must navigate the rigid hierarchy and unforgiving demands of army life while maintaining his sense of self. Gordon places her protagonist in situations that test both his physical endurance and moral compass. T. Pigeon encounters fellow soldiers, commanding officers, and civilians who each present their own challenges and opportunities for connection. The military setting becomes a crucible where characters reveal their true natures under pressure. Gordon explores how individuals adapt to institutional demands while struggling to preserve their humanity. The story examines the bonds formed between soldiers and the conflicts that arise when personal values clash with orders. T. Pigeon's journey reveals the complex dynamics of power, loyalty, and identity within the military structure.
Genres: drama, literary-fiction, military-fiction, contemporary
Vibes: intimate, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: character-growth, moral-dilemma
Setting: Military
Period: Contemporary
Paperback · Treacle Press
Content warnings: violence