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The Kays
Hardcover
General FictionHistorical FictionLiterary Fiction
ISBN13: 9781025763965
Publisher: Tradd Street Press
Published: Feb 14 2026
Pages: 352
Weight: 1.47
Height: 0.81 Width: 6.14 Depth: 9.21
Language: English
The Kays is a compelling historical novel that explores the profound tension between individual conscience and societal expectation during the American Civil War. Set in the fictional community of Old Chester, the story follows the life of Arthur Kay, a young man raised under the uncompromising moral and religious rigor of his mother. When the nation descends into conflict, Arthur's strict adherence to his principles leads him to become a conscientious objector, a stance that pits him against the patriotic fervor of his neighbors and peers.
Margaret Deland masterfully delves into the psychological landscape of her characters, examining the weight of family inheritance and the isolation that accompanies moral integrity. As Arthur navigates social ostracization and personal hardship, the narrative probes the complexities of duty, honor, and the human cost of unwavering conviction. The Kays stands as a nuanced exploration of the domestic front, offering a timeless reflection on the struggle to remain true to oneself in the face of overwhelming public pressure. This work remains a significant contribution to early 20th-century American literature, capturing the intricate emotional and ethical dilemmas of a country at war with itself.
This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you may see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.
This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.
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