Heroes (novel)

infobox Book |
name = Heroes
title_orig =


author = Robert Cormier
cover_artist =
country = United States
language = English
series =
genre = Novel
publisher = Puffin Books
release_date = 1998
media_type = Paperback
pages = 97
isbn =

"Heroes" (1998) is a short novel by American author Robert Cormier aimed at teenagers. The book is set in Frenchtown, New Jersey during World War II. The novel focuses on the protagonist, Francis Joseph Cassavant's return to Frenchtown after coming back disfigured from the war. The book has many themes that deal with revenge and anger, along with the social aspects and people's perception of what a 'Hero' actually is.

Plot summary

The book starts with Francis, who describes in detail his injuries sustained during the war and how after the war he came to lodge with Mrs. Belander in Frenchtown (where he lived as a boy). He visits the church and says prayers for various important people in his life; thus we are introduced to some major and minor characters: Enrico, his mother and father, whom we learn are dead, and Nicole Renard and Larry LaSalle. Tension is created - he states his intention of killing Larry, but at this stage the reason why is not known. He expresses his love for Nicole, (about whom he reminisces about meeting her for thefirst time and his adolescent desperation to talk to her).

Francis disguises himself to walk through the town he grew up in. We learn that he joined the army at 15, lying about his age. Francis is told that Nicole’s family left the area some time before. Francis then introduces the 'Wreck Centre', a key place in his childhood. He is taken to a local bar where he is not recognised but for the barman. About to announce his identity, Francis convinces him to stop. Francis talks very little, wanting to learn information about Larry LaSalle. At the end of the conversation he heads for the Wreck Centre, despite having told himself that he will not go there. In reminiscence he recalls the ‘tragic story’ that caused the Centre to be closed down before Larry LaSalle started activities for the local children there. Larry was said to be an inspirational figure to the children and helped to bring out the best in each individual. In a flashback, Francis recalls Larry’s encouragement of his ability as a table tennis player at the Wreck Centre. Larry allows Francis to win a competition in a totally selfless act, and tells him that he and Nicole are special to him. Nicole is delighted to see Francis win and they appear to be becoming closer.

Again in the past, Francis describes that Larry was one of the first men to enlist in the war. With Larry gone the Wreck Centre is closed for the 'duration' and preparations for the war are stepped up. Francis's and Nicole's relationship deepens as they become closer.

As Francis reminisces, Larry is described in a heroic manner as he comes home for his first leave. He wishes to spend time with his “Wreck Centre gang” and he plays table tennis with them. But then Larry expresses his wish to have one last dance with Nicole. Francis is dismissed by Larry and waits for Nicole, thinking that something is not right. Larry then rapes Nicole, and Francis does nothing to stop him. Nicole feels Francis has betrayed her by not helping. Francis waits for Nicole outside her house for three days, wracked with guilt that he did nothing to protect her. When he finally sees her, Nicole is disgusted with him and tells him to leave. He goes to church, thinking to commit suicide by leaping from the steeple, but instead enlists in the army.

Back in the present, Francis finally tracks down Larry by eavesdropping into a conversation. He finds Larry and confronts him. Larry is initially pleased to see him, not knowing that Francis knew what he did to Nicole. Francis confronts Larry with his actions against Nicole. Larry attempts to explain his actions, but Francis find his explanation repugnant. Larry wipes out any chance to redeem his heroic status by remaining unrepentant – he thinks that his many good points outweigh his sickening actions. Francis does not kill Larry, but instead lets him kill himself.

At the end of the novel, Francis finds Nicole at a nunery. She apologizes to him for the way she treated him and Francis tells her that Larry is dead. Nicole has not told anyone about the rape and she appears damaged by her experience. She urges him to write about his experiences. The two part and he knows that they will not meet again. Later, Francis is at a railway station, watching soldiers and reminiscing about his old platoon. He considers that many of them who received no honors were the real heroes. The novel ends on a positive note as Francis considers the possibilities of recovery and of a future life.