Heroes (book)

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Heroes is a short novel by American author Robert Cormier aimed at teenagers. The book is set in Frenchtown, Massachusetts during the Second World War. The book focuses on the protagonist, Francis Joseph Cassavant's return to Frenchtown after losing his face in the war.

[edit] Plot

Francis, a young man from Frenchtown returns to his hometown after having his face horrifically injured by a grenade - an act he gained a Silver Star. However, it is soon revealed that Francis wishes to conceal his identity from his friends in Frenchtown, and that it he is only there to carry out one last 'mission' before he commits suicide. A series of flash-backs of Francis childhood slowly reveal why he is in Frenchtown.

Francis tells how he witnessed the rape of his girlfriend, Nicole Renard by his idol and local hero Larry LaSalle. Larry was on leave from the army after gaining a Silver Star, prior to that he had worked with Francis, Nicole and their peers at the local 'Wreck Centre'. Nicole was infuriated that Francis did not call for help, and later left Frenchtown. Francis became suicidal, but unable to jump off the local church he joined the army, certain he could die there. Francis reveals that it was for this reason that he jumped on the grenade, saving his platoon.

However when Francis survives, he decides to return to Frenchtown, kill Larry and then shoot himself. After several weeks living in Frenchtown, he finds Larry. After a short confrontation Larry reveals that he can no longer use his legs, and that Francis need not murder him - and commits suicide. Francis then talks to Nicole, who makes him question whether he should end his own life. The book ends with Francis still undecided.