The Campain (No Napoleon)

The Campain is a novel by Canadian author Ralph Aquin. Originally published in 1924, the novel soon became a major bestseller and nominated for several awards.

Plot

 * When I was young, I was taught three major principles: Love and pray to God. Hate the French. And hate the Americans.
 * —Andrew Berwick, opening line

Andrew Berwick, a thirteen-year-old resident, had lived with his father Winston Berwick of the Canadian army and his younger brother Michael. His mother was believed to have passed away in a fire when he was young, and Andrew's father had taught him Anglocentric values, mainly hating the and the. These become more relevant as Winston is informed of the declaration of war from the United States.

Fearing an attack on Ontario by the United States as well as Quebec, Winston prepares his sons to leave the city. However, before they can escape, Winston is conscripted to join the Canadian army (most of which were stationed in Europe) to fend off the attack from the.