The Backwash of War

The Backwash of War is a powerful firsthand account of World War I written by Ellen N. La Motte a nurse who served on the front lines in France. The book offers a raw and vivid portrayal of the physical and emotional toll of war focusing on the suffering of soldiers and the often-overlooked victims—civilians and medical personnel. La Motte’s narrative describes in harrowing detail the aftermath of battle the wounds both visible and psychological and the daily realities of caring for the wounded in field hospitals.Through her personal experiences La Motte critiques the glorification of war highlighting its brutal impact on individuals. Her narrative is a poignant exploration of the backwash—the long-lasting effects of war that ripple through society leaving deep scars on those who witness its horrors. As one of the few women to write about the war from a medical perspective The Backwash of War offers a unique anti-war perspective on the Great War shedding light on the human cost of conflict and the resilience of those who serve in its wake.