The White Horses by Halliwell Sutcliffe is a historical novel set during the English Civil War, centering on the life of a country squire and his family, particularly focusing on his son s internal conflict between personal desires and familial duty. The narrative explores the tension between youthful longing for adventure and the responsibilities of war, with a focus on the emotional complexities that arise in times of conflict. As the story begins, the father contemplates the impending turmoil, while his son, eager for a sense of purpose and romance, is drawn to a young woman in the community. The looming civil strife between the Royalists and Parliamentarians creates a backdrop where love, loyalty, and duty collide. The characters must navigate the challenges of war, with familial loyalty tested by the call to arms. Sutcliffe effectively sets the stage for a tale filled with the contrasts of youthful enthusiasm, the responsibilities of war, and the sacrifices required by both family and nation, portraying the deep emotional impacts of living through a time of national upheaval.