"Soldiers' Pay" is a novel by William Faulkner that explores themes of war, identity, and the impact of trauma on individuals. The story centers around the character of Donald Mahon, a young soldier returning home to the American South after suffering severe injuries during World War I. His physical and emotional scars become central to the narrative as the characters react to his return and the changes that have taken place both in him and in their lives.
The novel delves into the lives of several other characters, including Mahon's family and friends, who each grapple with their own challenges and the aftermath of the war. The interactions between these characters reveal the social dynamics of the time and the struggles faced by those who remain at home. Faulkner paints a poignant picture of how the war has altered perceptions and relationships, as individuals try to cope with the consequences of conflict.