"He had all the qualities expected of a soldier"

It's hot, heavy, almost scorching heat. That dog will not stop barking, which has the gift to annoy Dujeux, jailer in a prison of Berry.
1919, the war is over, Hugh Lantier of Grez is the young military judge to question Morlac decorated prisoner of the Legion of Honour. During his meeting, the judge trying to understand what led to this incomprehensible act Morlac "My actions, I am responsible and I see no reason to apologize," will be the Morlac response.

It is a book that I probably would never have bought if I had not been drawn to the headband in black and white on the cover, and the contrast with the red color of the dog's collar. And I'd Private me a touching moment of reading.
"Red Collar" is a book about the stupidity of war, fighting, front, trenches, weapons that are only made to kill. It's a long interrogation, after which a judge will draw up a report, give its verdict. An examination which gradually will evolve into a conversation, an exchange almost rounded corners, balancing the power between the two men. For this judge knows being a man in tune with real concern for objectivity, knowing give lessons, but trying to understand why and how.

It is also the story of an encounter, a love between a man and a woman, a woman who Zola and Rousseau bed. A love as fragile as strong.

It is a beautiful novel because it is written with just the right words, words that touch, a novel in which the author does not drag into unnecessary details, go to the basics, we know languish, by skillful methods, the end of history. That famous day when everything changed, it is discussed from beginning to end, but it was not until the last eight pages so that finally one is made aware of the outrage.

Finally, it is a novel about fidelity, fidelity of a man to a woman, a judge at his prisoner, a dog to his master, a man to a dog, a writer at history. And if I chose to talk about the fidelity between human and animal, in the end, it's not because this "detail" is of little importance ... on the contrary, it is a tribute. That's certainly what I was most touched and moved along with the outcome that gradually we see emerge in any case hope.

Like what, the headband on the book, it's super important.