"In Tom Stoppard's translation of Gerald Sibleyras's Heroes, we meet three World War I veterans who pass their monotony-filled days in a military hospital by engaging in verbal battles of long-forgotten military campaigns, grumbling about the staff, and reflections on their lives. Henri is afflicted by a gammy leg, Gustave suffers from agoraphobia, and Philippe passes out because of a piece of shrapnel lodged in his brain. Their cantankerous camaraderie becomes strained when Gustave conjures up an escape plan. Looking over the cemetery to the poplars beyond, they dream of freedom. Will today be the day they finally make it to Indochina or perhaps only as far as the top of the hill?"--BOOK JACKET.