The following version of this book was used to create this study guide: Forester, C.S. The Good Shepherd. Penguin Books. 2018 Paperback Edition. Full of what appears to be accurate references to naval protocols and behavior, the narrative focuses on a single 48-hour period during which a relatively inexperienced naval commander faces down challenges from bad weather, self-doubt, and Nazi submarines as he strives to lead a convoy of ships eastward across the North Atlantic Ocean.

The novel begins with the prologue-like Chapter I, in which near-poetic language describes the many dangerous qualities of the ocean, and the potential hazards of crossing it in a ship. Consideration of those qualities focuses on the experiences of a particular convoy of ships, a grouping of almost 40 supply ships guarded by four naval destroyers, which have been assigned to the duty of ensuring that the ships all arrive safely at their destination.

With the beginning of Chapter II, the narrative narrows its focus, turning its attention to the man responsible for the safe passage of the convoy, Commander George Krause. He is described in a degree of physical detail, “bald facts” which “may mean very little” (8), but which may make a degree of difference to how well he does his job and endures its physical rigors. “His body,” the narration comments, “was something to be deployed upon duty” (8). Krause is also described as having a powerful, motivating Christian faith, with the narration here and throughout the book connecting references to Bible verses with Krause’s thought processes and decisions.

Krause’s Wednesday morning preparations for a duty shift (said preparations including a shower, shave, and prayers) are interrupted by an urgent call from the bridge. He hurries up to the pilothouse, and finds the officer of the watch, Lieutenant Carling, waiting for him with news of a possible contact – specifically, a possible German submarine, or U-boat. The narration describes the rapidity and thoroughness of Krause’s thought processes as he considers a range of options for investigating the target, and the various implications of each option. This is the first of several occasions throughout the book in which the narration considers and/or portrays Krause’s decision-making processes in this way.

From this moment, the narration follows Krause through 48 straight hours of being on the bridge. His physical, intellectual, and emotional endurance is challenged as the ship moves through 12 changes of duty watch (i.e., changes of personnel), two nights, several encounters with German U-boats, the destruction of a number of the convoy’s ships, several periods of self-doubt and reflections on past personal struggles (including a failed marriage), and increasing physical suffering.

Finally, as dawn breaks on a clear Friday morning, Krause receives word that help from the British Armed Forces is on its way. He reluctantly prepares to hand command of his vessel over to the commander of the incoming British rescue force, and gratefully (if stoically) receives the congratulations and thanks of other captains in the convoy. He then returns to his quarters.

The novel concludes with the epilogue-like Chapter III, in which the narrative briefly explores Krause’s past in more detail. There are considerations of his childhood, of his admission to the naval academy in the aftermath of being orphaned as a teenager, and the development of both his sense of duty and his ambition. There are also further references to his marriage and his career frustrations. Eventually, though, all those considerations disappear from the narrative as Krause falls deeply, and gratefully, asleep.