Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Bookish Wisdom earns from qualifying purchases. This doesn't change our picks or your price.
TL;DR: Francis Joseph Cassavant returns to his hometown of Frenchtown after being wounded in World War II. His face was destroyed by a grenade, but he came home a hero. His real goal is to find and kill a man he once admired, Larry LaSalle.
Table of Contents
Heroes at a Glance
| Author | Robert Cormier |
| First published | 1998 |
| Type | Young adult fiction |
| Best for | readers who like dark, thought-provoking YA about war and revenge |
Heroes is a novel by Robert Cormier, first published in 1998. Robert Cormier is known for The Chocolate War. The book questions what a hero is. Below you will find a part-by-part summary, five key takeaways, a few ideas worth remembering and a note on who will enjoy it most. The part-by-part section gives away the plot, including the ending, so skip it if you have not read the book yet.
Content note: Contains war violence, sexual assault and revenge.
What Happens, Part by Part (Contains Spoilers)
Coming home
Francis arrives home and hides his face behind a bandage. He tells no one about his purpose.
A hero's past
He recalls how LaSalle ran a youth center and was admired. LaSalle also enlisted.
The war
Francis recounts his decision to join the army to impress Nicole, a girl he loved.
A betrayal
He remembers an act that LaSalle committed. It changed his life.
The hunt
Francis tracks LaSalle and plans to kill him. The reader learns more about each character.
The end
The ending delivers a final twist about heroism.
The Summary at a Glance
| Part | In one line |
|---|---|
| Coming home | Francis arrives home and hides his face behind a bandage. |
| A hero's past | He recalls how LaSalle ran a youth center and was admired. |
| The war | Francis recounts his decision to join the army to impress Nicole, a girl he loved. |
| A betrayal | He remembers an act that LaSalle committed. |
| The hunt | Francis tracks LaSalle and plans to kill him. |
| The end | The ending delivers a final twist about heroism. |
5 Key Takeaways
- Heroism is complicated.
- Revenge consumes the avenger.
- War scars bodies and minds.
- Admiration can hide evil.
- Guilt shapes actions.
Ideas Worth Remembering
These are paraphrased, not direct quotes:
- The structure uses flashbacks.
- The book is short.
- It was challenged for its content.
Who Should Read Heroes?
Read it if you like morally complex YA. It is dark.
Questions to Think About After Reading
These prompts work for solo reading, a book club or a classroom discussion of Heroes:
- Which character did you understand best, and what did the author do to make you feel that way?
- Which scene would you change, and what would that do to the ending?
- What does the book say about its main theme that you agree or disagree with?
Quick Facts to Remember
- Book: Heroes by Robert Cormier (1998)
- Type: Young adult fiction
- Best for: readers who like dark, thought-provoking YA about war and revenge
- Main idea in one line: Heroism is complicated.
Reading Time and Format
Novels differ a lot in length and pace, so check the page count of your edition before you start. If you prefer to listen, many public libraries lend audiobooks through free apps, and a narrated edition can suit a long novel well. Whichever format you choose, a library copy is a low-cost way to try the book before you buy, and used or digital editions are often cheaper than new print copies.
How to Use This Summary
Use this page as a quick reference before a book club meeting, an exam, or a decision about whether Heroes is worth your time. The takeaways are written to stand on their own. If a point interests you, go back to the book for the author's full argument, examples and style, which no short summary can carry.
A simple way to get the most from it: first read the TL;DR and the takeaways to decide if the book fits your interests, then read the part-by-part section for the structure, and finally write down one idea you want to remember or one question you want answered by the full text.
A Note on Accuracy and Spoilers
This summary is based on the published text of Heroes, not on any film, series or stage adaptation, which often change the story. Details are kept at the level of the main events so that nothing is invented. Editions differ slightly in length and wording, so page numbers and small details may vary from your copy.
Should You Read the Book?
If you plan to read it, set aside a few evenings and read the opening chapters before you decide. A summary tells you what happens, but the voice and pacing are what make a novel work or not. If you are still unsure, read a free sample or the first chapter, because the opening pages usually show whether the voice and subject suit you. Reviews from readers with tastes like yours can help too, but your own reaction to a few pages is the best test.
Check price of Heroes on Amazon
What to Read Next
- The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier: Cormier's best-known novel
- Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel: a historical novel of power
- Fallen Angels by Walter Dean Myers: a Vietnam War novel
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Heroes a true story?
No, it is fiction.
Who is Larry LaSalle?
A man Francis once admired.
What age is it for?
Roughly 14 and up.
Is Heroes worth reading?
It depends on what you want. The book is best for readers who like dark, thought-provoking YA about war and revenge. If that describes you, it is likely a good fit. If not, the titles under What to Read Next may suit you better.
Can this summary replace reading Heroes?
No. A summary covers the main events and ideas, but it cannot carry the author's voice, detail or pacing. Use it to decide whether to read the book, to refresh your memory or to prepare for a discussion.
Is Heroes worth reading?
It depends on what you want. The book is best for readers who like dark, thought-provoking YA about war and revenge. If that describes you, it is likely a good fit. If not, the titles under What to Read Next may suit you better.
Can this summary replace reading Heroes?
No. A summary covers the main events and ideas, but it cannot carry the author's voice, detail or pacing. Use it to decide whether to read the book, to refresh your memory or to prepare for a discussion.