Gone to Soldiers by Marge Piercy is a sweeping novel set during World War II, exploring multiple character storylines that delve into the lives of civilians and soldiers. The book provides a detailed and informative portrayal of the war, covering various perspectives such as the impact on ordinary people, including Jews, and shedding light on different aspects of the war like the Pacific battles and the French resistance. The narrative weaves together different storylines, from the London Blitz to the occupation of France, the intelligence service, and the experiences of women working in munitions factories, offering a comprehensive view of WWII.

Characters:

The characters are diverse and complex, representing various backgrounds and experiences during the war, though some may appear clichéd.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is immersive and detailed, providing rich historical context and character development, though some characters may come off as standard archetypes.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot is expansive, featuring several interconnected narratives during World War II that highlight the struggles and experiences of various characters, both on the home front and the battlefield.

Setting:

The setting encompasses various key locations and scenarios of World War II, highlighting both military and civilian experiences across different theaters of war.

Pacing:

The pacing begins slowly with character introductions but picks up as the reader becomes more invested, resulting in a compelling narrative flow.

Louise Kahan, aka Annette Hollander Sinclair, sorted her mail in the foyer of her apartment. An air letter from Paris. “You have something from your aunt Gloria,” she called to Kay, who was curled up ...

Notes:

The novel is set during World War II and follows the experiences of multiple characters across different countries.

Characters include a Jewish French refugee, an American helping the French resistance, and a cryptographer working in Washington.

The book highlights both military and civilian perspectives during the war, including women working in munitions factories.

It features a diverse cast of characters, mainly Jewish, which affects their narratives.

The author, Marge Piercy, incorporates themes of sex that some readers found excessive or distracting from the main plot.

The narrative includes interconnected storylines but often does not have characters directly intersecting.

Reviews mention the book as immersive and authentic, providing a human experience of the war.

It draws on historical facts while being a work of fiction, emphasizing the moral dilemmas faced by individuals during wartime.

Readers appreciated the depth and development of characters, though some felt the characters were somewhat standard or archetypal.

Gone to Soldiers was published in the 1980s and received mixed commercial success despite critical praise.

Comparisons are made to Herman Wouk's works regarding storytelling style, but opinions vary on who tells the better WWII stories.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Triggers/content warnings for Gone to Soldiers include depictions of war violence, sexual content, discussions of the Holocaust, and trauma related to both physical and emotional suffering.

Has Romance?

The presence of romance in Gone to Soldiers is medium, with various sexual relations explored throughout the story which impacts character development and plot.

From The Publisher:

In a stunning tour-de-force, Marge Piercy has woven a tapestry of World War II, of six women and four men, who fought and died, worked and worried, and moved through the dizzying days of the war. A compelling chronicle of humans in conflict with inhuman events, GONE TO SOLIDERS is an unforgettable reading experience and a stirring tribute to the remarkable survival of the human spirit.

"Panoramic…This is a sweeping epic in the best sense."

THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER

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About the Author:

MARGE PIERCY is the author of nineteen previous poetry collections, a memoir, seventeen novels, five nonfiction books, and a book of short stories. Her work has been translated into twenty-three languages, and she has received many honors, including the Golden…

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Gone to Soldiers

Marge Piercy