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Books matching: brutal conditions of war

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  1. #1

    The Wars by Timothy Findley
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    A haunting, innovative, and memorable anti-war novel - short but heavy, with unique storytelling and imagery that lingers long after you turn the last page.

    The Wars by Timothy Findley is a powerful and evocative novel set during World War I, following the story of Robert Ross, a young Canadian officer who enlists after a family tragedy. The book delves into the horrors of trench warfare, vividly portraying the brutal conditions and emotional turmoil experienced by soldiers on the front lines. Through a combination of interviews, diary entries, and flashbacks, the narrative unfolds in a non-linear fashion, providing glimpses into Robert's life before, during, and after the war. Findley's writing style is described as spare yet impactful, with vivid descriptions that bring to life the grim reality of war without shying away from its complexities.

    She was standing in the middle of the railroad tracks. Her head was bowed and her right front hoof was raised as if she rested. Her reins hung down to the ground and her saddle had slipped to one side...
    1977
    233 pages

  2. #2

    Matterhorn by Karl Marlantes
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    Matterhorn pulls no punches - it's raw, powerful, and unforgettable. One of the best modern war novels, but prepare yourself: it’s a tough, often devastating read that stays with you long after you finish.

    "Matterhorn" by Karl Marlantes is a powerful novel set during the Vietnam War, following the experiences of Bravo Company and their struggles in the jungles of Vietnam. The story is narrated through the eyes of Lieutenant Mellas, a young platoon commander, as he navigates the harsh realities of combat, racial tensions, and the complexities of leadership. Marlantes skillfully portrays the brutal conditions of war, the camaraderie among soldiers, and the internal conflicts faced by the characters, providing a raw and immersive depiction of the Vietnam War.

    “Rumor has it,” Mellas broke in, “that Cassidy managed to get some clippers from the arty people that’ll get passed around, and they’ve got plenty of water, too. So everyone shaves. And about the shav...
    2009
    679 pages

  3. Panzer Ace: The Memoirs of an Iron Cross Panzer Commander from Barbarossa to Normandy by Richard Freiherr von Rosen is a gripping war memoir that vividly captures the frontline realities of World War II. The author, a Tiger tank commander, provides detailed accounts of his experiences on both the Eastern and Western fronts, offering a unique perspective on the war. Von Rosen's writing style is described as unassuming and matter of fact, focusing on the day-to-day life of a tanker and the sacrifices made during combat. The book covers various theatres of operations, including battles in Hungary, Russia, Normandy, and under French occupation, providing a comprehensive view of the author's wartime journey.

    While there are many, many books about tanks in the Second World War, relatively few have been written by men who served as tank platoon leaders in that conflict. Two of the more memorable books in th...
    March 2018

  4. #4

    One Soldier's War by Nick Allen, Arkady Babchenko
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    A devastating, eye-opening memoir that strips away any romantic notions of war and lays bare the cost to body and soul. Not an easy read, but incredibly important for understanding Russia’s recent military history and the true horrors of modern conflict.

    One Soldier's War by Arkady Babchenko is a harrowing and brutally honest account of the author's experiences as a Russian soldier in the Chechen wars. Through vivid and detailed descriptions, Babchenko takes the readers on a journey through the harsh realities of war, depicting the brutal conditions, senseless violence, and the toll it takes on the soldiers involved. The writing style immerses the readers in the chaos of combat, portraying both the intense firefights and the mundane moments of waiting and uncertainty that define the soldier's life.

    The book also delves into the political and historical context of the conflicts in Chechnya and Ukraine, shedding light on the incompetence and corruption within the Russian military and the devastating impact on the soldiers caught in the midst of these conflicts. Babchenko's narrative provides a raw and unfiltered perspective on the horrors of war, challenging romanticized notions and offering a stark portrayal of the human cost of armed conflict.

    Only those who have spent time in the mountains can imagine what they’re like. The mountains are as bad as it gets. Everything you need to live, you carry with you. You need food, so you discard all t...
    2006
    421 pages

  5. #5

    Storm of Steel by Ernst Junger
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    A gut-punch of a memoir - brutally honest, sometimes disturbing, always fascinating. "Storm of Steel" is essential reading for anyone wanting an authentic window into the hell and complexity of World War I.

    Storm of Steel is a memoir by Ernst Junger, detailing his experiences as a German soldier during World War I. The narrative unfolds through vivid and brutal descriptions of trench warfare, capturing the chaos, camaraderie, and horrors of battle. Junger's writing style is direct and matter-of-fact, evoking strong emotions and a visceral understanding of combat. He often oscillates between reflecting on the camaraderie among soldiers and the harsh realities of war, creating a unique perspective that differs from other war narratives.

    1920
    316 pages

  6. 'With A Machine Gun To Cambrai: A Story Of The First World War' by George Coppard is a firsthand account of a young Tommy's experiences in the Machine Gun Corps during World War I. The book captures the squalor of the trenches, the inadequacies of provisions, and the brutal conditions that soldiers had to endure. Coppard's writing style is described as clean, honest, and vivid, providing readers with a personal and authentic look into the day-to-day life of an ordinary soldier during the war.

    1969
    170 pages

  7. #7

    Civil War by Ken Burns, Geoffrey C. Ward
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    'Civil War' by Ken Burns and Geoffrey C. Ward provides a comprehensive history of the Civil War, exploring the perspectives and history of both the North and South. It chronicles the brutal and harsh conditions faced by soldiers and civilians, portraying field hospitals as amputation stations. brings the narrative to life, offering insights into the lead up to the war, the battles, the generals, troopers, colorful characters, and the politics on both sides before, during, and after the conflict.

    is praised for its detailed storytelling of the Civil War history, presenting the words and feelings of individuals who experienced the war firsthand. It is noted for its visual elements, including photos, battle maps, diary and memoir extracts, making it a valuable reference tool for students and history enthusiasts. is described as a useful companion to the Ken Burns documentary, providing additional depth and context to the historical events.

    On the clear moonlit night of November 7, 1837, two hundred men, some carrying torches, surrounded a brick warehouse on the east bank of the Mississippi at Alton, Illinois. It housed a weekly newspape...
    September 1990
    448 pages

  8. 'The Auschwitz Volunteer: Beyond Bravery' by Jarek Garlinski, Michael Schudrich, Witold Pilecki provides a harrowing and compelling firsthand account of Captain Witold Pilecki's experiences at the Auschwitz concentration camp during World War II. Pilecki, a Catholic Pole and patriot, volunteered to enter Auschwitz undercover in 1940 to gather intelligence and establish a resistance effort within the camp. The narrative unfolds with detailed descriptions of the brutal conditions endured by prisoners, the constant brutality, and the everyday struggles for survival. The writing style is straightforward, factual, and reveals the atrocities faced by those incarcerated in the camp, shedding light on a dark chapter in history.

    In fact, this report was the third and most comprehensive one that Pilecki wrote on his time in Auschwitz. In June 1943, shortly after his escape from the camp, while staying with the Serafińskis in N...
    1945
    401 pages

  9. #9

    Somme Mud by E.P.F. Lynch
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    Raw, honest, and unforgettable - a standout soldier’s account of WWI, but the offensive content in the opening may put off some readers. Approach with caution and context.

    'Somme Mud' by E.P.F. Lynch is a detailed personal account of the horrors and experiences of Australian soldiers during World War I, particularly focusing on the battles at the Somme. The author's writing style is described as evocative, brutally honest, and mesmerizing, transporting readers into the trenches alongside the soldiers. The book provides a first-person perspective of the hideous violence of war and captures the camaraderie, hardships, and struggles faced by the soldiers during the Great War.

    1998
    432 pages

  10. #10

    The Naked Island by Ronald Searle, Russell Braddon
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    The Naked Island by Russell Braddon is a gripping memoir chronicling the author's experiences as a prisoner of war during World War II. The book begins with Braddon's enlistment in the Australian Army and his initial fight against the Japanese in Malaya, leading to his capture in Singapore. Braddon details the brutal conditions he faced as a POW, including forced labor on the infamous Burma Railway, starvation, disease, and the harsh treatment by Japanese guards. The narrative is raw and unfiltered, providing a stark depiction of wartime horrors, resilience, and the camaraderie among POWs.

    1951
    287 pages

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