Books matching: military farce
3 result(s)
- #1
Field of Honor: A Novel by D.L. Birchfield follows the story of Lance Corporal Patrick Pushmataha McDaniel, a half-blood Choctaw who has been hiding from the U.S. Marine Corps for over a decade. When his secluded home is invaded by the military, McDaniel discovers an underground Choctaw civilization, leading him into a world of culture and politics where traditional ball games reign. The book is filled with erratic, frenzied action reminiscent of the film "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" and the quirky characters akin to those in "Catch 22." Birchfield's witty observations about the U.S. military, Choctaw history, and a blend of modern concepts with sacred Indian mythology create a unique and engaging narrative.
Mario Vargas Llosa's book 'Captain Pantoja and the Special Service' follows the story of Captain Pantoja, a faithful and deeply religious family man who is assigned a highly secret mission by the Peruvian Army to create a Special Service in the Amazon to provide a less violent outlet for the troops' sexual needs. The book creatively tells the audacious endeavor through military reports, transcriptions of radio broadcasts, personal letters, and dream sequences, highlighting the degree to which humans are slaves to their passions, whether sexual or religious. The plot unfolds in a riverscape filled with sex and blood, where Captain Pantoja struggles to contain the situation while dealing with a Christian cult leader and local scandal mongering.
The writing style of the book is described as a combination of bureaucratic army reports and freewheeling program that grows larger than life, creating a funny and entertaining narrative. It is noted that the story is so weird that it must be true, and the author's style captures a dark secret of warfare, showcasing a cost borne by females. Despite being a dark and serious topic, the book manages to entertain the reader with indelible characters and a nightmare of disciplined insanity, making it a unique and captivating read.
- #3
'Socialism: An Economic and Sociological Analysis' by Friedrich A. Hayek, J. Kahane, Ludwig von Mises delves into the analysis of socialism, its historical significance, and its impact on society. Through a comprehensive examination of socialist theory, the book explores the economic, sociological, and ethical aspects of socialism, debunking its principles and highlighting the practical implications of socialist ideas. The writing style is analytical, detailed, and critical, providing a thorough evaluation of socialism from a liberal perspective, drawing on references from historical events, religious teachings, and economic theories.