Books matching: war fiction
100 result(s)
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- #1
'Cry Wolf' by Wilbur Smith is a gripping tale set in the backdrop of the 1935 Italian invasion of Ethiopia. The story follows a group of courageous men and women who bravely resist the Italian forces, showcasing themes of adventure, war, love, and hope. The author's writing style is described as painting vivid pictures with words, drawing readers deeper into the story with each chapter, filled with action, twists, and promises of gold.
- #2
'War and Peace' by Leo Tolstoy is a sprawling epic chronicling the lives of multiple characters during the Napoleonic and French Wars. The novel delves into the struggles and heroism of the Russian people, set against the backdrop of war. Tolstoy weaves philosophical dialogues throughout the narrative, offering deep insights into human existence and the impact of historical events. The book is known for its intricate character development and detailed accounts of Russian history, making it a captivating read despite its length.
Well, Prince, Genoa and Lucca are now no more than private estates of the Bonaparte family. No, I warn you, that if you do not tell me we are at war, if you again allow yourself to palliate all the in... - #3
Ordinary Heroes by Scott Turow is a novel that delves into the complexities of war, particularly focusing on the events of World War II. The story follows Stewart Dubinsky as he uncovers shocking revelations about his father's past during the war, leading to a profound shift in his perception of his father. Turow skillfully weaves together historical events and personal narratives, providing a gripping and emotional portrayal of the horrors of war. The writing style, while different from Turow's usual legal thrillers, is described as detailed, believable, and deep, capturing the essence of the characters and the wartime setting.
- #4
A Hero of France by Alan Furst is set in Paris during 1941, focusing on a Resistance cell led by Mathieu, whose mission is to help downed British airmen escape to safety. The story portrays the early years of the French Resistance, operating independently before the Communist involvement and the crackdown by the German Gestapo. The writing style captures the intimate tale of this group of heroes navigating through collaborators, informers, and the ruthless German military police, with a focus on the emotional struggles and risks they face.
At eight-twenty in the evening, the man known to his Resistance cell as Mathieu waited in a doorway where he could watch the entry of the Métro station on the Boulevard Richard-Lenoir. He tried to loo...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Night Soldiers ) - #5
'Wheels of Terror' in the series 'Legion of the Damned' by author Sven Hassel is a gripping war story set during World War II. The plot follows a group of German Infantry soldiers fighting on the Eastern Front, facing the brutal realities of war. Sven Hassel's writing style vividly describes the horrors of war, the violence, and the challenges faced by the soldiers, providing a raw and unapologetic portrayal of the atmosphere during the Nazi regime.
captures the essence of war through the eyes of composite characters, showcasing the emotions endured by soldiers such as boredom, hate, fear, and blood lust. Despite some fictional elements, the narrative delivers a powerful message about the brutality of war, shedding light on the harsh conditions faced by soldiers during the tumultuous period of World War II.
The barracks were silent and dark, wrapped in the dark velvet of autumn. Only the sharp heel-taps of the sentries’ hob-nailed boots could be heard as they walked their tedious watch on the cemented pa...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Legion of the Damned ) - #6
'The Gun' by C.S. Forester follows the journey of a massive cannon being dragged across Northern Spain during a war with the French. The story revolves around the power, greed, fear, and megalomania driving unlikely characters to free Spain from the French empire. The symbol of the gun becomes a creation of myth and legend as it spews British shot into the invaders, showcasing themes of guerrilla warfare, heroism, and the relentless pursuit of victory.
The plot of 'The Gun' explores the ruthless nature of guerrilla warfare, the struggles faced by both besieged and besiegers, and the impact of weaponry on conflict. The writing style of C.S. Forester is spare yet vivid, depicting the harsh realities of war with powerful descriptions of battles, characters, and the unyielding nature of the gun itself.
A defeated army was falling back through the mountains from Espinosa. Such was its condition that an ignorant observer would find it easier to guess that it had been defeated than that it had been an ... - #7
'Sympathy for the Devil' by Kent Anderson is a powerful and visceral depiction of the Vietnam War experience, focusing on the journey of protagonist Hanson, a young Army Sergeant in the Special Forces. The book delves into the brutal realities of war, exploring the psychological and emotional impact on soldiers like Hanson, who find themselves immersed in the mayhem and carnage of combat unapologetically. Through vivid descriptions and intense storytelling, Anderson paints a raw and authentic picture of the madness of war, challenging conventional narratives of patriotism and romanticism often associated with warfare.
The writing style in 'Sympathy for the Devil' is described as evocative, emotive, and graphic, capturing the essence of combat and the complexities of soldiers' experiences. The author's prose immerses readers in the chaos and intensity of war, offering a unique perspective on the Vietnam conflict that is both captivating and unsettling. With a focus on authenticity and raw storytelling, Kent Anderson skillfully navigates the depths of depravity and the harsh realities of war, presenting a narrative that is both gripping and thought-provoking.
Every day in the world a hundred thousand people die. A human life means nothing. General Vo Nguyen Giap, Commander-in-Chief, North Vietnamese Army “In order to despise suffering, to be always content... - #8
The Cruel Sea by Nicholas Monsarrat is a gripping novel set during World War II that follows the fate of the crew of a Flower class corvette as they navigate the treacherous waters of the Atlantic. The story portrays the challenges of convoy protection, the encounters with German submarines, and the relentless battle against the sea. Monsarrat's writing style, although considered dated by some, immerses readers in a long and heart-wrenching journey filled with heroism, survival, and the harsh realities of war.
The novel captures the unending grind and complexities of the war at sea, showcasing the diverse crew members from different backgrounds who are molded into a cohesive unit. The narrative delves into the personal struggles, sacrifices, and moments of camaraderie experienced by the sailors as they face constant danger, loss, and the ever-present threat of enemy submarines. Through vivid descriptions and poignant storytelling, The Cruel Sea provides a profound insight into the human spirit, resilience, and the price of survival during wartime.
- #9
"The Yellow Birds" by Kevin Powers is a poignant and powerful novel that delves into the horrors and emotional turmoil experienced by soldiers during the Iraq War. The story follows Private Bartle and Murphy as they navigate the brutality of war, their friendship, and the aftermath of their experiences. Through lyrical prose and non-linear storytelling, the author captures the confusion, trauma, and psychological impact of war on the young soldiers, providing a raw and gripping account of their journey through Al Tafar in 2004 to post-war life in Richmond, VA in 2005.
The war tried to kill us in the spring. As grass greened the plains of Nineveh and the weather warmed, we patrolled the low-slung hills beyond the cities and towns. We moved over them and through the ... - #10
The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien is a collection of short stories that revolve around the experiences of American soldiers during the Vietnam War. The novel delves into the emotional and psychological impacts of war on the soldiers, exploring themes of pain, guilt, truth, and the weight they carry both physically and emotionally. O'Brien's unique writing style incorporates a blend of fiction and memoir, portraying the harsh realities of war through different perspectives and memories, ultimately highlighting the complexities of human nature in times of conflict.
First Lieutenant Jimmy Cross carried letters from a girl named Martha, a junior at Mount Sebastian College in New Jersey. They were not love letters, but Lieutenant Cross was hoping, so he kept them f...