'From Here to Eternity' by James Jones is a novel set in Hawaii just before the start of World War II, focusing on the lives of military personnel stationed at an Army Barracks on Oahu. The book delves into the intricacies of garrison life, exploring themes of duty, relationships, and the struggle for integrity amidst the harsh realities of army discipline. Through vivid character portrayals and detailed descriptions, Jones captures the essence of army life and the personal struggles faced by the soldiers, culminating in a poignant and realistic depiction of the events leading up to the attack on Pearl Harbor.

The narrative style of 'From Here to Eternity' offers a deep exploration of the characters' inner thoughts and emotions, providing a nuanced understanding of their motivations and actions. Jones weaves a complex web of relationships and challenges, showcasing the human experience within the military setting and offering a profound insight into themes of identity, resilience, and the quest for personal integrity in the face of adversity.

Characters:

The characters are complex and vividly drawn, representing different facets of military life and struggles with personal integrity.

Writing/Prose:

The writing is authentic and raw, utilizing dialect and misspellings to enhance realism, while also including deep philosophical explorations.

Plot/Storyline:

The story centers on soldiers based in Hawaii before the Pearl Harbor attack, detailing their struggles with military life, love, and personal integrity, leading to dramatic and tragic outcomes.

Setting:

Set in Hawaii during the early days of WWII, the setting contrasts the beauty of the islands with the brutal realities of military life.

Pacing:

The pacing is slow and deliberate, emphasizing character development and military life before the eventual combat, with some sections feeling repetitive.

When he finished packing, he walked out onto the third-floor porch of the barracks brushing the dust from his hands, a very neat and deceptively slim young man in the summer khakis that were still ear...

Notes:

The novel is set in Hawaii before the attack on Pearl Harbor.

James Jones, the author, served in the Army during WWII and based many experiences from his life.

Private Robert E. Lee Prewitt refuses to box for his regiment's team, causing conflict with his commanding officers.

The book portrays the tough realities of army life in the early 1940s, including themes of masculinity and honor.

Prewitt's story ends tragically when he is shot while trying to return to camp during the Pearl Harbor attack.

The characters struggle with personal conflicts amidst military politics and the impending war.

The novel features a notorious scene of violence in the stockade, highlighting the harsh disciplinary measures in the army.

From Here to Eternity was published in 1951 and was a bestseller, later winning the National Book Award for fiction in 1952.

The book's themes include pride, honor, masculinity, and the struggle against a corrupt military system.

The characters often experience a deep sense of alienation and conflict, reflecting societal pressures and expectations.

The film adaptation released in 1953 was heavily censored and altered many aspects of the original story, including character depth and themes.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include graphic violence, sexual content, military abuse, and themes related to toxic masculinity and corruption within the military.

Has Romance?

There are significant romantic elements, particularly the relationships between the male characters and women in their lives.

From The Publisher:

Selected by the Modern Library as one of the 100 best novels of all time

Diamond Head, Hawaii, 1941. Pvt. Robert E. Lee Prewitt is a champion welterweight and a fine bugler. But when he refuses to join the company's boxing team, he gets "the treatment" that may break him or kill him. First Sgt. Milton Anthony Warden knows how to soldier better than almost anyone, yet he's risking his career to have an affair with his commanding officer's wife. Both Warden and Prewitt are bound by a common bond: The Army is their heart and blood-and, possibly, their death.

Foreword by William Styron

"A work of genius."-Saturday Review

"Extraordinary and utterly irresistible . . . a compelling and compassionate story."-Los Angeles Times

"A blockbuster of a book . . . raw and brutal and angry."-The New York Times

"Ferocious . . . the most realistic and forceful novel I've read about life in the army."-The New Yorker

Ratings (4)

Incredible (1)
Loved It (2)
Did Not Like (1)

Reader Stats (10):

Read It (4)
Want To Read (5)
Not Interested (1)

What can you read after
From Here to Eternity?

See the list (95 books)

About the Author:

James Jones (1921-1977), one of the major novelists of his generation, is known primarily as the author of fiction that probes the effects of World War II on the individual soldier. Born in Robinson, Illinois, Jones entered the U.S. Army and…

Meet New Books is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products and services on amazon.com and its subsidiaries.
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.

Activity

Recommendations

My Stuff

Account

More