Books matching: absurdity of military life
12 result(s)
Readers also searched for:
- #1
Save:The Tartar Steppe by Dino Buzzati is a novel that follows the story of Giovanni Drogo, a young soldier who is stationed at Fort Bastiani on the border of the Tartar Steppe. The book explores themes of solitude, the futility of military preparations in times of peace, and the struggle to find purpose in life while waiting for something significant to happen. Buzzati's writing is described as sparse yet beautifully told, capturing the eerie and suspenseful atmosphere of the isolated fortress and the desolate steppe.
The novel portrays the protagonist's journey of waiting for glory and purpose in a setting filled with absurd military bureaucracy, monotony, and the passage of time. The narrative delves into Drogo's internal conflicts, his gradual acceptance of his isolated existence, and the haunting realization of missed opportunities and wasted time as he becomes entrenched in the routine and hopelessness of his post at Bastiani fortress.
He had himself called while it was still dark and for the first time put on his lieutenant’s uniform. When he had done, he looked at himself in the mirror by the light of an oil lamp but failed to fin... - #2
Save:The Complete McAuslan is an omnibus collection of short stories that follow the experiences of a young subaltern, MacNeill, as he joins a Highland regiment in North Africa after World War II. The stories are set in various locations including North Africa and Scotland, with a focus on the humorous and absurd aspects of army life. The central character, Private McAuslan, is portrayed as the dirtiest soldier in the regiment, adding a comedic element to the narratives. The writing style is described as blending humor, nostalgia, and insight, drawing readers into the story and situations presented by the author.
- #3
Save:'Men at Arms' by Evelyn Waugh follows the journey of Guy Crouchback, a hag-ridden Catholic Englishman from a declining aristocratic family, as he navigates his way through military training and his first action in the Halberdiers regiment during World War II. The book combines Waugh's signature satire with serious reflections on life as a Catholic Englishman, portraying the eccentricities of Guy's fellow officers and the challenges of military life with a dry, easy tone and accessible characters. The story delves into themes of duty, dignity, and the complexities of British military traditions, offering a mix of tragedy, reality, and farce that leaves readers simultaneously laughing and crying.
When Guy Crouchback’s grandparents, Gervase and Hermione, came to Italy on their honeymoon, French troops manned the defenses of Rome, the Sovereign Pontiff drove out in an open carriage and Cardinals... - #4
Save:Bill, The Galactic Hero by Harry Harrison is a satirical science fiction novel that follows the adventures of Bill, an innocent farm boy who is fraudulently recruited into the armed forces. The story revolves around Bill's journey as he faces various disasters and absurd situations while maintaining his morale in a world filled with bureaucracy, inane characters, and dark military satire. The writing style of the book is described as purposely clumsy to highlight the stupidity of bureaucracy and filled with sly humor that pokes fun at military recruitment and operations.
Special thanks to Nat Sobel, Henry Morrison, Dainis Bisenieks, and Chris Miller First published in Great Britain 1993 by Victor Gollancz First VGSF edition published 1994 by Victor Gollancz A Cassell ... - #5
Save:"The Good Soldier Svejk" by Jaroslav Hasek is a satirical novel set during World War I, following the antics of a Czech soldier named Svejk who is portrayed as an idiot but may actually be a clever conman. The book humorously critiques the military, war, and authority figures through Svejk's absurd and farcical situations, showcasing the futility and absurdity of war. Hasek's writing style is described as witty, biting, and at times repetitive, with a focus on highlighting the stupidity of those around Svejk.
"So they've killed Ferdinand," said the charwoman to Mr. Schweik who, having left the army many years before, when a military medical board had declared him to be chronically feebleminded, earned a li... - #6
Save:'The General' by C.S. Forester is a novel set during World War I, focusing on the career of Herbert Curzon, a British army general. The book delves into the flaws in the British war effort during WWI, portraying the mistakes and blunders committed by British leadership. The protagonist, General Curzon, rises through the ranks from a junior officer to a Lieutenant General, showcasing the slow learning curve of the British Army in adapting to new tactics and technologies of warfare. The narrative highlights the psychological struggles and insecurities of General Curzon, who is portrayed as a courageous but out-of-depth leader in the midst of the war.
The novel provides a unique perspective on WWI, showcasing the war through the eyes of the military commanders, rather than the ordinary soldiers. It explores the mentality and attitudes of the privileged ruling class who were responsible for sending young men to their deaths, shedding light on the complexities of war and the impact of leadership decisions on the battlefield.
Nowadays Lieutenant-General Sir Herbert Curzon, K.C.M.G., C.B., D.S.O., is just one of Bournemouth’s seven generals, but with the distinction of his record and his social position as a Duke’s son-in-l... - #7
Save:"Meditations in Green" by Stephen Wright follows the journey of James Griffin, a war veteran fixated on foliage, as he navigates through his experiences in Vietnam and struggles with the delayed effects of war on modern soldiers. The narrative interlaces Griffin's time in Vietnam, his life after the war, and his contemplation of all things green and leafy. The writing style is described as challenging, often hallucinatory, and filled with sarcastic wit that resonates through the story, capturing the absurdity and incomprehensible aspects of military life.
Griffin's character is portrayed as intelligent, skeptical, and academically bored, viewing the world through a lens of sarcasm and wit. is structured by chapters, each loosely broken into three parts focusing on the musings of a plant, life after Vietnam, and life in Vietnam as a soldier. The writing style is laid back yet crisp, with well-developed characters that feel real, engaging the reader in a banter common to all. The author, Stephen Wright, is praised for his excellent prose that skillfully portrays the collision of the psychedelic age and the Vietnam War, creating a hip and stylish narrative that never patronizes the war or its victims.
Here I am up in the window, that indistinguishable head you see listing toward the sun and waiting to be watered. Through a pair of strong field glasses you might be able to make out the color of my l... - #8
Save:'Catch-22' by Joseph Heller is a satirical novel set during World War II, focusing on the experiences of a bombardier named Yossarian. The story delves into the absurdity and insanity of military life, highlighting the struggles of individuals trying to navigate through a world where life is cheap and the rules seem designed to ensure no escape from the horrors of war. Through a fragmented narrative style, the author weaves a darkly humorous tale that provides insights into the futility of war and the importance of self-preservation amidst chaos.
The writing style of 'Catch-22' is characterized by its witty banter, dark humor, and satirical take on the bureaucracy and illogical reasoning prevalent in wartime. The narrative jumps between characters, time periods, and locations, creating a chaotic yet engaging reading experience. Heller's exploration of the themes of insanity, morality, and the absurdity of life is delivered through a mix of laugh-out-loud moments and poignant reflections on the human condition.
Yossarian was in the hospital with a pain in his liver that fell just short of being jaundice. The doctors were puzzled by the fact that it wasn’t quite jaundice. If it became jaundice they could trea... - #9
Save:Spike Milligan's 'Adolf Hitler: My Part in His Downfall' is a humorous yet poignant war memoir that follows the author's experiences as a young British soldier during World War II. The book portrays Milligan's journey from being a scrawny teenager who joins the British Army to becoming an artillery gunner, all while navigating through hilarious adventures and absurd situations. The writing style combines dry British humor with moments of tear-jerking sincerity, providing a unique perspective on war through a lens of comedy and tragedy intertwined.
“For Christ’s sake don’t open it,” said Uncle, prodding it with a stick. “Last time I did, I ended up in Mesopotamia, chased by Turks waving pots of Vaseline and shouting, ‘Lawrence we love you in Ott... - #10
Save:'M*A*S*H' by Richard Hooker is a humorous and satirical novel set in a Mobile Army Surgical Hospital during the Korean War. The story follows the antics and experiences of doctors like Hawkeye Pierce, Trapper John McIntyre, Radar O'Reilly, and Hot Lips Houlihan as they navigate the challenges of war surgery, military life, and maintaining their sense of humor in the face of adversity. The writing style is described as episodic, ready-made for a comedy drama series, with amusing characters and witty dialogue that explores themes of irreverence towards authority and the absurdity of war.
When Radar O’Reilly, just out of high school, left Ottumwa, Iowa, and enlisted in the United States Army it was with the express purpose of making a career of the Signal Corps. Radar O’Reilly was only...
