Books matching: brutal realities of combat
15 result(s)
Readers also searched for:
- #1
Save:'The Forgotten Soldier' by Guy Sajer is a harrowing first-hand account of a foot soldier's experience in one of Germany's defeated WWII armies, particularly focusing on the horrors of the Eastern Front. The book provides a brutal and personal narrative of the author's struggles to survive as a young Frenchman in the German army during World War II, shedding light on the realities of war beyond the glamorized versions often portrayed.
I had to shoulder a brutally heavy burden. Suddenly there were two flags for me to honor, and two lines of defense-the Siegfried and the Maginot-and powerful external enemies. I entered the service, d... - #2
Save:"To Hell and Back" by Audie Murphy is a gripping war autobiography that provides a firsthand account of the World War II experiences of the most decorated soldier of the war. It offers a raw and unsentimental look at combat, showcasing the sheer difficulty and brutality of the front lines. Audie Murphy's writing style is described as intense and personal, delving into the grim reality of war with no embellishments or glorification, focusing on the daily struggles and sacrifices made by soldiers.
ON a hill just inland from the invasion beaches of Sicily, a soldier sits on a rock. His helmet is off; and the hot sunshine glints through his coppery hair. With the sleeve of his shirt he wipes the ... - #3
Save:Storm of Steel by Ernst Junger is a memoir recounting the experiences of a German soldier fighting on the Western Front during World War I. The narrative is unadulterated by politics and anti-war sentiment, focusing solely on the day-to-day life of a soldier in the trenches. The book provides a vivid and graphic portrayal of the brutality of war, the camaraderie among soldiers, and the personal reflections of the author on his role in the conflict.
The train stopped at Bazancourt, a small town in Champagne, and we got out. Full of awe and incredulity, we listened to the slow grinding pulse of the front, a rhythm we were to become mightily famili... - #4
Save:'Symphony for the City of the Dead: Dmitri Shostakovich and the Siege of Leningrad' by M.T. Anderson is a detailed and moving account of Shostakovich's life during the Stalinist reign and the horrors of the siege of Leningrad in WWII. The author skillfully intertwines historical information with personal stories, providing a vivid portrayal of life in Soviet Russia and the struggles faced by individuals like Shostakovich. Through the book, readers can understand the power of music to express emotions, inspire, and offer hope in the face of unimaginable hardships.
The narrative in the book not only delves into Shostakovich's composition of his monumental 'war' symphony but also explores the dichotomies of emotion and opinion prevalent during that time period. The author's writing style captivates readers by creating a compelling picture of the era, encouraging them to form their own interpretations of why Shostakovich composed the music he did, making it a thought-provoking and enlightening read.
The fate of Dmitri Shostakovich was bound up with the fate of Leningrad from the time he was a child. In 1906, when he was born, the city was called St. Petersburg. It was known as “the Venice of the ... - #5
Save:'Company K' by William March is a novel set during World War I, following an American Marine company in France for 9 months. The book is composed of short, first-person stories from 118 men, detailing their experiences before, during, and after the war. The narrative captures the horrors and senselessness of war, showcasing individual responses to bravery, cowardice, pain, suffering, and the aftermath of conflict in a straightforward, matter-of-fact writing style.
- #6
Save:'Last Citadel: A Novel of the Battle of Kursk' by David L. Robbins is a historical fiction novel set during WWII, focusing on the Battle of Kursk. The book delves into the bravery and tenacity of the Russians, the tank battles, and the intricate details of individual characters like tank driver Dimitri Berko and double agent Colonel Abram Breit. The writing style immerses the reader in the history through appealing fictional and some non-fictional characters, taut writing, and a wonderful sense of place.
The SS colonel eased shut the high, heavy door. The portal closed with a hiss and a soft tap. How many trees went into this, he wondered, lives sacrificed out of the forest to make one of Hitler’s cas...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series WWII ) 'With the Old Breed: At Peleliu and Okinawa' by Eugene B. Sledge is a first-hand memoir detailing the author's experiences as a Marine in the Pacific during World War II. The book provides a gritty and realistic account of the brutal battles at Peleliu and Okinawa, showcasing the horrors of war without any glorification. Sledge's writing style is honest, straightforward, and poignant, as he vividly describes the harsh realities of military life, the psychological challenges faced by soldiers, and the physical and emotional toll of combat.
I enlisted in the Marine Corps on 3 December 1942 at Marion, Alabama. At the time I was a freshman at Marion Military Institute. My parents and brother Edward had urged me to stay in college as long a...The Last Stand of Fox Company by Bob Drury and Tom Clavin is a gripping account of the Battle of Chosin Reservoir during the Korean War. The book details the heroic efforts of Fox Company, a unit of the 1st Marine Division, as they battle extreme cold, overwhelming enemy numbers, and malfunctioning weapons to hold their ground and secure the evacuation route for fellow Marines. Through vivid storytelling, the authors paint a picture of courage, sacrifice, and camaraderie amidst the brutal conditions of war.
In all his years as a Marine, Sergeant Clyde Pitts had never seen anything like it. Eleven minutes earlier, at precisely 1 a.m., Captain Barber had gotten through to Hagaru-ri and requested a shelling...- #9
Save:Fields of Fire by James Webb is a gripping novel set during the Vietnam War, following a squad of marines in the 25th Marines during 1969. The story delves into the complexities of war, showcasing the experiences of three main characters - Hodges, Snake, and Goodrich - as they navigate the brutal realities of combat in the AO known as Arizona. The writing style of the book is praised for its vivid depiction of characters and the choices they make, highlighting the loyalty and camaraderie that develop among the soldiers amidst the horrors of war.
There he went again. Smack-man came unfocused in the middle of a word, the unformed syllable a dribble of bubbly spit along his chin, and leaned forward, that sudden rush of ecstasy so slow and deep i... - #10
Save:The Short-Timers by Gustav Hasford is a powerful and gripping novel set during the Vietnam War. It explores the experiences of young men serving in the war, depicting the impact of violence, death, and the horrors of war on their psyche. The book delves into the brutal realities of combat, portraying how war can dehumanize individuals and push them to their limits. Readers found the book to be an intense and vivid portrayal of the soldiers' struggles and the harsh truths of warfare.
