Books matching: brutal realities of war
87 result(s)
- #1
Save:'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 ) - #2
Save:'Island of a Thousand Mirrors' by Nayomi Munaweera is a poignant novel set against the backdrop of the Sri Lankan civil war, narrating the intertwined lives of two young girls from opposite sides of the conflict. The author skillfully weaves together themes of family, sisterhood, immigration, and the brutal realities of war, creating a vivid and emotional portrayal of the impact of the conflict on ordinary people. Munaweera's writing style is described as beautiful and detailed, seamlessly blending vivid descriptions of the island's landscapes with the horrors of war, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the characters' experiences.
It is 1948 and the last British ships slip away from the island of Ceylon, laboring and groaning under the weight of purloined treasure. On board one such vessel, the captain’s log includes the tusks ... - #3
Save:'Generals Die in Bed' by Charles Yale Harrison is a gripping novel that vividly depicts the horrors of trench warfare during World War I. The author, a Canadian veteran of the Western front, provides a gritty first-hand account of life on the battlefield, showcasing the loneliness, death, and sense of injustice experienced by soldiers. The book, originally published in 1930, offers graphic descriptions of living conditions, injuries, and illnesses faced by the soldiers, painting a stark and harrowing picture of the realities of war. Despite being a work of fiction, the novel reads like a memoir, blurring the lines between reality and imagination, and capturing the true essence of the Great War.
“Down the line” in Montreal is Cadieux Street, St. Elizabeth Street, La Gauchetière Street, Vitre Street, Craig Street—a square mile of dilapidated, squalid red brick houses with red lights shining th... - #4
Save:In "Cilka's Journey" by Heather Morris, readers follow the harrowing tale of Cilka, a young woman who survives the horrors of Auschwitz only to face further injustices in a Siberian gulag. The book portrays Cilka's resilience, compassion, and sacrifices as she navigates through unimaginable hardships, abuse, and challenges in both the concentration camp and the labor camp. Morris weaves a heart-wrenching and compelling narrative that alternates between Cilka's time in the camps, showcasing her courage and perseverance under the most brutal circumstances.
The novel delves into the life of Cilka Klein, a real Czech woman who endured the atrocities of Auschwitz Birkenau and the Soviet gulag. Through Morris's poignant storytelling, readers witness Cilka's journey from a young girl facing unspeakable horrors to a woman who finds strength and purpose in helping others, despite the traumas she has endured. The book sheds light on the resilience of the human spirit, the power of compassion, and the enduring hope that can be found even in the darkest of times.
Cilka stares at the soldier standing in front of her, part of the army that has entered the camp. He is saying something in Russian, then German. The soldier towers over the eighteen-year-old girl. “D...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Tattooist of Auschwitz ) - #5
Save:Between Ghosts by Garrett Leigh is a gripping and moving story set in Iraq, following journalist Connor Regan as he embeds with an SAS team to uncover the truth about soldiers' experiences in the war. The book expertly portrays the day-to-day life, hardships, and emotional struggles faced by the soldiers, highlighting the intense friendships within the unit alongside the central romance between Connor and Nat, the team leader. The writing style immerses readers in the war-torn setting, capturing the authenticity of the environment and the characters' raw emotions.
- #6
Save:'A Long Long Way' by Sebastian Barry is a poignant and vivid portrayal of a young Irish soldier, Willie Dunne, who joins the British Army to fight in World War I. The novel follows Willie's journey from enlisting to facing the horrors of the Western Front in Belgium, all while grappling with his identity as an Irishman and his loyalty to his country. Barry's lyrical and poetic writing style captures the inner conflict of Willie as he navigates the political turmoil in Ireland and the brutal realities of war, making it a deeply moving and thought-provoking read.
Such a singing voice he had. His mother, who was a blunt woman enough, one of the Cullens herself, daughter of the coppicer on the Humewood estate in Wicklow, got only good from it. She set him on a c... - #7
Save:'Hornet's Sting' by Derek Robinson is the second book in his Royal Flying Corps trilogy, set during the First World War. The novel follows the fictional Hornet Squadron in the period of January to November 1917, covering the battles around Arras and Passchendaele. Robinson's writing style vividly portrays the life of RFC pilots, the harsh realities of war, and the camaraderie among the squadron members. The book delves into the technical aspects of flying and fighting in fragile aeroplanes, as well as the emotional depth of the characters facing the brutalities of war.
The plot of 'Hornet's Sting' intricately weaves together historical events with fictional characters, showcasing the challenges faced by the squadron during a tumultuous period of the war. The author's attention to detail, realistic portrayal of war, and dark humor make the book a compelling read for those interested in aviation history and wartime fiction.
It had snowed in the night, and from five thousand feet the Western Front looked almost pretty. The tens of thousands of shell craters made a plain of white dimples. The trenches, so often just brown ... - #8
Save:'Life Class' by Pat Barker is a novel that explores the lives of a group of young artists attending art school just before the outbreak of World War I. The story delves into the themes of art, society, war, and maturation as the characters navigate through the bohemia of the arts world and the horrors of the war-torn frontlines. Barker's writing style is praised for being creative, captivating, and well-researched, seamlessly weaving historical figures with fictional characters to create a compelling narrative that contrasts the everyday trials and tribulations with the unspeakable events of war.
THEY’D BEEN DRAWING FOR OVER HALF AN HOUR. There was no sound except for the slurring of pencils on Michelet paper or the barely perceptible squeak of charcoal. At the center of the circle of students... - #9
Save:"Sniper on the Eastern Front" is a memoir written by Sepp Allerberger, a young Austrian soldier who became an ace sniper on the Eastern Front during World War II. The narrative delves into the brutal realities of war, detailing the atrocities committed by both the Russian and German troops. The writing style is described as terse and engrossing, providing a narrow yet insightful look into the camaraderie, hatred, and sheer madness experienced by soldiers on the front lines.
I was born in September 1924. Our home was in a small village on the Austrian side of the Bavarian Alps near Salzburg. On leaving school I was apprenticed to my father, a master carpenter who ran a sm... - #10
Save:Russia's War by Richard Overy is a detailed account of the Soviet war effort during World War II. Overy delves into the political machinations, human tragedies, and military strategies from 1941 to 1945. The book covers the transformation of the Soviet Union under Stalin's rule, the alliances formed, and the key events leading to the conflict with Germany. Overy highlights the importance of the economic transformation under Stalin, the military modernization efforts, and the pivotal battles on the Eastern Front.
It is October in Russia. Three Army Groups are forcing their way against weak defences towards Petrograd and Moscow. They treat the local population with brutality, burning villages, slaughtering the ...
