Books matching: dark humor in war
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- #1
Save:A brilliantly surreal, darkly funny, and thought-provoking classic - equal parts hilarious and horrifying. Stick with the chaos and you’ll see why it’s called one of the greatest novels of the 20th century.
'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...January 1961•534 pages - #2
Save:'Civil War Stories' by Candace Ward, Ambrose Bierce is a collection of short stories set during the American Civil War. Bierce, who served in the Union Army during the war, provides a firsthand perspective on the horrors and realities of the conflict. The stories range from battlefields to soldiers' personal experiences, often with unexpected and jarring endings that leave a lasting impact on the reader.
Bierce's writing style is described as clear-eyed, scathing, and unflinching when portraying the banality and cynicism of war. Through his narratives, he delves into the darker aspects of human nature, the gallantry, and the grim reality of life and death during the Civil War. The stories are filled with twists, honor, gallantry, and glory, offering a unique insight into the experiences of those who fought in the war.
I THIS IS A SIMPLE story of a battle; such a tale as may be told by a soldier who is no writer to a reader who is no soldier. The morning of Sunday, the sixth day of April, 1862, was bright and warm....1956•123 pages - #3
Save:A darkly funny, moving, and unforgettable journey through family dysfunction and war - grim at times, but masterfully told. Worth reading if you can stomach the ride.
In "Death Is Hard Work" by Khaled Khalifa, the novel follows the journey of three siblings, Bolbol, Hussein, and Fatima, as they transport their father's decaying body back to his ancestral village in war-torn Syria. The narrative delves into the family's complex dynamics, individual histories, and the impact of the Syrian civil war on their lives. Through the harrowing journey, the siblings confront their own struggles, the brutality of their surroundings, and the weight of fulfilling their father's last wish, all while navigating through a landscape of chaos and despair. The book blends elements of dark humor, profound reflections on life and death, and a stark portrayal of the psychological toll of living in a war zone.
The writing style of the novel is described as elegant, lean, and well-crafted, reminiscent of the classic work "As I Lay Dying." Khalifa intricately weaves together the interwoven family stories to offer a glimpse into the human experience amidst conflict and loss. The narrative unfolds through a meandering yet poignant lens, capturing the essence of the characters' struggles, the harsh realities of war, and the profound impact of familial obligations in the face of adversity.
Two hours before he died, Abdel Latif al-Salim looked his son Bolbol straight in the eye with as much of his remaining strength as he could muster and repeated his request to be buried in the cemetery...February 2019•192 pages - #4
Save:A sharply written, unsentimental look at WWI flying aces that's as blackly funny as it is moving - but not for those seeking a traditional war hero tale or non-stop battle scenes.
War Story by Derek Robinson is a gripping novel that delves into the brutal reality of the air war in 1916, focusing on the experiences of young, inexperienced pilots in the Royal Flying Corps. The book vividly portrays the daily struggles and horrors faced by these pilots as they navigate through primitive aerial combat, highlighting the dark humor, camaraderie, and the inevitable confrontation with death in the skies. Robinson's writing style expertly weaves together historical accuracy, engaging characters, and intense flying sequences, creating a compelling narrative that immerses readers into the world of Hornet Squadron just before the Battle of the Somme.
That was on the map. In the air, and flying a BE2c, which meant crabbing against the wind and dodging the bigger clouds, the distance would be more like 200 miles. Allowing for a stop at the St. Omer...1987•352 pages - #5
Save:"A Breed of Heroes" by Alan Judd is a novel set during the Troubles in Northern Ireland, following the experiences of platoon commander Charles Thoroughgood as he navigates the challenges of army life in a crack infantry unit. The book provides a mix of the awfulness of the situation in Belfast, the hypocrisy on both sides, and touches of humor in depicting the struggles faced by the soldiers and the local inhabitants. Through Thoroughgood's growth as a leader and his interactions with both soldiers and officers, the author offers insights into the human behavior within the Army hierarchy and the raw humanity of life in Northern Ireland.
The writing style of Alan Judd in "A Breed of Heroes" balances a serious portrayal of the grim realities of war-torn Belfast with lighthearted moments, creating a narrative that delves into important issues without becoming overly political. Judd's ability to vividly portray characters and situations immerses the reader in the story, providing a glimpse into the banality of war and the complexities of human nature within a military setting.
‘All you have to do,’ he continued, ‘is to thump ’em when they step out of line, and the rest of the time leave ’em alone. That’s all they want, really, you know, just to be left alone. There’s no dou...1981•464 pages - #6
Save:A genre-bending odyssey through the Vietnam War that’s as much about the mind as the battlefield. Surreal, haunting, and thoughtful - definitely worth a read if you like your war stories with a twist.
'Going After Cacciato' by Tim O'Brien is a novel set during the Vietnam War, following a soldier named Cacciato who decides to desert the war and walk to Paris. The story is narrated by spec four Paul Berlin, providing glimpses into the squad's pursuit of Cacciato while reflecting on the horrors of war and the soldier's own experiences. The book blends reality with imagination, exploring themes of war, survival, and the power of the human spirit amidst chaos and despair.
O'Brien's writing style in 'Going After Cacciato' is described as imaginative, dreamlike, and poignant. The novel delves into the mental and emotional landscapes of the Vietnam War with subtlety, brutality, and dark humor, offering a unique perspective on the effects of war on soldiers and the blurred lines between reality and fantasy. The nonlinear narrative structure adds depth to the story, creating a compelling and thought-provoking read.
It was a bad time. Billy Boy Watkins was dead, and so was Frenchie Tucker. Billy Boy had died of fright, scared to death on the field of battle, and Frenchie Tucker had been shot through the nose. Ber...January 1975•378 pages - #7
Save:'This Fallen World' by Christopher Woods is a post-apocalyptic novel set in a world where corporations have taken over the government and initiated a nuclear war against rival corporations. The story unfolds in a dystopian near future where survivors navigate through zones ruled by warlords, armed and dangerous Farmers, and a militant armed law enforcement group known as the Society of Steel. The book is split into three separate stories featuring characters like Mathew Kade, an Obsidian Agent, and Zebediah Pratt, a Farmer, with a unique tie-in between the two narratives. The author skillfully weaves together past and present events, creating a compelling storyline that keeps readers engaged.
The writing style of 'This Fallen World' has been likened to a mix of popular franchises like Fallout, Mad Max, Divergent, Jason Bourne, and John Wick, offering a thrilling and action-packed narrative. Readers have praised the author's ability to introduce intriguing ideas within the post-apocalyptic genre, with complex characters and a solid storyline that unfolds gradually, keeping readers hooked until the end.
November 2018•363 pages - #8
Save:'The Physicists' by Friedrich Durrenmatt revolves around a plot where three institutionalized physicists, each believing themselves to be famous scientists like Einstein, Newton, and King Solomon, meet in an asylum. As the story unfolds, a series of murders occur, bringing them to the attention of the local police. The play delves into the blurred lines between sanity and madness, raising questions about the responsibility of scientists to society and the consequences of unchecked scientific pursuits. Durrenmatt's writing style combines elements of metaphysical and absurd themes, creating a satirical, dark, and twisted narrative that is both thought-provoking and entertaining.
1961•104 pages - #9
Save:'Veteran' by Gavin G. Smith is a fast-paced science fiction novel set in a post-apocalyptic future where humanity has survived a nuclear war and expanded into space, encountering a powerful alien race known as 'Them'. The story follows Jakob Douglas, a former British special forces operative, who is called back into service to track down an elite alien infiltrator that has landed on Earth. As Jakob embarks on this mission, he navigates through a gritty world filled with action-packed sequences, intriguing characters, and a blend of futuristic technology and societal decay. The writing style of the book is described as enthusiastic, with vivid descriptions of landscapes, cities, and battle scenes, as well as snappy dialogue among the characters.
July 2010•475 pages - #10
Save:'Monte Cassino' in the series 'Legion of the Damned' by author Sven Hassel is a gritty World War II novel that realistically portrays the brutality and senselessness of war. It provides a snapshot of the terrible time the world found itself in during WW2, offering insight into the obscene regime of the Nazis. The story revolves around young comrades facing tough and funny moments of war, all narrated from the perspective of a soldier who was in a Wehrmacht Penal Panzer unit, bringing to life the barbarity of conflict.
We had finally got the stove from the big house burning and we were getting ready to dine. We had forty starlings which we were roasting on long sticks, and Porta was making marrow-balls. It had taken...1963•260 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Legion of the Damned )
