Books matching: harsh realities of combat
14 result(s)
- #1
Save:Alex Kershaw's book, "The Liberator: One World War II Soldier's 500-Day Odyssey from the Beaches of Sicily to the Gates of Dachau," follows the journey of Felix Sparks, a soldier in the 45th Infantry Division, through various campaigns in Europe during World War II. The book vividly portrays the brutal realities of war, highlighting the courage and perseverance of the soldiers, particularly focusing on Sparks' experiences from Sicily to Germany. Kershaw's writing style is engaging and informative, providing a detailed account of Sparks' military career and personal life, including his actions before, during, and after the war.
FELIX SPARKS WOKE EARLY. It was getting light outside. He pulled on his jacket, grabbed his shotgun, and headed out into the dusty canyon, past miners’ shacks and mountains of tailings from the nearby... - #2
Save:"Matterhorn" by Karl Marlantes is a powerful novel set during the Vietnam War, following the experiences of Bravo Company and their struggles in the jungles of Vietnam. The story is narrated through the eyes of Lieutenant Mellas, a young platoon commander, as he navigates the harsh realities of combat, racial tensions, and the complexities of leadership. Marlantes skillfully portrays the brutal conditions of war, the camaraderie among soldiers, and the internal conflicts faced by the characters, providing a raw and immersive depiction of the Vietnam War.
Rumor has it, Mellas broke in, that Cassidy managed to get some clippers from the arty people thatll get passed around, and theyve got plenty of water, too. So everyone shaves. And about the shav... - #3
Save:Kokoda by Peter FitzSimons is a compelling historical account of the Australian troops' defense of their homeland against the invading Japanese army during World War II. The book provides a vivid and detailed narrative of the battles fought along the Kokoda Track in New Guinea, showcasing the bravery and endurance of the Australian soldiers against the superior enemy forces. Through personal stories from both sides of the conflict, FitzSimons humanizes the horrifying events of war, shedding light on the emergence of the Australian character and its place in the world during that tumultuous time.
The ancient Japanese culture, once built of wood, bamboo, paper, straw and silk, is today a civilisation built of iron and steel, of factories and machines. Yet even today Japan’s strength rests more ... - #4The Day of Battle: The War in Sicily and Italy, 1943-1944by:Book 2 in the series:World War II Liberation
Save:'The Day of Battle: The War in Sicily and Italy, 1943-1944' by Rick Atkinson is the second volume in the Liberation Trilogy. It provides a detailed account of the Allied forces' campaign in Italy during World War II, focusing on the invasions of Sicily and mainland Italy. The narrative covers the strategic discussions between the American and British leaders, the battles, the military leadership, and the overall brutality and suffering experienced by soldiers and civilians during this crucial but often overlooked period of the war.
THE sun beat down on the stained white city, the July sun that hurt the eyes and turned the sea from wine-dark to silver. Soldiers crowded the shade beneath the vendors’ awnings and hugged the lee of ...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series World War II Liberation ) - #5
Save:'Red Road From Stalingrad: Recollections of a Soviet Infantryman' by Mansur Abdulin, Artem Drabkin, and Denis Fedosov is a detailed and vivid firsthand account of a Russian soldier's experiences during World War II. The book follows Abdulin's journey from volunteering for the Red Army during Operation Barbarossa to his survival through battles such as Stalingrad and combat leading up to Stalingrad. Through Abdulin's recollections, readers are exposed to the horror of war, the camaraderie among soldiers, the sacrifices demanded in defeating the Nazis, and the humanity that can still exist in the midst of conflict. The narrative provides insights into the mindset, actions, and challenges faced by a common Russian infantry officer during the war, offering a raw and personal view of the struggles and triumphs on the Eastern Front.
Abdulin's writing style is praised for its ability to recreate the feeling and horror of war in the reader's mind, going beyond the statistics to provide a close-up look at the experiences of a foot soldier in a desperate battle against a superior enemy. The book captures the day-to-day life of a Russian soldier, depicting the combat scenes, the camaraderie, the sacrifices, and the emotional turmoil faced by individuals caught in the midst of total war. With vivid descriptions of carnage, heroism, and the realities of life on the front lines, 'Red Road From Stalingrad' offers a compelling and moving narrative that sheds light on the lesser-known perspectives of the Soviet armed forces during the Great Patriotic War.
- #6
Save:Set in the far future, the Slammers are a group of mercenaries who sell their talent for destruction and unwavering loyalty to the highest bidder. Hammer's Slammers is a world of military SF created by the brilliance of David Drake, who wrote many of the stories during the Vietnam War. This edition is the complete collection of all the books in the way that David Drake intended them to be read. The series explores themes such as the future of warfare, the moral ambiguity among the Slammers, and the effects of war on people's psyche and personality.
They'd told Tyl Koopman that Bamberg City's starport was on an island across the channel from the city proper, so he hadn't expected much of a skyline when the freighter's hatches opened. Neither had ...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Hammer's Slammers ) - #7
Save:'Sympathy for the Devil' by Kent Anderson is a powerful and visceral depiction of the Vietnam War experience, focusing on the journey of protagonist Hanson, a young Army Sergeant in the Special Forces. The book delves into the brutal realities of war, exploring the psychological and emotional impact on soldiers like Hanson, who find themselves immersed in the mayhem and carnage of combat unapologetically. Through vivid descriptions and intense storytelling, Anderson paints a raw and authentic picture of the madness of war, challenging conventional narratives of patriotism and romanticism often associated with warfare.
The writing style in 'Sympathy for the Devil' is described as evocative, emotive, and graphic, capturing the essence of combat and the complexities of soldiers' experiences. The author's prose immerses readers in the chaos and intensity of war, offering a unique perspective on the Vietnam conflict that is both captivating and unsettling. With a focus on authenticity and raw storytelling, Kent Anderson skillfully navigates the depths of depravity and the harsh realities of war, presenting a narrative that is both gripping and thought-provoking.
Every day in the world a hundred thousand people die. A human life means nothing. General Vo Nguyen Giap, Commander-in-Chief, North Vietnamese Army “In order to despise suffering, to be always content... - #8
Save:In the fantasy novel Guns of the Dawn by Adrian Tchaikovsky, we follow the journey of Emily, a noblewoman who is conscripted to serve in her country's war against its former ally. As the story unfolds, Emily's beliefs about patriotism, war, and victory are tested, leading her to question the harsh realities of conflict. The book combines elements of gunpowder fantasy with traditional fantasy, creating a vivid and desperate world filled with gritty battle scenes and realistic characters. The narrative explores themes of honor, corruption, and the struggle for survival in a war-torn land.
The air was hot, muggy with moisture, filled with flies. Emily had not known hot before she came to these swamps. Hot had once been pleasant summer days with the corn ripening gold in the fields. Hot ... 'The Killing Zone: My Life in the Vietnam War' by Frederick Downs is a raw and honest memoir that delves deep into the author's inner thoughts and experiences during the Vietnam War. Downs focuses on his duty to protect his men by employing sound tactics against a cunning and determined enemy, showcasing the harsh realities of war without getting entangled in political debates. The writing style is gritty and filled with inner reflections, portraying Downs as a smart and determined soldier who prioritizes the welfare and protection of his men above all else.
The narrative follows Downs' journey from being severely wounded in Vietnam to his post-war endeavors, including missions of his unit after his injury and his efforts as a U.S. envoy in Vietnam. provides a firsthand account of the challenges faced by American soldiers in Vietnam, highlighting the futility and frustrations of war while also showcasing the resilience and sacrifices made by individuals in the face of extreme danger. Through Downs' experiences, readers gain a vivid understanding of life on the front lines during the Vietnam War, making it a compelling and insightful read.
At 2330 hours the Continental “Big Bird with the Golden Tail” DC-8 dropped through the night sky into the landing pattern over the black landscape of Vietnam. Twenty-three hours earlier 165 of us had ...- #10
Save:In The Winter Road by Adrian Selby, readers are immersed in a world where plants are used as a unique magic system, providing extraordinary strength and fighting abilities but with consequences. The story follows Teyr Amondsen, a strong and resilient protagonist seeking revenge and striving to build a road to unite a fractured people in a rugged and harsh land, filled with intense action scenes and emotional depth. Selby's narrative choices, including multiple narrative styles and a vividly depicted setting, add layers to the story, creating a compelling and immersive reading experience.
