Books matching: the nature of war
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- #1
Save:'Rogue Heroes: The History of the SAS, Britain's Secret Special Forces Unit That Sabotaged the Nazis and Changed the Nature of War' by Ben Macintyre delves into the daring and courageous exploits of the Special Air Service during World War II. Through a series of clandestine operations, the SAS, led by unconventional leaders like David Stirling, disrupted and destroyed enemy targets deep behind enemy lines. Macintyre's narrative style vividly brings to life the intense missions, the camaraderie among the soldiers, and the strategic innovations that shaped modern warfare. captures the bravery, humor, and vulnerability of the SAS members, highlighting their individual stories within the larger context of the war.
Macintyre skillfully weaves together historical accuracy with engaging storytelling, showcasing the evolution of the SAS from its unconventional beginnings in the North African desert to its pivotal role in the European campaigns. not only explores the military tactics and achievements of the SAS but also delves into the personal journeys of the men who served in this elite unit. Through a mix of humor, action, and historical insight, 'Rogue Heroes' offers a compelling account of the rogue heroes who defied the odds and made a lasting impact on the course of the war.
Five months before Operation Squatter, a tall, thin soldier lay, grumpy and immobile, in a Cairo hospital bed. The twenty-five-year-old officer had been brought into the Scottish Military Hospital on ... - #2
Save:'War Is a Force That Gives Us Meaning' by Chris Hedges is a thought-provoking exploration of the allure and devastation of war. Hedges, drawing from his experiences as a war correspondent, delves into the mythic appeal of war, the distorted perceptions created by media and governments, and the personal and societal impacts of conflict. Through a blend of personal anecdotes, historical references, and philosophical insights, the book sheds light on the complexities of human nature when faced with the horrors of war.
When our own nation is at war with any other, we detest them under the character of cruel, perfidious, unjust and violent: But always esteem ourselves and allies equitable, moderate, and merciful. If ... - #3
Save:'The Red Badge of Courage' by Stephen Crane is a classic novel set during the American Civil War, following the journey of young Union soldier Henry Fleming as he grapples with fear, courage, and the harsh realities of war. Through vivid descriptions and chaotic battle scenes, the book explores Henry's transformation from cowardice to bravery, depicting the psychological toll of warfare and the challenges of personal growth amidst the horrors of the battlefield. Crane's writing style captures the confusion and brutality of war, offering a poignant portrayal of a soldier's rite of passage from youth to manhood.
- #4
Save:'The Painter of Battles' by Arturo Perez-Reverte is a contemplative novel that follows the story of a war photographer turned painter, Faulques, who isolates himself in a tower to create a mural depicting war scenes. The plot thickens when a man from Faulques' past, Ivo Markovic, arrives at the tower with the intention of killing him, leading to intense discussions on war, art, ethics, and the impact of past events. The narrative delves into the consequences of fleeting moments and the interconnectedness of actions, exploring themes of responsibility, the nature of art, and the inexhaustible cruelty of man.
HE SWAM ONE HUNDRED AND fifty strokes out to sea and the same number back, as he did each morning, until he felt the round pebbles of the shore beneath his feet. He dried himself, using the towel he'd... '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...- #6
Save:'Damned' in the series 'Legion of the Damned' by Sven Hassel is a riveting account from the inside of the Nazi war machine, starting with the author's hellish life in a concentration camp and moving on to life in a penal unit. The story is exciting, depressing, and often shocking, with a dark and somber tone that delves into the complexities of war and human behavior. The characters, like Hassel himself, the Old Man, Porta, Tiny, Heide, and the Legionnaire, navigate through a world of nauseous violence, slapstick humor, and disillusioned nihilism, offering a unique perspective on the true nature of war and its impact on individuals.
The writing style of 'Damned' is rough-edged, authentic, and intense, with a mix of brief snippets of real-life wartime horror preceding each chapter, creating a cumulative effect of profound power. Hassel's narrative, whether a memoir, oral history, or outright fiction, immerses the reader in a world where the characters kill, spare, and joke with equal ease, showcasing the complexities of man in the midst of conflict. Despite some gaps in information and a lack of coherence in the storytelling, the book captivates the reader with its powerful and fascinating portrayal of life in a penal unit during World War II.
THE PREVIOUS DAY the big sapper had been before the courtmartial and received a sentence of eight years’ hard labor. Now it was my turn. I was taken to the court, guarded by two “watchdogs.” I was hel... - #7
Save:'The Forever War' by Joe Haldeman is a classic science fiction novel that explores the concept of a thousand-year space war between humans and an alien species. The book delves into the ups and downs of war, the impact on soldiers returning to a society they no longer feel connected to, and the disillusionment that follows. Written by an ex-Vietnam soldier, the novel is a compelling work that reflects on themes of romance, sexuality, and social changes, all set against the backdrop of a futuristic war.
The narrative of 'The Forever War' follows the protagonist through near-light-speed travels to various battles, each time returning to an Earth that has drastically changed due to time dilation effects. The story skillfully combines elements of action, military intrigue, and social commentary, creating a thought-provoking exploration of war in space and the consequences of relativity on both military action and societal evolution.
“Tonight we’re going to show you eight silent ways to kill a man.” The guy who said that was a sergeant who didn’t look five years older than me. So if he’d ever killed a man in combat, silently or ot... - #8
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... - #9
Save:The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien is a collection of short stories that revolve around the experiences of American soldiers during the Vietnam War. The novel delves into the emotional and psychological impacts of war on the soldiers, exploring themes of pain, guilt, truth, and the weight they carry both physically and emotionally. O'Brien's unique writing style incorporates a blend of fiction and memoir, portraying the harsh realities of war through different perspectives and memories, ultimately highlighting the complexities of human nature in times of conflict.
First Lieutenant Jimmy Cross carried letters from a girl named Martha, a junior at Mount Sebastian College in New Jersey. They were not love letters, but Lieutenant Cross was hoping, so he kept them f... - #10
Save:'Somme Mud' by E.P.F. Lynch is a detailed personal account of the horrors and experiences of Australian soldiers during World War I, particularly focusing on the battles at the Somme. The author's writing style is described as evocative, brutally honest, and mesmerizing, transporting readers into the trenches alongside the soldiers. The book provides a first-person perspective of the hideous violence of war and captures the camaraderie, hardships, and struggles faced by the soldiers during the Great War.
