Books matching: world war ii setting
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Save:A bold mashup of WWII history and alien invasion, packed with smart battles and complex characters, but be ready for a long haul - you’ll need to commit to the whole series to really get payoff.
'In the Balance' by Harry Turtledove is an alternate history novel set during World War II, where an alien invasion interrupts the conflict on Earth. The story explores how humans from different nations come together to resist the alien invaders, leading to a fragile alliance between major combatants. Turtledove weaves a tale of how lives on both sides are changed by this unprecedented world war, showcasing a fascinating scenario of human-alien cooperation and conflict.
The plot of 'In the Balance' is conceptually brilliant, featuring a thought-provoking premise of aliens with advanced technology invading a less developed Earth during World War II. The story is engaging, with a heavy emphasis on character development and intricate plotlines that keep readers hooked. Turtledove skillfully blends historical accuracy with sci-fi elements, creating a captivating narrative that explores themes of cooperation, prejudice, and the impact of alien invasion on humanity.
Fleetlord Atvar strode briskly into the command station of the invasion fleet bannership 127th Emperor Hetto. Officers stiffened in their seats as he came in. But for the way his eye turrets swiveled...January 1994•538 pages - #2
Save:An unfinished but beautifully observed snapshot of occupied France, Suite Française is an essential read for fans of literary and historical fiction - a haunting, nuanced testament to both the resilience and frailty of ordinary people amidst war.
Beginning in Paris on the eve of the Nazi occupation in 1940, 'Suite Francaise' by Irene Nemirovsky tells the remarkable story of men and women thrown together in circumstances beyond their control. As Parisians flee the city, human folly surfaces in every imaginable way - a wealthy mother searches for sweets in a town without food, a couple is terrified about their jobs as their world begins to fall apart. Moving on to a provincial village now occupied by German soldiers, the locals must learn to coexist with the enemy in their town, their homes, and even in their hearts. The first part of the book recounts the flight of Parisians as they leave the city, while the second part depicts life in a small French village under German occupation.
Nemirovsky's characters are vividly drawn and complex as they try to come to terms with their changing situation. The author's writing style is praised for its masterful portrayal of individuals dealing with the war and the occupation of France. The book weaves together a variety of perspectives, including the interactions between the French and German characters, showcasing the conflicting humanity given to the German soldiers during the occupation.
Hot, thought the Parisians. The warm air of spring. It was night, they were at war and there was an air raid. But dawn was near and the war far away. The first to hear the hum of the siren were those...2004•453 pages - #3
Save:A gorgeously written, multi-layered WWII novel that offers a fresh perspective and lingers long after the last page - but its leisurely pace and fragmented narrative may not suit everyone.
"All the Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr is a beautifully crafted story set during World War II, focusing on the parallel lives of a French blind girl, Marie Laure, and a German orphan boy, Werner. The book intricately weaves together their individual experiences, struggles, and choices, ultimately leading to a fateful encounter. Through short chapters alternating between characters, the author paints a vivid picture of the war's atrocities and the interconnectedness of lives amidst chaos, showcasing the humanity on both sides of the conflict.
In a corner of the city, inside a tall, narrow house at Number 4 rue Vauborel, on the sixth and highest floor, a sightless sixteen-year-old named Marie-Laure LeBlanc kneels over a low table covered en...May 2014•547 pages A sweet, moving tribute to bookshops and the strength of ordinary people in extraordinary times - comforting, if a bit predictable, and a treat for book lovers.
The Last Bookshop in London by Madeline Martin is a heartwarming novel set during World War II, focusing on the protagonist Grace who discovers the joy of books while working at a bookstore in war-torn London. The book portrays the resilience and humanity of people amidst the horrors of the London Blitz, highlighting themes of community, friendship, and the power of literature to provide solace during difficult times.
The train pulled to a stop within Farringdon Station, its name clearly marked on the wall inside a strip of blue set within a red circle. People hovered on the platform, as eager to get on as those wi...April 2021•318 pages- #5
Save:A beautifully unique, thoughtful, and quietly romantic Beauty and the Beast retelling - perfect for anyone looking for queer love, English countryside vibes, and fairy tale magic with a grown-up perspective.
Aster Glenn Gray's 'Briarley' is a reimagining of the classic Beauty and the Beast tale set during World War II, where a parson stumbles upon a cursed dragon and refuses to exchange his daughter for his freedom. The story explores themes of love, sacrifice, redemption, and acceptance, with the parson and the dragon slowly developing a deep bond and understanding through discussions on morality, compassion, and different types of love.
The book beautifully weaves together elements of fantasy, historical romance, and LGBTQ+ representation, offering a feminist twist to the original tale while delving into complex characters and their emotional journeys. With a blend of humor, humanity, and introspection, 'Briarley' captivates readers with its nuanced storytelling and exploration of love in various forms.
Others might have quibbled that Rose was not the most beautiful girl in the world, or even the prettiest girl in the village of Lesser Innsley. But to the parson she was all loveliness, all the more...May 2018•173 pages - #6
Save:In an alternate America where magic works, "Operation Chaos" follows the adventures of a werewolf and a white witch, Steve and Virginia, as they navigate a world where magic and science intertwine. The novel is a mishmash of episodic missions, starting with the couple fighting a 'demon' during World War II, then dealing with elemental beings and demons, culminating in a desperate journey through Hell to rescue their kidnapped daughter. The plot is filled with real risks, philosophical digressions about God and magic, and strange, marvelous solutions to the characters' challenges.
The book is set in an old-style sci-fi alternate universe where magic is treated as a form of science, with a mix of adventure, romance, and philosophical discussions about religion and magic. The writing style alternates between light-hearted romps and serious explorations of complex themes, creating a unique blend of fantasy, science fiction, and religious philosophy that keeps readers engaged throughout the story.
I lie dream-bound, only half-aware of my world. They are using me to call for them across the time streams because that which happened to me, so many years ago, has left its traces beneath my ordinari...1971•255 pages - #7
Save:Meticulously crafted, atmospheric, and deeply human - a moving portrait of ordinary lives shaped by war, but the unconventional structure and subdued pace won't be for everyone.
'The Night Watch' by Sarah Waters is a novel set in post-World War II London, focusing on the interconnected lives of four Londoners - three women and a young man with a troubled past. The book delves into their secrets, relationships, and struggles, moving backwards in time to reveal the events that shaped them during wartime. Waters skillfully portrays the emotional impact of the characters' experiences, particularly highlighting women's relationships and the aftermath of the Blitz.
So this, said Kay to herself, is the sort of person you’ve become: a person whose clocks and wrist-watches have stopped, and who tells the time, instead, by the particular kind of cripple arriving at...2006•544 pages - #8
Save:Gravity’s Rainbow is a mind-bending, dazzling, sometimes infuriating postmodern epic. It’s brilliant if you’re in the mood to work for it, but don’t expect an easy ride!
"Gravity's Rainbow" by Thomas Pynchon is a complex and dense novel set in Europe at the end of World War II, focusing on the design, production, and dispatch of V 2 rockets by the German military. The story revolves around the quest of various characters to uncover the secret of a mysterious device named the Schwarzgerät, which is to be installed in a rocket with the serial number 00000. Pynchon's writing style is frequently digressive, subverting traditional elements of plot and character development, and incorporating detailed knowledge from various disciplines.
The novel is known for its innovation and complexity, often praised for pushing the boundaries of postmodern writing. However, some readers find the book challenging due to the multitude of characters, intricate plotlines, and the author's tendency to jump about seemingly at random. Despite its challenging nature, "Gravity's Rainbow" is recognized for its poetic and beautiful moments, as well as its exploration of themes related to the quest for being and the breaking down of social constructions.
It is too late. The Evacuation still proceeds, but it's all theatre. There are no lights inside the cars. No light anywhere. Above him lift girders old as an iron queen, and glass somewhere far above...1973•829 pages - #9
Save:An unforgettable and emotionally powerful read, "Those Who Save Us" delves into the messiness of survival and the legacy of secrets. Not a light or easy story, but a standout for fans of historical fiction who want a fresh, complex take on WWII from a seldom-explored angle.
'Those Who Save Us' by Jenna Blum is a captivating novel that delves into the complexities of a mother-daughter relationship set against the backdrop of WWII Germany. The narrative alternates between the past and present, following Anna's harrowing experiences during the war and her daughter Trudy's quest to uncover the truth about their family's past. Blum skillfully weaves together themes of love, sacrifice, and the lasting impact of historical trauma, creating a compelling story that explores the moral dilemmas faced by individuals caught in the turmoil of war.
The book offers a unique perspective on WWII, focusing on the experiences of ordinary German citizens like Anna and the difficult choices they had to make in order to survive. Blum's writing style is praised for its ability to bring the characters and settings to life, with vivid descriptions that immerse readers in the emotional turmoil of the characters. Through a blend of historical accuracy and fictional storytelling, 'Those Who Save Us' provides a thought-provoking exploration of resilience, forgiveness, and the enduring power of family bonds.
THE EVENING IS TYPICAL ENOUGH UNTIL THE DOG BEGINS to choke. And even then, at first, Anna doesn’t bother to turn from the Rouladen she is stuffing for the dinner that she and her father, Gerhard, wil...2004•511 pages Utterly charming, surprisingly moving, and a love letter to books and the endurance of the human spirit - perfect for anyone needing a literary hug. A modern classic for readers who love cozy, character-driven historical fiction.
'The Guernsey Literary And Potato Peel Pie Society' is a heartwarming and poignant story set in the post-World War II period on the Channel Islands, specifically Guernsey Island. The plot is revealed through a series of letters exchanged between characters, shedding light on the German occupation of the island during WWII. The writing style is described as charming, light-hearted, and engaging, with a focus on relationships between characters and the historical backdrop of the war.
Susan just gave me the sales figures for Izzy?I can scarcely believe them. I honestly thought everyone would be so weary of the war that no one would want a remembrance of it?and certainly not in a bo...July 2008•311 pages
