Books Like...
'Sword of Honour' by Evelyn Waugh is a trilogy that provides a brilliant and cynical insight into wartime Britain and the British army during World War II. The story follows the main character, Guy Crouchback, as he navigates through the challenges of war and the vast social changes forced upon Britain during and after WWII. Waugh's writing style is described as fine literature with inimitable humor, offering subtle and sometimes hilarious descriptions of the brutal realities of war.
If you liked Sword of Honour, here are the top 71 books to read next:
- #1
Save:'Men at Arms' by Evelyn Waugh follows the journey of Guy Crouchback, a hag-ridden Catholic Englishman from a declining aristocratic family, as he navigates his way through military training and his first action in the Halberdiers regiment during World War II. The book combines Waugh's signature satire with serious reflections on life as a Catholic Englishman, portraying the eccentricities of Guy's fellow officers and the challenges of military life with a dry, easy tone and accessible characters. The story delves into themes of duty, dignity, and the complexities of British military traditions, offering a mix of tragedy, reality, and farce that leaves readers simultaneously laughing and crying.
When Guy Crouchback’s grandparents, Gervase and Hermione, came to Italy on their honeymoon, French troops manned the defenses of Rome, the Sovereign Pontiff drove out in an open carriage and Cardinals... - #2
Save:'Unconditional Surrender: The Conclusion of Men at Arms and Officers and Gentlemen' by Evelyn Waugh is a dark and introspective portrayal of Guy Crouchback's journey through World War Two. As the war progresses, Guy's noble intentions and sense of honor are challenged, leading to a deep sense of disillusionment and cynicism. The narrative delves into themes of lost ideals, moral dilemmas, and the futility of war, all set against the backdrop of a changing world and the personal struggles of the protagonist. Waugh's writing style combines acute observations, subtle humor, and melancholic tones to paint a complex picture of a man grappling with his beliefs and identity in the midst of chaos and uncertainty.
When Hookforce sailed without him, Jumbo Trotter abandoned all hope of active service. He became commandant of No. 6 Transit Camp, London District, a post which required good nature, sobriety, and lit... - #3
Save:The Great Fortune, first book in The Balkan Trilogy, follows the newlywed Harriet Pringle as she navigates life in 1930s Europe amidst the onset of World War II. The story unfolds in Bucharest, Romania, where Harriet's husband, Guy Pringle, is an English teacher known for his charm. The book captures the English expat community's experiences during the war, offering a mix of historical backdrop and domestic drama. The narrative introduces a range of characters, from the exiled Prince Yakimov to the scheming Sophie, against the backdrop of the growing Nazi influence in the Balkans.
- #4
Save:A distinguished English novelist portrays Egypt and, in particular, life in Cairo during the Second World War when Rommel's offensive was at its height
... - #5
Save:"Officers and Gentlemen" by Evelyn Waugh is the second volume in the Sword of Honour trilogy, following the protagonist Guy Crouchback as he navigates through military life during World War II. The narrative takes readers from Guy's training with a commando unit on the Isle of Mugg to his involvement in the defense of Crete. delves into the inner lives of the characters, offering insights into British society and military life of the era, with a focus on the effects of war on individuals. Waugh's writing style combines humor, satire, and a keen observation of the societal changes brought about by the war.
The sky over London was glorious, ocher and madder, as though a dozen tropic suns were simultaneously setting round the horizon; everywhere the searchlights clustered and hovered, then swept apart; he... - #6
Save:'Strangers and Brothers 1' by C.P. Snow is a story set in a provincial English village in 1940, focusing on the complex human motivations and relationships among a group of poor young college students mentored by their law professor, George Passant. Passant, a passionate and scrupulously honest idealist, exerts a crucial influence on the lives of the young people, especially Lewis Eliot, who goes on to become a successful solicitor lawyer. The narrative is described as fascinating, full of tension, and devoid of typical modern fiction elements like violence and explicit sex.
- #7
Save:The Sleepwalkers is a trilogy of novels set in Germany at different times, focusing on The Romantic 1888, The Anarchist 1903, and The Realist 1918. The novels introduce various characters across different periods, exploring themes of values, decline, and philosophical musings. The writing style transitions from romantic nostalgia to deep philosophical modernism, pushing the boundaries of literary fiction. The Realist, the final novel in the trilogy, stands out for its outstanding execution, bringing together themes and ideas explored in the previous novels.
The plot of The Sleepwalkers delves into the decline of values through characters like Joachim von Pasenow, who grapples with moral dilemmas, and amoral figures like Huguenau. The trilogy weaves a complex narrative touching on philosophical, moral, and psychological levels, requiring deep concentration from the reader. The Realist, in particular, presents a diverse set of characters with strengths and weaknesses, engaging the audience with varying writing styles that offer radical subjective viewpoints.
HUGUENAU, whose forefathers might well have been called Hagenau before Alsace was occupied in 1692 by Condé’s troops, had all the characteristics of the town-bred Alemanni. He was thick-set, inclined ... - #8
Save:'A Question of Upbringing' by Anthony Powell is the first of 12 novels in the series 'A Dance to the Music of Time'. It follows the lives of four main characters through the accidental nature of their relationships, starting in England in the 1920s when they are boys in their final years of boarding school. The narrative depicts the characters' early adulthood experiences, friendships, and interactions that shape their lives over several decades, with a focus on subtle humor, meandering plot, and character development.
THE MEN AT WORK at the corner of the street had made a kind of camp for themselves, where, marked out by tripods hung with red hurricane-lamps, an abyss in the road led down to a network of subterrane... - #9
Save:THE SOUTHBOUND TRAIN FROM PARIS WAS THE ONE WE had always taken from time immemorial – the same long slowcoach of a train, stringing out its bluish lights across the twilight landscapes like some supe...Three lovers and comrades seek happiness in a dilapidated chateau near history-enveloped Avignon, but must contend with madness, eerie obsessions, and darker demonic forces
... 'Company Commander: The Classic Infantry Memoir of World War II' by Charles B. MacDonald is a detailed and realistic account of a 21-year-old company commander's experiences during World War II, particularly from the Battle of the Bulge to VE day. MacDonald's narrative provides insight into the life of a basic infantry soldier fighting across Europe in 1944-45, capturing the fear, self-doubt, fatigue, stress, and simple joys experienced by soldiers on the front lines. The book includes tremendous detail, such as the names of men wounded or killed, encounters with German officers, and celebrations in the Czech Republic at the end of the war, making it a compelling and immersive read.
MacDonald's writing style in 'Company Commander' allows readers to feel the war from the perspective of a man who lived through it, showcasing his passion for his men, his leadership struggles, and the stark realities of combat. The book aptly portrays the mental and physical stress of war at the individual and unit command level, highlighting the strength and commitment of those who served. Through MacDonald's narrative, readers gain a deep understanding of the confusion, chaos, and daily horrors faced by soldiers on the ground during World War II.
