As the US observes Memorial Day on May 31, we have rounded up a list of war novels that will intrigue readers
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Memorial Day is an annual observance by the US on the last Monday of May to honour and mourn the military personnel who died serving their country. Even though the holiday’s exact origins are unknown, some of the traditions can be traced back to the American Civil War. Honouring the sacrifices of soldiers is a universal sentiment. Whether you enjoy reading memoirs or fiction, we have rounded up a list of diverse war novels that take you to front lines across the world.
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A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway
Published in 1929, this wartime fiction book was Ernest Hemingway’s first bestseller. Set in the Italian campaign of the First World War, the story follows Frederic Henry, an American ambulance driver who falls for Catherine Barkley, an English nurse. Fuelled by Hemingway’s personal experiences during the war, the book never fails to move its readers. The novel’s popularity led to several stage and screen adaptations, including the 1996 movie In Love and War by Richard Attenborough.
At Hell’s Gate by Claude Thomas
The book is a first-hand account of the journey of Claude Thomas, an American veteran, from a soldier serving in Vietnam to becoming a Zen monk who travels to war-torn places across the world. Readers get to experience his subsequent emotional collapse and eventual progress towards healing. Part spiritual travelogue, part coming-of-age story, this book makes for a wholly good read.
Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut Jr.
Considered to be among the world's great anti-war books, Slaughterhouse-Five is centred on the firebombing of Dresden. Set during the Second World War, the story follows Billy Pilgrim, from his early years as an American soldier to the post-war years. The story is infused with elements of science-fiction, as the lead character gets kidnapped by aliens somewhere in the middle. His journey through time has resonated with readers across the globe.
Redeployment by Phil Kay
The book contains twelve short stories, each detailing experiences of soldiers as well as civilians who were deployed to Afghanistan or Iraq. The author shares a thought provoking account that takes readers to the war front lines. Redeployment gives us a realistic peek into the life of a soldier- one that is full of extremes and psychological conflicts.
Shoot Like a Girl by Major Mary Jennings Hegar
Major MJ Hegar has served multiple tours in Afghanistan as a combat pilot. In her memoir, she shares with us tales of extraordinary courage during search-and-rescue missions alongside the battle she fought to end the US military’s Ground Combat Exclusion Policy (which prevented female personnel from officially serving in combat roles).
Catch 22 by Joseph Heller
A satirical novel set in Italy during the Second World War, Catch 22 follows bombardier, John Yossarian, an American soldier. The non-linear storylines depict the absurdity of war as well as military life through the Yossarian and his group. The author uses a distinctive third-person narration, describing events from the points of view of different characters. A sequel, Closing Time, was published by Heller in 1961.
Ashley's War: The Untold Story of a Team of Women Soldiers on the Special Ops Battlefield by Gayle Tzemach Lemmon
A New York Times bestseller, the book tells us a gripping story of a group of female soldiers who are a part of the Cultural Support Teams (CST) in Afghanistan. The CST was established in 2010 by the American military to insert women into special operations, and the mission was to connect with local women and gather crucial intelligence. The author transports civilians to a reality that seems non-existent as she deep dives into the lives of these women, the challenges they faced and the bonds they formed.
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