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Just to provide equal time to the written word, what novel of war do you find best and/or worst?

For an interesting look at the dificulties facing an Army officer placed in charge of a tiny Italian village towards the end of WW II, A Bell for Adano is a good read.

For a look at the stress and its effects on the crews of the Murmansk Convoy escorts, Alistair MCClain's H.M.S. Ulysses is well worth checking out.

Eric Maietta

A best novel is of course the one you refuse to put down, one that you bought in hardcover, because softcover would not suffice.

For that reason I mention The Brotherhood of War by W. E. B. Griffin. It's been a while off the shelf though. I think it went 9 volumes. Runs from Torch through to Bay of Pigs I think.

Features people you get to know and love/hate. The author has weaved genuine history into his fiction in a clever way.

Worst novel, hmm I don't own any actually, they usually get thrown out hehe.
I am particularly fussy on what gets my cash. And I am not afraid to stare at a book a good long few minutes deciding if I want it.
Lesson there, do NOT go shopping with me if I am book prowling.

I remember reading the much mentioned Company Commander many years back. While it is a well enough written book, it is factually battered in a lot of places.
Not entirely the fault of the author to some extent. The man was too busy fighting the war to write down details any scholar can research at leisure 50 years later.

Remember reading a book about one of Patton's armoured units. Was an interesting enough read.
But hmm when you read a book about a WW2 armour unit, you kinda expect to see you know Shermans in the pics in the middle of the book correct.
The author has several pics of M48 and M60 series "Pattons". Kinda trashed my ability to suspend disbeilief a bit.
After all, anyone that spent a year fighting in a Sherman will hopefully be able to recognise one.

Anton Meyer's "Once an Eagle". Sure wish I could find a copy of the TV movie version.

Ray

The Best is war novel is 'Tuntematon Sotilas' (Unknown Soldier). Nothing else comes close. It is in fact the best novel all categories.

The Worst is any of the total crap written by Sven Hassel. Nothing sucks this much. I can almost guarantee it.

Die Brücke by Manfred Gregor. The movie is good as well.

Regards,

Lars

I usually stick to non-fiction, so the only novels I read are famous ones or ones I've heard a lot of good things about. Not long ago, I had to commute (a LOT--360 miles round trip...daily....for three years ) so I listened to whatever books on tape I could get my hands on. Well, I gave a listen to Herman Wouk's THE CAINE MUTINY (I'd always liked the film) and it was MAGNIFICENT. The only time, during my long driving days, that I looked forward to getting into my car.

The other war novels that I've read and liked a lot are pretty much the obvious ones: ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT (Remarque), RED BADGE OF COURAGE (Crane), and A FAREWELL TO ARMS (Hemingway).

Anton Meyer's "Once an Eagle". Sure wish I could find a copy of the TV movie version.

Ray

Ya, how was that? I used to work in a book store but never had the chance to pick that one up.

I think Starship Troopers is my most favorite.

The forgotton solider,by guy sajur

"Forgotten Soldier" by Guy Sajer ... I read it when I was about 12yrs old ... I don't care if it's fictional ... part fiction.. or pure fact.. it's an incredibly evocative account of the hell that was the eastern front in WWII ... I highly reccomend this book... !

"Team Yankee" , "Code of Honor", "The Ten Thousand", "Bright Star", Sword Point" all by Harold Coyle.

This is a great series as you folow the career of Scott Dixon from Captain to Brigadier General.

Wost war novel ever: Tom Clancy's SSN

I have not bothered to even attempt to read another Clancy novel after that one...

what did you not like bout SSN?

"Team Yankee" , "Code of Honor", "The Ten Thousand", "Bright Star", Sword Point" all by Harold Coyle.

Have to agree, call great books!

As for ssn by Tom Clancey, well it just seems so unrealistic, its a good read but just does not seem right some how. One nuc attack boat is not going to be able to take out the hole chines sub force.

Red Storm Rising on the other hand is the best book he's written.

"Old Soldiers never die" is a good book in my opinion.Its based upon the authors experiences as a member of the Royal Welsh Fussiliers in WWI.

what did you not like bout SSN?

You are kidding us right?