Hey everybody. I am new to the forum having migrated over from war44.com following its closure. In an effort to get to know people within the forum I thought I'd start this thread with the aim of stimulating some lighthearted conversation. Ultimately, what is your favourite WW2 work of fiction. I appreciate that there are so many out there that is unlikely that any of us have an overview of everything that has been written in this genre, but just tell the group which is the best book you have read. For me it J.G. Ballard's "Empire of the Sun". Semi-autobiographical and seen through the eyes of a 9 year old boy, it explores the horrors of ww2 in an extremely unique manner. Unlike the Spielberg movie, it is devoid of any sentimentality and is a deeply dark yet moving work of fiction. I found many of the chapters somewhat surreal in nature. Definitely one of those books that stays with you. I have a Kindle these day and find most of my fiction books for sale online and download them, so I would love to get some further reading recommendations. Looking forward to hearing everybody's thoughts and input.
I enjoyed "All The Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr. It's a fascinating look at WW2 through the "eyes" of a blind French girl and the German boy she comes in contact with.
I remember reading a book about some German pilots that were tasked with getting to know the B-17. They had a captured 17 that had the MGs changed over to German MGs...the pilot and crew were only told it was for a special mission. Somewhere along the line they realise it is to deliver a new weapon onto the unsuspecting Americans... We are never told what the weapon is...but we are supposed to guess.
Well, i enjoyed reading Anti Tank by Mark Carter It gives a very interesting and detailed account on North African campaign but its widely said thats its not an autobiography but an adventure story based on the author's personnal war-time experience in North Africa. Instead of writing his autobiography he created a ficitional character and involved him in events he took part. So its kinda not entirely fiction but still not a trustworthy biography as well. But like i said above, its honestly one of most interesting books i ever read about WW2, despite the thing it might be not entirely historical accurate. Hope it suits this topic.
SS-GB by Len Deighton. An occupation of England by Germany is always the most fascinating "what-if" of WWII and this was a good treatment of it, and a bit of cloak and dagger to go along with it.
I read "Mila 18" years ago. It's a good story. For comparison purposes, read John Hersey's "The Wall". It covers the same story in a very different way.
Interestingly, my favorite WWII novel is the same as my favorite movie - Mister Roberts by Thomas Heggen. I also liked The Caine Mutiny, by Herman Wouk. I tried to read From Here to Eternity by James Jones. I could not finish it. It was one of those rare novels where the movie was better than the book.
Hi Mugger Here's an existing thread that has a lot of good books. http://www.ww2f.com/topic/58442-ww2-fiction-novels/
Some of my favourites include; Piece of Cake by Derek Robinson Ride out the Storm by John Harris Bomber by Ken Deighton Ace by Spencer Dunmore The Old Corps by Johnnie Clark The Last Dogfight by Martin Caidin Mission Incredible by Lawrence Cortesi
Here are my favorites, in no particular order. 1. Castle Keep, William Eastlake 2. From Here to Eternity, James Jones 3. The Thin Red Line, James Jones 4. Whistle, James Jones 5. Catch-22, Joseph Heller 6. Stalingrad, Theodor Plievier 7. Life and Fate, Vassili Grossman 8. The Forsaken Army, Heinrich Gerlach 9. Bomber, Len Deighton 10. The Cruel Sea, Nicholas Monsarrat
Ace by Spencer Dunmore was a wonderful book that I was going to ask people if they knew. Because I just couldn't remember the author and as a result have never been able to find it again over the years. So thanks Clint NZ! Just to let people know it's about a German fighter ace who builds a huge score on the eastern front and then fights B-17s in the west. He has an affair with a Jewish French woman without anyone knowing. It's really exciting and thoughtful too.
Sven Hassel. Captain Correlli's Mandolin. Nevil Shute. Monsarrat. Catch 22. Victor. Warlord. Battle. Probably Captain Correlli if I had to choose a favourite.
Forgot to mention 'Blaze of Glory' by Michael Carreck. He was an ex Bomber Command Navigator so the realism is excellent.
The "one" book that stays with me as my favorite is "Once An Eagle" by Anton Myrer. The story of a Soldier who rises through the ranks trying to adhere to a moral Code of Conduct while seeing the inequities of those around him.
So Mugger80, did you take any suggestions here? I'd love to hear your thoughts on any of these books if you decided to read them.