Readers also expect complex characters. They want to see characters that are not just one - dimensional heroes or villains. For instance, a soldier who has to grapple with moral dilemmas on the battlefield, or a civilian trying to survive in a war - torn city while also dealing with personal issues.
Another expectation is for the fiction to provide a sense of the overall atmosphere of the war. This includes the fear, the hope, the destruction, and the camaraderie. A good WWII fiction should be able to transport the reader to that time period, making them feel as if they are in the middle of the chaos and heroism of the war.
To satisfy the expectation of complex characters, writers have to create multi - faceted personalities. They might use techniques like internal monologues to show the character's thought processes and moral struggles. This makes the writing more in - depth and character - driven.
They offer a unique perspective. For example, they can show how German children experienced WWII, which is different from the view often presented in non - German literature. The cultural context is deeply ingrained in these books, like the German traditions and values that were either distorted or held onto during the war.
I'd suggest 'Number the Stars' by Lois Lowry. Although the author is American, it deals with the Danish resistance during WWII, which is related to the overall context. In German - related WWII fiction for young readers, 'The Boy in the Striped Pajamas' is also notable. It tells the story of a young German boy who befriends a boy in a concentration camp, though it's a very poignant and somewhat controversial story due to its simplification of the horrors.
Some of the best WWII fiction books include 'The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society' by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows. It's a heartwarming story about the Channel Islands under German occupation. 'Code Name Verity' by Elizabeth Wein is also excellent. It's a story of female friendship and espionage during the war. And 'The Nightingale' by Kristin Hannah, which focuses on two sisters in France during the war, showing their different ways of resistance.
WWII books fiction often have a backdrop of great destruction and chaos. They typically show the impact of war on individuals, like the loss of loved ones, displacement, and moral dilemmas. For example, in 'The Book Thief', the characters are constantly facing the threat of bombings and the oppression of the Nazi regime.
One characteristic is the portrayal of the human cost of war. They often show the impact on civilians and soldiers alike. For example, in 'The Book Thief', we see how the war affects the daily lives of ordinary people in a small German town.
One of the best is 'The Book Thief' by Markus Zusak. It tells a story about a young girl in Nazi Germany who steals books. The unique narrative style, with Death as the narrator, makes it very engaging.
Fiction WWII books frequently have a strong sense of place. Books like 'The Nightingale' vividly describe the French countryside during the occupation. They also tend to depict the impact of war on relationships. In 'Atonement', the war shatters the lives and relationships of the characters. And a lot of these books use historical events as a backdrop to tell very personal stories of love, loss, and survival.
'Great Expectations' can be seen as a social drama fiction. It delves into various social issues and class differences, painting a comprehensive picture of the social landscape during the Victorian era.
War, especially WWII, provides a rich backdrop for historical fiction. Writers can delve into the political intrigue as well. Novels might depict the complex relationships between different Allied and Axis powers, showing how decisions at the top levels affected the lives of ordinary people.