Many focus on the psychological impact on the soldiers. Such as post - traumatic stress disorder, which was not well - understood at the time but is clearly portrayed in works like 'All Quiet on the Western Front'. They also explore the themes of heroism, and how it was redefined during the war. Sometimes it wasn't about grand deeds but just about surviving and helping your comrades.
They often show the brutality of war. For example, descriptions of the trenches, the constant shelling, and the high death toll. This gives readers a sense of the horror that soldiers faced.
One characteristic is the exploration of the human psyche under extreme conditions. For example, in 'All Quiet on the Western Front', we see how the soldiers' mental states are affected by the constant fear and violence of war.
Characteristics of great World War 2 fiction include historical accuracy. They might depict real events and locations accurately. For instance, a book set in the Battle of Stalingrad should get the details right. They also tend to explore the moral dilemmas faced by people during the war. This could be about soldiers following orders they might not agree with or civilians making tough choices to survive. Moreover, they can create a sense of the atmosphere of the time, with descriptions of bombed - out cities and rationing.
Often, these books have a sense of adventure. For example, in 'The Great Escape', the prisoners' elaborate plan to break out involves tunneling and outwitting the guards, which is full of adventure.
Another good one for World War 2 is 'Slaughterhouse - Five' by Kurt Vonnegut. It's a semi - autobiographical novel that jumps around in time and space. It shows the absurdity of war through the experiences of Billy Pilgrim, a soldier who becomes 'unstuck in time'.
Good World War 2 historic fiction books often have well - developed characters. For example, in 'The Book Thief', the character of Liesel is complex and grows throughout the story. They also accurately depict the historical setting. In 'All the Light We Cannot See', the descriptions of Saint - Malo under siege are vivid. Another characteristic is the exploration of moral and ethical issues. Like in 'Slaughterhouse - Five', the absurdity of war and the question of free will are examined.
Current World War II fiction also tends to explore themes like love, loss, and survival. In books such as 'The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society', the characters form a bond during the German occupation of Guernsey. The story is told through letters and shows how people found hope and friendship in the midst of war. It also gives insights into the cultural and social aspects of life during that time.
They usually convey a message about the war. It could be about the futility of war, the importance of hope in the darkest times, or the strength of the human spirit. For instance, in 'The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas', it shows the innocence lost during the Holocaust and the senselessness of the hatred that drove the war.
Another characteristic is the exploration of the human psyche. War changes people, and these books show how soldiers and civilians alike are affected. In 'The Red Badge of Courage', the main character's struggle with his own courage and self - identity during the war is a central theme. They also often show the moral and ethical dilemmas that war presents. In war, decisions about life and death, right and wrong, are constantly being made, and these books explore how characters navigate such difficult choices.
Many civil war fiction books also touch on themes of race and slavery. Since the Civil War was in large part about slavery, these themes are central. Authors may show the experiences of slaves, the attitudes of different groups towards slavery, and how the war was a turning point in the fight against it. For example, some books might depict the journey of a freed slave during the war, facing new challenges and opportunities.
Many of these books use historical events as a framework. They'll have real battles and military campaigns as part of the plot. For instance, a book might center around the Siege of Vicksburg. This helps to ground the story in a real - world context and also educates readers about the actual events of the Civil War.