Often, free World War 2 novels also try to convey a message. It could be about the importance of peace, the horrors of totalitarianism, or the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity. They use the backdrop of the war to explore deeper themes that are still relevant today.
World War 1 novels usually depict the camaraderie among soldiers. They face the same hardships and form strong bonds. In 'A Farewell to Arms', the main character has deep relationships with his comrades. Also, many of these novels are set in the trenches, showing the filthy and dangerous living conditions. 'The Good Soldier Švejk' gives us a sense of the chaos and inefficiency in the military during the war.
Most war world novels have a sense of realism. They are based on historical events or real - life situations. This makes the readers understand the true nature of war. Also, they usually have a moral undertone, whether it's about the futility of war, as in some anti - war novels, or the justness of a cause in a particular war.
These novels usually combine elements of heroism. The male characters might be soldiers showing great courage on the battlefield, which is appealing to the female characters and forms part of the romantic attraction. Also, there's a sense of sacrifice. Characters may sacrifice their own safety or desires for the sake of their loved ones or for the greater good during the war, which adds depth to the romantic relationships.
One characteristic is the use of secrecy and subterfuge. Characters are constantly hiding their true identities and motives. For example, in 'Eye of the Needle', the spy has to be very careful not to reveal his true intentions. Another is the high - stakes nature. The outcome of the espionage can often change the course of the war, like in many novels where the discovery of a secret code or a spy's information can mean victory or defeat.
They often have a sense of mystery. For example, in many of these novels, the identity of the spy or the real motives behind certain espionage activities are hidden until the end.
One characteristic is the focus on naval battles. These novels often describe in detail the tactics, the firepower, and the maneuvers of ships during combat. For example, in 'The Cruel Sea', there are intense descriptions of convoy battles against German U - boats.
One characteristic is the backdrop of war - torn settings. These novels often use the chaos and destruction of World War 2 as a backdrop for the detective's investigations. For example, in 'The Odessa File', the bombed - out cities of post - war Germany add to the sense of mystery and danger. Another is the presence of complex moral issues. Detectives may have to deal with former Nazis or war criminals, raising questions about justice and revenge.
Often, they highlight the bravery of the pilots. For example, in many novels, pilots are shown to be fearless in the face of danger, like flying into enemy territory. They also tend to focus on the technical aspects of the planes of that era.
They often focus on the harsh realities of the Eastern Front. For example, in 'Life and Fate', it shows the brutality of war, the suffering of soldiers and civilians, and the moral dilemmas people faced.
Many post - World War 2 novels have a sense of moral ambiguity. The clear - cut good - versus - evil view of pre - war times was often challenged. Writers were exploring the gray areas. For example, some novels might show how soldiers on both sides were just following orders and were victims of the political and military machinery. These novels also tend to have a more global perspective. With the end of the war, the world became more interconnected, and novels started to incorporate international settings and characters more frequently.