Another characteristic is that they might question the purpose and morality of war. In 'Catch - 22', the absurdity of war is highlighted, making readers think about whether war is really necessary and if the so - called rules of war are justifiable.
They usually explore the psychological impact on soldiers. Take 'Slaughterhouse - Five' as an example. It delves into the post - traumatic stress disorder and the sense of loss of soldiers after war. This aspect makes the readers understand the true cost of war not just in terms of lives lost but also in terms of damaged psyches.
Good modern war novels often have realistic battle descriptions. For example, in 'Red Badge of Courage', it shows the chaos and fear on the battlefield vividly.
They frequently use war as a backdrop to explore deeper human emotions. In 'Catch - 22', it's not just about the military operations but about the fear, confusion, and the sense of futility that the soldiers feel. And many modern war classic novels have a strong sense of historical authenticity. 'The Things They Carried' is based on the real experiences of soldiers in the Vietnam War, which makes it more poignant and relatable.
Modern war fiction often features complex characters. They are not just simple heroes or villains but have a mix of motives and moral dilemmas. For example, in 'All Quiet on the Western Front', the young soldiers face the horror of war and question the very purpose of the fighting.
Good Vietnam War novels often show the brutality of the war. For example, in 'The Things They Carried', Tim O'Brien details the heavy loads, both physical and mental, that soldiers had to bear. They also tend to explore the complex emotions of the soldiers. 'Dispatches' by Michael Herr captures the fear, confusion and adrenaline - fueled chaos of war. Another characteristic is that they might reveal the political and social context of the war, like 'The Quiet American' which delves into the foreign interference in Vietnam.
Good Cold War novels often have a sense of paranoia. Characters are constantly looking over their shoulders, not sure who to trust. This was a real feeling during the Cold War as spies and double agents were everywhere.
Good civil war novels often have well - developed characters. For example, in 'The Killer Angels' by Michael Shaara, the characters are complex and multi - dimensional, representing different sides of the war. This makes the story more engaging.
One characteristic is the exploration of the psychological impact on soldiers. For example, in 'The Things They Carried', it shows how the weight of both physical items and emotional burdens affects the troops. Another is the detailed description of combat situations, like in 'Red Storm Rising' where the military strategies and battles are vividly presented. Also, modern war fiction often reflects on the political and social contexts that lead to war.
Good modern English novels often have complex characters. For example, in 'The Great Gatsby', Jay Gatsby is a multi - dimensional character full of contradictions. They also tend to deal with contemporary issues. '1984' tackles themes of totalitarianism which was relevant at the time and still is in some ways. And they usually have unique writing styles. Virginia Woolf's 'To the Lighthouse' has a very fluid and impressionistic writing style.
Good modern mystery novels typically have a strong sense of atmosphere. This could be a spooky, noir - like atmosphere in a detective story set in a seedy part of town, or a more light - hearted but still mysterious atmosphere in a cozy mystery. They also often make use of modern technology in the plot, such as cell phones or the internet. The characters are usually well - rounded, with their own backstories and motives that are slowly revealed as the mystery unfolds. And the writing style is usually engaging, drawing the reader into the mystery from the very first page.
Complex characters are also important. In modern horror like 'Mexican Gothic' by Silvia Moreno - Garcia, the characters have their own motives, fears, and secrets. The protagonist's journey of discovery about the strange family she is staying with and the secrets of the old house makes the horror more engaging as we care about what happens to her.
One characteristic is the exploration of different social classes. In 'Wolf Hall', we see the Tudor court and the power dynamics among different classes. Another is the ability to make the reader question things, like 'The Sense of an Ending' does with memory. Also, they usually have unique narrative voices, as in 'NW' by Zadie Smith.