True war stories usually have a sense of immediacy. They make you feel as if you are right there in the middle of the action. This can be through vivid descriptions of the environment, like the heat of the desert or the mud of a trench. Additionally, a real war story will not shy away from showing the mistakes made. In war, things go wrong all the time, and a true story will include those errors and their consequences.
Look for the inclusion of ordinary, human elements. In a true war story, it's not just about the big battles. It's about the soldiers' conversations during a lull, or how they miss their families. These small, personal details are a sign. Also, if it shows the complex relationships between the soldiers, like rivalries and deep friendships at the same time, it's likely a true story.
You can look for the realism in the emotions. In a true war story, fear, desperation, and hope are not just words but palpable feelings. If the story makes you feel the same emotions that a soldier might have felt, it's likely a true war story. Also, check for the accuracy of the military details. If it gets the equipment, tactics, and the chain of command right, it adds to its authenticity.
A true war story may be marked by details that are too raw and real to be fabricated. For instance, the description of the smell of gunpowder, blood, and death that lingers in the air. It will also have a sense of loss, not just of lives but also of innocence. Soldiers coming back from war are never the same. And there is often a lack of clear heroes. In war, everyone is just trying to survive, and the actions that seem heroic might be just desperate attempts at self - preservation. Moreover, a true war story might contain fragments of conversations that seem ordinary yet are deeply poignant, like soldiers talking about their families back home right before a battle.
One sign is the presence of chaos and confusion. In a true war story, things don't go in an orderly fashion. There are often unexpected turns, like a planned attack going wrong due to unforeseen circumstances. Another sign is the emotional truth. It may not be factually perfect in every detail, but it conveys the real feelings of fear, comradeship, and loss that soldiers experience.
Research is key. If we research the context of the story, such as the time period, location, and social situation, and find that the details in the story align with what we discover, those are signs. For instance, if a story is set in the 1960s in the United States during the civil rights movement, and it mentions real events, leaders, and the general atmosphere of the time, these are strong signs that it is based on a true story. We can also look for testimonials or historical records that support the elements in the story.
One can start by looking at the reviews. If many readers praise the plot twists, it's a good sign. Also, if the characters are often mentioned as being memorable, that's a sign of a good novel.
One way is to look for consistency. If the details in the story, no matter how strange, hold up and don't contradict each other, it might be a 'lies true story'.
You can look for common elements like bravery, sacrifice, and the impact on individuals and society. Also, pay attention to the emotions and lessons conveyed.
A true war story narrator often presents raw and unfiltered details, sharing personal experiences without exaggeration or glorification.
The protagonist of a true war story is typically the person whose story arc shows the most growth, whose perspective we follow closely, and whose choices shape the course of events. You can also notice if they are the one that other characters seem to revolve around or be influenced by.
You can look for unexpected or contrary outcomes. Like when heroic actions lead to unintended consequences. Also, watch for contradictions in the characters' expectations and what actually happens.