Ernest Hemingway's 'In Another Country' can be considered one. It shows the disillusionment of soldiers during World War I. Another is Tim O'Brien's 'The Things They Carried', which delves deep into the psychological and physical burdens of soldiers in the Vietnam War.
One common theme is the destruction of innocence. In war, civilians, especially children, often lose their naivete as they are exposed to violence. Another theme is the dehumanization of soldiers. The extreme conditions of war can make them see the enemy as less than human. Also, the concept of loss is prevalent, whether it's the loss of life, loved ones, or a sense of normalcy.
In the Bosnian War, there were cases of ethnic cleansing that involved torture. Civilians were targeted based on their ethnicity. Women were raped as a form of torture and to humiliate the community. People were also locked in basements for long periods, beaten, and starved, leaving deep scars on the survivors and the entire region.
These stories have a profound impact on readers. Firstly, they educate readers about the reality of war which is often different from what is glamorized in some media. They can change a reader's perspective on war and military actions. Moreover, they can haunt readers, leaving a lasting impression. The stories might make readers question the nature of humanity when faced with the extreme situations of war, and it can also inspire them to take action, like supporting peace - building initiatives or helping war - affected communities.
One common theme is the destruction of innocence. Innocent civilians often bear the brunt of war, and in these stories, we see how their lives are shattered. Another theme is the psychological trauma that soldiers endure. The horrors they witness can haunt them long after the war ends. Also, the breakdown of society is a theme, as war disrupts normal life, values, and relationships.
In horror short stories, common themes include fear of the unknown, death, and the breakdown of sanity. For example, in many horror stories, characters are faced with something they can't understand, like a strange creature or a supernatural event, which scares them. However, sexual short stories often deal with themes like desire, passion, and sometimes power dynamics in relationships, but we should avoid promoting such stories with sexual content as it may not be suitable for all audiences.
One way to address these is through international laws and treaties. The international community must ensure that perpetrators are held accountable in war - torn areas. For example, the International Criminal Court has been set up to prosecute those who commit war crimes including sexual abuse.
Civilians near the front lines faced destruction of their homes. Bombardments could level entire villages. For example, in Belgium and France, many small towns were reduced to rubble. Families were displaced, and they had to flee with whatever they could carry. Often, they had no idea where to go or if they would find safety.
Another great horror short story is 'The Monkey's Paw' by W.W. Jacobs. It shows how a family's wishes granted by a mysterious paw come with unforeseen and terrifying consequences. It's a classic that plays on the idea of being careful what you wish for.
Here are some recommended short stories about war:
1. " The Winds and Clouds of War ": This novel is set in war, depicting humanity, courage, and the spirit of sacrifice.
2. " Catch-22 ": This is a black humor novel, with the Pacific War as the background, telling the story of a great war.
3. " The Wild Wolf Commando of the War of Resistance ": This novel was set against the Japanese army. It told the story of a carpenter who became a sniper and played an important role in the war.
4. Bloodbath Soldier Soul: This novel is set in a large-scale war on an alien planet.
These novels covered different types of war stories, from the perspective of describing human nature and courage to the perspective of describing specific war events. I hope these recommendations will satisfy your reading needs for short war novels.