If any of you are readers like me, you are always searching for a new book…mainly because you stay up way past bed time trying to finish one more chapter. For me, one more chapter turns into about four or five more chapters…
I came across a post via Facebook about literature in a time of war. I thought it was rather interesting considering Memorial Day, and some of the books on the list I hadn’t read yet…so, I thought if anyone was looking for a new book, I’d share what I found.
I find it absolutely fascinating to go back to books that were written during WWII, and published in the aftermath. I think it is a great way to see insight into people’s state of mind during that time. I also (sadly) at times see a disconnect–brave characters asking what they could do for war, and those who we don’t want to like in books (you know, the less admirable) who asked what the war could do for them.
So, step back in time with me, if you will, and consider adding some of these to your reading list.
- The Blood of Others by Simone de Beauvoir (1945)
- The Demon Lover and Other Stories by Elizabeth Bowen (1945)
- The Flying Visit by Peter Fleming (1940)
- Every Man Dies Alone by Hans Fallada (1947)
Of course there are many other books and pieces of literature, poetry, and short stories about war. A few more titles to consider:
Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimanda Ngozi Adiche
Red Calvary by Issac Babel
I Saw Ramallah by Morid Barghouti
Goodbye to All That by Robert Graves
Pale Horse, Pale Rider (Selected Short Stories) by Katherine Anne Porter
If you have any books/poetry/short stories that reflect on war, I’d love to know what they are and add them to my reading list. Leave a comment if you’d like!
I love to read, books make me happy. I wish, at times, I could sit and read all day and not worry about a single thing. Although you can get a lot of information for the Internet these days, I still love reading books because they provide an experience and give me quiet time to myself. I even enjoy browsing books without having a clear purpose in mind! Discovery, friends! Don’t be afraid to step inside a bookstore and find something that will take you away into a place of peace!
