War

From the Trojan War to World War II to the Iraq War, history has been shaped by humanity's tragic capacity to wage war. In this thematic collection, we have gathered fiction and nonfiction texts that investigate both the lessons and the senselessness crystallized in the aftermath of military conflict.

The Last of the Mohicans

by James Fenimore Cooper

Publication year 1826

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Race, War, Colonialism

Tags Historical Fiction, Classic Fiction, Action & Adventure, Military & War, American Literature, World History

James Fenimore Cooper’s The Last of the Mohicans: A Narrative of 1757 (1826) is the second in a series of historical novels known as the Leatherstocking Tales that describe the adventures of 18th-century American frontiersman Natty Bumppo. The Last of the Mohicans is set in 1757, in upstate New York during the French and Indian War. The book follows the attempts of Bumppo, his Mohican friends Chingachgook and Uncas, and other followers as they escort... Read The Last of the Mohicans Summary

The Little Liar

by Mitch Albom

Publication year 2023

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Truth & Lies, Perseverance, Forgiveness, Hate & Anger, Regret, Revenge, Death, Family, War, Justice

Tags Historical Fiction, World War II, Holocaust, Jewish Literature, Military & War, World History

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The Log From The Sea of Cortez

by John Steinbeck

Publication year 1951

Genre Autobiography / Memoir, Nonfiction

Themes Environment, Plants, Place, War, Science & Technology

Tags Science & Nature, Travel Literature

The Log from the Sea of Cortez (1951) is a nonfiction work by John Steinbeck, which combines travel, memoir, scientific observations, and philosophical reflection. In the book, Steinbeck accompanies the marine biologist Ed Ricketts on a six-week expedition to the Gulf of California. Regarded as one of Steinbeck’s most significant nonfiction works, The Log from the Sea of Cortez also includes an Appendix which serves as a eulogy to Ricketts following his death in 1948... Read The Log From The Sea of Cortez Summary

The Lords of Discipline

by Pat Conroy

Publication year 1980

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes War, Siblings

Tags Military & War, Southern Literature, Historical Fiction, Classic Fiction

The Lords of Discipline, Pat Conroy’s 1980 novel set at a military college, chronicles four years in the life of a cadet in training. Conroy, who attended a military college himself, does not shy away from describing the darker side of military training, including relentless, brutal hazing and racism. The novel is divided into four parts, with a brief opening note preceding the story. Before the plot gets underway, protagonist and narrator Will McLean explains... Read The Lords of Discipline Summary

The Lost Girls of Paris

by Pam Jenoff

Publication year 2019

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Perseverance, Appearance & Reality, Friendship, Teamwork, Nation, Politics & Government, War, Justice, Loyalty & Betrayal

Tags Mystery & Crime Fiction, World War II, Military & War, French Literature, World History, Historical Fiction

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The Lost Heir

by Tui T. Sutherland

Publication year 2013

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Conflict, Emotions/Behavior: Courage, Forgiveness, Memory, Regret, Language, Coming of Age, Appearance & Reality, Mothers, Teamwork, Self Discovery, Community, War, Equality, Justice, Loyalty & Betrayal, Power & Greed, Safety & Danger

Tags Fantasy, Animals, Action & Adventure, Science Fiction

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The Magician

by Colm Tóibín

Publication year 2021

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Literature, Conflict, Sexual Identity, Family, Marriage, Siblings, Self Discovery, Social Class, Community, Education, Nation, Politics & Government, War, Art, Justice, Music, Order & Chaos, Truth & Lies

Tags Historical Fiction, Life-Inspired Fiction, LGBTQ+, Military & War

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The Man He Killed

by Thomas Hardy

Publication year 1902

Genre Poem, Fiction

Themes Social Class, War, Colonialism

Tags Poetry: Dramatic Poem, Victorian Period, Military & War, Social Class, History: African , European History, Psychology, Grief & Death, Trauma & Abuse, Classic Fiction, British Literature

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The Marvelous Land of Oz

by L. Frank Baum

Publication year 1904

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Conflict, Emotions/Behavior: Courage, Fear, Hope, Love, Femininity, Gender Identity, Language, Masculinity, Mental Health, Childhood & Youth, Death, Future, The Past, Animals, Appearance & Reality, Plants, Nature Versus Nurture, Objects & Materials, Place, Family, Friendship, Self Discovery, Social Class, Community, Nation, Politics & Government, War, Beauty, Equality, Fate, Good & Evil, Justice, Literature, Loyalty & Betrayal, Power & Greed, Safety & Danger, Trust & Doubt, Truth & Lies

Tags Fantasy, Classic Fiction, Children`s Literature, Action & Adventure

... Read The Marvelous Land of Oz Summary