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4.18 AVERAGE
4.18 AVERAGE
challenging
dark
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
The most intense and emotional reading experience I've ever had and I loved every single bit of it.
if any world leaders
a) had souls
and
b) read this book,
maybe the world would be a little bit better. fucking horrifying
a) had souls
and
b) read this book,
maybe the world would be a little bit better. fucking horrifying
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
"If they talk about dying for principles that are bigger than life say mister you're a liar. Nothing is bigger than life. There's nothing noble in death. What's noble about lying in the ground and rotting? What's noble about never seeing the sunshine again? What's noble about having your arms and legs blown off? ... What's noble about being dead? Because when you're dead mister it's all over. It's the end."
Published in 1939, Johnny Got His Gun received immediate praise and gained further notoriety during the Vietnam War as a pivotal piece of anti-war literature. WWI in particular seems to engage a lot of anti-war rhetoric. While the reasons for the war are well documented and perhaps inevitable, in contrast to the Second World War's need to fight the rise of fascism, the incredible loss of life for "empire" thirty years earlier seems more tragic.
The tragedy here is emphasised even more by Trumbo's protagonist, Joe. An American soldier during the First World War, he is injured beyond recognition and left alone in a hospital with only his thoughts. Through memories, nightmares and Joe's waking moments, Trumbo invites the reader to consider how this is living, was it worth it, and how it could possibly be made better.
This was a very difficult read. I struggled at first to read more than a chapter at a time. But it was a worthy, powerful read. I sobbed more than once and had to take a lot of deep breaths. It really sucks you into Joe's world and it's a terrible one at that. I would encourage anyone interested to read it but be prepared to have your heart broken!
Published in 1939, Johnny Got His Gun received immediate praise and gained further notoriety during the Vietnam War as a pivotal piece of anti-war literature. WWI in particular seems to engage a lot of anti-war rhetoric. While the reasons for the war are well documented and perhaps inevitable, in contrast to the Second World War's need to fight the rise of fascism, the incredible loss of life for "empire" thirty years earlier seems more tragic.
The tragedy here is emphasised even more by Trumbo's protagonist, Joe. An American soldier during the First World War, he is injured beyond recognition and left alone in a hospital with only his thoughts. Through memories, nightmares and Joe's waking moments, Trumbo invites the reader to consider how this is living, was it worth it, and how it could possibly be made better.
This was a very difficult read. I struggled at first to read more than a chapter at a time. But it was a worthy, powerful read. I sobbed more than once and had to take a lot of deep breaths. It really sucks you into Joe's world and it's a terrible one at that. I would encourage anyone interested to read it but be prepared to have your heart broken!
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
so far, so good. depressing, which is right up my alley.
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
The raw truths of war come to light in Trumbo's piece. The questions, why do we fight and what are we willing to sacrifice, are explored in an unforgiving and passionate tone that left me feeling as alone and desperate as the main character. I was extremely moved by this book. I loved every beautifully sad moment of it.
Heartbreaking story of a real possibility in the human condition; helps one to realize how fragile and meaningful every single life is, and to cherish what and who we have. Makes me want to show love to everyone no matter how able or unable
