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pagesandpotions's review against another edition
5.0
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.
ashastodust's review against another edition
5.0
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
ihavenoassandimustthrowitback's review
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
lil_coolwhip's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
lizzie_525's review against another edition
dark
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
itsmelaurenc's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
mattgoldberg's review against another edition
5.0
As an anti-war screed designed to hit the reader on an emotional level, I think this is unmatched. Also, it's difficult to argue with any of Trumbo's arguments. We celebrate sending people to war and don't want to look at the consequence.
And for many wars, Trumbo's position holds true. There's no sense to be found in World War I or any other wars, which rely on propaganda to further the interests of various stakeholders and send young men off to battle to suffer and die.
But even in his forward, Trumbo wrestles with what to do with something like World War II. It's difficult to argue that all war must be abolished in the scenario when a madman has designs on world domination and is willing to exterminate anyone who doesn't fall in line. In this instance, war becomes a matter of survival. The problem is that WWII is cloaked in the same rhetoric as all other wars even though all other wars are not WWII.
Reading this, I thought about the major war of my young adult life, the Iraq War, which was utterly senseless and completely by choice. It made no one safer, but it did make certain people a lot of money. But then I think about the War in Ukraine right now, and what choice do Ukrainians have in the matter? Are they supposed to give up their country because an autocrat says it's his?
I'm not criticizing Trumbo for a lack of nuance because I think more often than not, he's correct, and I think if more people read this book, just maybe we would think twice about what a war really means before sending people to die in one. I'm glad I finally read it, but now I definitely need something a little more uplifting.
And for many wars, Trumbo's position holds true. There's no sense to be found in World War I or any other wars, which rely on propaganda to further the interests of various stakeholders and send young men off to battle to suffer and die.
But even in his forward, Trumbo wrestles with what to do with something like World War II. It's difficult to argue that all war must be abolished in the scenario when a madman has designs on world domination and is willing to exterminate anyone who doesn't fall in line. In this instance, war becomes a matter of survival. The problem is that WWII is cloaked in the same rhetoric as all other wars even though all other wars are not WWII.
Reading this, I thought about the major war of my young adult life, the Iraq War, which was utterly senseless and completely by choice. It made no one safer, but it did make certain people a lot of money. But then I think about the War in Ukraine right now, and what choice do Ukrainians have in the matter? Are they supposed to give up their country because an autocrat says it's his?
I'm not criticizing Trumbo for a lack of nuance because I think more often than not, he's correct, and I think if more people read this book, just maybe we would think twice about what a war really means before sending people to die in one. I'm glad I finally read it, but now I definitely need something a little more uplifting.
filombiana's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
lanvutca's review against another edition
5.0
Just as devastating and haunting as I remember it being. An absolute must-read, anti-war novel.