Reviews

From Here to Eternity by James Jones

fourtriplezed's review against another edition

5.0

I nowadays rarely read novels but did this one after seeing the film The Thin Red Line and reading various reviews of James Jones novels. I could not put this down. Wonderful story and great writing that had me loving every word and moment.

denishaskin's review

4.0

If you've seen the movie, do yourself a favor and read the book. Especially this restored edition, from Jones' original manuscript (not after the publisher and editor watered it down).

kristenlesperance's review against another edition

5.0

I started off not thinking that this book was not going to be something that I would enjoy, but the book completely captivated me and I loved every minute of it.

hannicogood's review against another edition

4.0

This book is monumental. It could have probably been half the length it is, but the parts I felt were less necessary to the overall plot really built up the setting and atmosphere. For all the talk about this being a classic war novel, it is at its heart a love story—about how the things you love will kill your.

wallacha4's review against another edition

emotional sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

ewynn610's review against another edition

1

bobbo49's review against another edition

4.0

I suspect that if this book wasn't 850 pages long I'd have given it 5 stars, as it is very well written and a powerful, personal story of two infantry soldiers in Hawaii in the days approaching Pearl Harbor and immediately thereafter. Although the book is often described as one of the best World War II novels, it really isn't about the war; it is about daily life in the military preparing for war, and is filled with philosophical reflections on life, love, relationships, military service, and, of course, the personal and national decisions that come with impending world war. I don't think it needed to be this long - but I'm glad I read it.

mhall623's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional funny reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

auntieg0412's review against another edition

I am giving up at 152 pages. Close to 20 pages of a poker game held in the latrine, complete with slang that I don't understand and the clash of male egos, plus nearly a whole chapter lamenting the lack of funds to visit a brothel -- I just can't keep on. Jones' writing is wordy and bloated, even more so than Stephen King's. On to something more to my taste!

Note to self: stop trying to read classics, modern or otherwise, or books on any kind of "must read" list.

penly4522's review against another edition

4.0

A really good book, though very long, about soldiers in Hawaii right before WWII. Lots of alcohol, smoking, hookers and fighting (though very little actual war)