War fiction varies greatly. Although almost all stories set during wartime are poignant, the fiction of the First World War is often more descriptive of the horrors of war while the literature of the Second World War can be more romantic. In fictional accounts of the wars in Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan or Iraq, there is bravery and dedication and loyalty - but there is no making light of the experiences.
The Biscuit Barrel by David Slater: "If you receive this letter it means that I have perished in this never-ending hell they now call The Great War. Let me tell you, there is nothing great about it." So starts the 1918 letter found in a Wedgwood biscuit barrel that has become part of a deceased's estate. The barrel has traveled from Rhodesia, Africa to Canada and the letter, written by a WWI airman in the Royal Flying Corps in France, sets off an investigation into the past that reveals secrets and corruption from Africa to the Western Front.
The Last Telegram by Liz Trenow: As men go off to fight in WWII, Lily, the daughter of a silk mill owner, must take over as manager of the mill producing silk for parachutes. But when Lily falls in love with Stefan, a young German refugee working in the factory, others see this as collaborating with the enemy. Trying to make love prevail, Lily and Stefan struggle to build a life together. Just as Lily starts to see the possibility of her dreams coming true, they are shattered by a decision she is forced to make during difficult times. This story is a great depiction of civilian life in the British countryside during the Second World War.
The Coldest Night by Robert Olmstead: It is the 1950s and two young lovers run away to New Orleans to escape disapproving parents. Their happiness is short-lived when Mercy's father finds them and takes her back. Suffering heartbreak, Henry follows in the footsteps of his military family and enlists in the Marines. The timing puts him directly into the Korean War and a meeting with an enemy force far beyond anything he could imagine. Thankful to be returning home, he finds himself tested again as he tries to fit into a place that no longer feels like home.
Up Country by Nelson Demille: An old letter has surfaced written by an enemy soldier describing a shocking act of violence. Vietnam War vet Paul Brennan is asked to travel back to Vietnam to investigate the circumstances of an American officer's death 30 years ago. No one knows if this enemy solider is dead or alive but it's up to Brennan to find him. It's a painful journey into the past and possibly a dangerous one as Brennan is sure that the authorities are keeping something back.
Redeployment by Phil Klay: This book is a collection of 12 short stories providing a graphic depiction of military life in Iraq and Afghanistan. It is hard to understand what happened and what it did to those who were there and lived to return home. Military loyalties and religious faiths were tested. Even without a full understanding of the military acronyms, it very easy to understand the message in this book -a thoughtful, hard-edge read.
Lest we forget.
A Good Read is a column by Tri-City librarians that is published on Wednesdays. Irene Jakse works at Port Moody Public Library.
