The 5 Best Books meme is hosted by Cassandra at Indie Reader Houston.
This week's 5 Best is the 5 best books that take place during a war. I am bizarrely fascinated with anything set in World War II so this one is an easy one for me, though I am focusing only on novels:
- Hitler's Canary by Sandi Toksvig. A wonderful story about how the war affected the citizens of Denmark (link is to my review)
- The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne. I mention this in almost every "best of" list I've made. Just read it.
- City of Thieves by David Benioff. If one could describe a WWII novel as "comic", this one would be it, but still the horrors of the war in the Soviet Union are not ignored.
- Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford. The war is not a direct part of the plot in this novel, but its effects on Japanese-American citizens (and other Asian-Americans) is prevalent.
- A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini. This is not set in WWII, but partially in the Soviet/Afghan war of the 1980s. A wonderful wonderful novel.
What do you think are the best books that take place during a war?
I'll have to check out Hitler's Canary! I've read the others. I just read The Postmistress, which was a really interesting perspective on WW2. I have a whole list on my blog but 2 that come to mind are Sarah's Key and Skeletons at the Feast.
ReplyDeleteOh, I like lists. I should look into these books. Have only read two. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI've not read any of the ones on your list.
ReplyDeleteI haven't done this meme before, but this week sounded interesting. Here's my list: http://myreadersblock.blogspot.com/2011/06/5-best-books-set-in-war.html
Haven't read any of these but have heard a lot about The Boy in the Striped Pajamas. On my wishlist now.
ReplyDeleteI've read 2, 4 and 5 on your list and agree they are great books. I want to make a list later this week but I'm not sure what to put on it.
ReplyDeleteI don't remember A Thousand Spendid Suns being in the war, but as you say, partially it is. I probably forgot. I found it especially a human interest book about women and their (non)rights.
I love your list! I've read the Kite Runner, but not the follow up. Everything else I've at least heard of. I've got a John Boyne book on my stack to read right now, actually. I saw the film version of his book. It was so good! Based on that, I can recommend another book called The Last Brother by Nathacha Appanah. It reminded me of the movie, though the setting is entirely different.
ReplyDeleteOh, and I changed the linky thing and added you. I've gotten new participants because of you :) Thanks!
I would have to chime in and answer Atonement. Have you read that one? If not, I highly recommend it. It was amazing!
ReplyDeleteSmall World -- I read the Postmistress but wasn't that impressed. I LOVED both Sarah's Key and Skeletons at the Feast, and was debating about putting them on the list.
ReplyDeleteJudith -- Yeah the Afghan war wasn't a huge part of the novel. But you're right, it is mostly about the women's struggle. I must re-read that one soon.
Cassandra -- I have The Last Brother on my shelf! So many books so little time.
Zibilee -- I LOVED Atonement too!
What a great list. I haven't read any of those books, but I can tell it's an eclectic list. I have a tough time reading books that are too depressing. That's what has kept me from reading Boy in the Striped Pajamas. Is A Thousand Splendid Suns fairly dark?
ReplyDelete~Jenni
blookbog.wordpress.com
not WAR AND PEACE? :)
ReplyDeleteA terrific list. I will definitely take a look at HITLER'S CANARY. But they all sound good. Haven't read any of them....yet.
ReplyDeleteYvette @ in so many words...
The Book Thief -- one of the few books that has ever made me sob out loud. So good, but so sad...
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