Discover books similar to "Goodbye to All That"
Robert Graves
Goodbye to All That
4.05
"Goodbye to All That" is a powerful and poignant memoir written by Robert Graves, a renowned English poet, novelist, and critic. The book, first published in 1929, provides a candid and unflinching account of Graves' experiences during World War I and its aftermath. The memoir is divided into two parts. The first part focuses on Graves' childhood and early adulthood, including his time at Oxford and his decision to enlist in the army. The second part details his experiences during the war, including his service as an officer in the Royal Welch Fusiliers and his subsequent recovery from severe injuries. Graves' writing is characterized by its clarity, precision, and emotional intensity. He pulls no punches in describing the horrors of war, from the gruesome physical realities of trench combat to the psychological toll it took on soldiers. At the same time, he also captures the camaraderie and sense of purpose that many soldiers felt, even in the face of unimaginable danger. One of the most striking aspects of "Goodbye to All That" is Graves' willingness to question authority and challenge conventional wisdom. He is highly critical of the British military establishment, arguing that it failed to adequately prepare soldiers for the realities of war and was often more concerned with appearances than with winning. He is also skeptical of the patriotic fervor that swept through Britain during the war, arguing that it was largely fueled by propaganda and ignorance. Despite its bleak subject matter, "Goodbye to All That" is ultimately a hopeful and life-affirming book. Graves' love for literature and his deep appreciation for the beauty of the natural world shine through on every page. He emerges from the war with a newfound sense of purpose and a determination to live a more authentic and meaningful life. In short, "Goodbye to All That" is a classic work of literature that offers a profound and unforgettable exploration of war, memory, and the human spirit. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of the 20th century or the enduring power of the written word...
List of books similar to "Goodbye to All That":
Joseph Heller
Catch-22
While 'Catch-22' is a darkly comic novel, it shares with 'Goodbye to All That' a deep skepticism about the institutions of war and the ways in which they can warp and destroy human lives. Heller's novel, like Graves', offers a powerful indictment of the absurdity and cruelty of war.
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Ernest Hemingway
A Farewell To Arms
Like 'Goodbye to All That', 'A Farewell to Arms' is a war novel that explores the disillusionment and despair that can come from war. Hemingway's sparse, powerful prose is similar to Graves' in its ability to convey deep emotion through understated language.
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Erich Maria Remarque
All Quiet on the Western Front
Remarque's novel, like Graves', offers a searing critique of war and its impact on the human soul. Both books pull no punches in their depiction of the horrors of war, and both offer a poignant exploration of the psychological toll that combat takes on soldiers.
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Norman Mailer
The Naked and the Dead
Like 'Goodbye to All That', 'The Naked and the Dead' is a gritty, unflinching novel about the experience of war. Mailer's book, which is set during World War II, offers a powerful exploration of the ways in which combat can both forge and destroy bonds between soldiers.
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Stephen Crane
The Red Badge of Courage
Crane's novel, like Graves', is a classic of war literature that explores the psychological landscape of the battlefield. Both books offer a nuanced exploration of the ways in which soldiers grapple with fear, courage, and the desire to survive in the face of overwhelming odds.
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Ernest Hemingway
The Sun Also Rises
While not a war novel, 'The Sun Also Rises' shares with 'Goodbye to All That' a sense of disillusionment and despair. Both books offer a powerful exploration of the post-war malaise that affected a generation of young people in the aftermath of World War I.
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Dalton Trumbo
Johnny Got His Gun
Like 'Goodbye to All That', 'Johnny Got His Gun' is a powerful anti-war novel that explores the human cost of combat. Trumbo's book, which is told from the perspective of a soldier who has lost all of his limbs and senses in the war, offers a searing critique of the glorification of war and its devastating impact on individual lives.
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Kevin Powers
The Yellow Birds
Powers' novel, like 'Goodbye to All That', offers a powerful exploration of the psychological toll of war on soldiers. Both books pull no punches in their depiction of the horrors of combat, and both offer a poignant exploration of the ways in which soldiers struggle to come to terms with their experiences of war.
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Homer
The Iliad
While 'The Iliad' is an ancient epic, it shares with 'Goodbye to All That' a deep exploration of the experience of war. Both books offer a powerful exploration of the ways in which war can both forge and destroy human relationships, and the devastating impact that it can have on individuals and communities.
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Sebastian Faulks
Birdsong
Faulks' novel, like 'Goodbye to All That', is set during World War I and explores the psychological impact of war on soldiers. 'Birdsong' offers a powerful exploration of the ways in which soldiers grapple with fear, courage, and the desire to survive in the face of overwhelming odds, and the long-lasting effects that these experiences can have on their lives.
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