Under Fire: The Story of a Squad

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Barbusse, Henri, 1873-1935

Contributor:

Wray, W. Fitzwater, 1867-1938

Standardized Title:

Le feu. English

Language:

English

Physical Description:

1 online resource : multiple file formats

Place of Publication:

Salt Lake City, UT : Project Gutenberg,

Summary:

"Under Fire: The Story of a Squad" by Henri Barbusse is a powerful novel written in the early 20th century, during the period surrounding World War I. This gripping work delves into the harrowing experiences of soldiers entrenched in the brutal realities of war, exploring themes of camaraderie, trauma, and survival. The narrative unfolds largely through the perspective of various characters in a squad, each reflecting the diverse backgrounds and personalities that come together in the furnace of combat. The opening of the novel sets a somber tone, introducing readers to a group of war invalids who discuss the declaration of war while recovering in a sanatorium. The description of their physical and psychological states is intertwined with their bleak realizations about the devastation of conflict. As the narrative transitions, readers are thrust into the trenches alongside the characters, witnessing their life in the horrid mud and filth of the battlefield. Various soldiers are introduced, showcasing their personalities and interactions, laying the groundwork for deeper exploration of their relationships as they endure the horrors of war. The vivid imagery and poignant dialogues establish the relentless cycle of fear, expectation, and the desperate hope for survival amidst the chaos of a world ravaged by violence. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Credits:

Produced by Charles Aldarondo. HTML version by Al Haines.

Notes:

Translation of Le feu.

Reading ease score: 79.9 (7th grade). Fairly easy to read.

Wikipedia page about this book: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Under_Fire_(Barbusse_novel)

Release date is 2003-08-01