Under Fire: The Story of a Squad by Henri Barbusse (original) (raw)

About this eBook

Author Barbusse, Henri, 1873-1935
Translator Wray, W. Fitzwater, 1867-1938
Uniform Title Le feu. English
Title Under Fire: The Story of a Squad
Note Translation of Le feu.
Note Reading ease score: 79.9 (7th grade). Fairly easy to read.
Credits Produced by Charles Aldarondo. HTML version by Al Haines.
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.)
Language English
LoC Class PQ: Language and Literatures: Romance literatures: French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese
Subject World War, 1914-1918 -- Fiction
Category Text
EBook-No. 4380
Release Date Aug 1, 2003
Most Recently Updated Dec 27, 2020
Copyright Status Public domain in the USA.
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