Under Fire: The Story of a Squad

· DigiCat
Ebook
273
Pages
Eligible

About this ebook

Henri Barbusse's groundbreaking novel, 'Under Fire', provides a raw and unflinching portrayal of the horrors of World War I through the eyes of a group of French soldiers in the trenches. The book is written in a stark and visceral style, emphasizing the brutality and senselessness of war. Barbusse's literary context includes his firsthand experience as a soldier in the war, adding authenticity to the vivid descriptions of death, destruction, and camaraderie among the men. The novel's exploration of the psychological effects of combat and the dehumanizing nature of war makes it a powerful and timeless work of literature.

About the author

Henri Barbusse (1873-1935) was a French novelist and journalist, renowned for his commitment to socialism and his first-hand depictions of war. His most famous work, 'Under Fire' ('Le Feu'), published in 1916, draws from his personal experience as a soldier in the First World War. In it, Barbusse captures the appalling conditions of trench warfare and the emotional toll on soldiers, making a powerful statement against militarism and war. The novel won the prestigious Prix Goncourt and solidified his reputation as a significant figure in early 20th-century literature. Barbusse's literary style often embraced the grit and despair of the common man's experiences, which he articulated through a naturalistic and sometimes stream of consciousness manner. This was particularly influential in the development of war literature. Beyond 'Under Fire', Barbusse wrote other works focusing on social injustice and advocated for communist ideologies, such as 'The Chain' ('L'Enchaînement') and 'Hell' ('L'Enfer'). His contributions to literature and political thought extend beyond his prose, as he also founded the proletarian literature movement, Clarté. Barbusse's legacy endures as a symbol of literary activism and as a voice that vividly depicted the horrors of war, influencing future generations of writers and intellectuals.

Rate this ebook

Tell us what you think.

Reading information

Smartphones and tablets
Install the Google Play Books app for Android and iPad/iPhone. It syncs automatically with your account and allows you to read online or offline wherever you are.
Laptops and computers
You can listen to audiobooks purchased on Google Play using your computer's web browser.
eReaders and other devices
To read on e-ink devices like Kobo eReaders, you'll need to download a file and transfer it to your device. Follow the detailed Help Center instructions to transfer the files to supported eReaders.