## Introduction [(00:00:00)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEI_15ut5rQ&t=0s) - The [[YouTube]] channel "[[Pax Americana]]" covers conversations about world affairs, global conflict, military strategy, and other related topics, and is hosted by [[Michael Sheringham | Michael Shurin]] [(00:00:01)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEI_15ut5rQ&t=1s). - The video discusses Michael Shurin's 10 favorite war novels, which are not necessarily the best war novels from a literary sense, but rather the ones that have made a mark on him and that he recommends to others [(00:00:19)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEI_15ut5rQ&t=19s). - The list of favorite war novels will be presented in descending order, from the 10th favorite to the number one favorite, which is considered the best war novel [(00:00:36)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEI_15ut5rQ&t=36s). - Links to the books mentioned in the video can be found in the description, either on [[Amazon (company) | Amazon]] or Amazon France, and using these links will result in a small commission for the channel [(00:00:45)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEI_15ut5rQ&t=45s). - The host encourages viewers to use the provided links to support the channel [(00:01:08)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEI_15ut5rQ&t=68s). - The video will start by discussing the 10th favorite war novel, which is Luke's book, but the title and author are not fully mentioned in the provided transcript [(00:01:14)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEI_15ut5rQ&t=74s). ## Louis Gardel "Fort Saganne" [(00:01:18)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEI_15ut5rQ&t=78s) - The book "[[Fort Saganne]]" by [[Louis Gardel]] was recommended by two [[French language | French]] generals, one of whom was a commander of Operation Baron, due to its insight into Saharan politics and the colonial [[French Army]] [(00:01:29)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEI_15ut5rQ&t=89s). - The story revolves around a young French officer serving in the Sahara just before [[World War I]], who leads local troops in fighting against a warlord and later participates in World War I [(00:01:44)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEI_15ut5rQ&t=104s). - The book was adapted into a movie of the same name, starring a young [[Gérard Depardieu]], and is comparable to "[[Lawrence of Arabia (film) | Lawrence of Arabia]]" but with a French twist [(00:02:02)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEI_15ut5rQ&t=122s). - The movie features a young [[Philippe Noiret]] and a beautiful [[Sophie Marceau]], making it worth watching, and is available in [[English language | English]] with subtitles [(00:02:23)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEI_15ut5rQ&t=143s). - The book provides a unique perspective on the colonial French Army and its operations, as well as the complexities of Saharan politics [(00:01:37)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEI_15ut5rQ&t=97s). ## Henri Barbusse "Le Feu" [(00:02:38)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEI_15ut5rQ&t=158s) - [[Henri Barbusse]] wrote the novel "[[Under Fire (Barbusse novel) | Le Feu]]" (also translated as "Under Fire") based on his experiences as a soldier in the [[French language | French]] army during [[World War I]], with the book being published in 1916, making it the first novel to come out of World War I [(00:02:39)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEI_15ut5rQ&t=159s). - The novel is composed of a series of anecdotes and impressionistic stories about the men Barbusse served with, although it is not a war memoir, but rather a novel that reflects his lived experience of the war [(00:02:57)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEI_15ut5rQ&t=177s). - Barbusse allegedly based the novel on his wartime journal, but he does not claim the stories to be true, and most people consider it to be a novel rather than a memoir [(00:03:06)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEI_15ut5rQ&t=186s). - The value of the novel lies in its ability to convey the subjective experience of a soldier who was actually present in the war, providing a fresh and first-person perspective on the events [(00:03:27)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEI_15ut5rQ&t=207s). - The novel is set primarily in 1915 and offers a unique insight into the experiences of a soldier in the [[French Army | French army]] during that time [(00:03:40)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEI_15ut5rQ&t=220s). ## Robert Heinlein, "Starship Troopers" [(00:03:46)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEI_15ut5rQ&t=226s) - Robert Heinlein's novel "[[Starship Troopers]]" is a sci-fi classic published in 1959 [(00:03:53)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEI_15ut5rQ&t=233s). - The book was adapted into a movie in the 1990s, which is considered quite good, but the book provides more insight into the main character's feelings and subjective experience [(00:04:00)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEI_15ut5rQ&t=240s). - The story follows a young idealistic man who joins the military, undergoes training, and deploys to fight in a war against insect-like aliens in a distant future [(00:04:12)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEI_15ut5rQ&t=252s). - Despite its science fiction elements, the novel has a realistic feel to it, making it comparable to other war novels [(00:04:46)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEI_15ut5rQ&t=286s). - The book has been criticized for its right-wing politics, but readers can choose to ignore these aspects and still find the book worth reading [(00:05:01)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEI_15ut5rQ&t=301s). - "Starship Troopers" is considered a classic for a reason, and it remains enjoyable even after multiple readings [(00:05:16)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEI_15ut5rQ&t=316s). ## Joseph Heller, "Catch-22" [(00:05:27)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEI_15ut5rQ&t=327s) - Joseph Heller's "[[Catch-22]]" is a classic novel that, despite being set in a war, is not strictly a war novel, but rather a satire about war and the military [(00:05:30)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEI_15ut5rQ&t=330s). - The story is based on an American Bomber Crew stationed in [[North Africa]], which bombs [[Italy]], and explores their experiences and struggles [(00:05:34)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEI_15ut5rQ&t=334s). - The novel is known for its humorous tone and is often described as iconic, with the term "Catch-22" originating from the book [(00:05:54)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEI_15ut5rQ&t=354s). - "Catch-22" is considered an essential reference and is highly recommended reading, having played a significant role in American culture and shaping the way Americans think about war and war novels [(00:05:59)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEI_15ut5rQ&t=359s). - The novel's impact is also due to its comedic elements, making it a funny and enjoyable read [(00:06:10)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEI_15ut5rQ&t=370s). ## Ahmadou Kourouma, "Allah Is Not Obliged" [(00:06:14)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEI_15ut5rQ&t=374s) - "Allah Is Not Obliged" by [[Ahmadou Kourouma]] is a brutal book that provides a fictional experience of a child soldier in the Civil War in [[Liberia]] from 1989 to 1997 [(00:06:15)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEI_15ut5rQ&t=375s). - The story is horrific, with the protagonist witnessing and participating in terrible events, but the book effectively communicates these unimaginable horrors in a way that maintains the protagonist's humanity and the reader's sympathy for him [(00:06:31)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEI_15ut5rQ&t=391s). - Despite the protagonist's involvement in criminal activities, the reader roots for him and wants him to survive the experience with his soul intact [(00:06:54)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEI_15ut5rQ&t=414s). - The book is highly recommended, especially for those unfamiliar with the civil wars in [[North Africa | Africa]] in the 1990s, as it serves as a great introduction to the subject [(00:07:10)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEI_15ut5rQ&t=430s). - "Allah Is Not Obliged" is a small book that can be read quickly, making it an accessible and impactful read [(00:07:18)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEI_15ut5rQ&t=438s). ## Väinö Linna, "Unknown Soldiers" [(00:07:24)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEI_15ut5rQ&t=444s) - The book "[[The Unknown Soldier (novel) | Unknown Soldiers]]" by [[Väinö Linna]] is a phenomenal novel that follows a squad of [[Finland | Finnish]] soldiers during the [[Continuation War]] from 1941 to 1944 [(00:07:24)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEI_15ut5rQ&t=444s). - The story begins with the Finnish soldiers' advances against the Soviets, eventually occupying much of the [[Soviet Union]], including areas near [[Saint Petersburg | Leningrad]], before the war grinds to a standstill and the [[Finns]] start to retreat back towards their starting line in Finland [(00:07:55)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEI_15ut5rQ&t=475s). - The novel is a great way to learn about the Continuation War, even for those with no prior knowledge of the conflict [(00:07:47)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEI_15ut5rQ&t=467s). - One challenge of the book is that it can be hard to keep track of the characters due to their unfamiliar Finnish names, and a glossary of characters would be helpful [(00:08:20)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEI_15ut5rQ&t=500s). - "Unknown Soldiers" was adapted into at least three movie versions, including a 2017 film titled "Unknown Soldiers" in [[English language | English]], which is available on [[Netflix]] and highly recommended [(00:08:36)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEI_15ut5rQ&t=516s). - The book is a compelling read that offers insight into Finland and the Continuation War, making it a great choice for those interested in learning more about this period in history [(00:08:48)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEI_15ut5rQ&t=528s). ## Pierre Schoendoerffer, "La 317e Section" [(00:08:56)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEI_15ut5rQ&t=536s) - "[[The 317th Platoon | La 317e Section]]" is a 1963 novel by [[Pierre Schoendoerffer]] about the [[First Indochina War | Indochina War]], recounting the story of a young [[French language | French]] officer and his non-commissioned officer attempting to lead a group of Laotian militia men to safety, set in roughly 1954 [(00:09:06)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEI_15ut5rQ&t=546s). - The novel has a degree of authenticity due to the fact that Pierre Schoendoerffer himself served in the [[French Indochina | Indochina]] War as a filmmaker, parachuted into [[Điện Biên Phủ | Dien Bien Phu]], and went into captivity amongst the survivors [(00:09:30)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEI_15ut5rQ&t=570s). - The book is an homage to the valor of the young French officers who sacrificed much and lived in extraordinary circumstances, and is an essential reference to French officers today [(00:10:03)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEI_15ut5rQ&t=603s). - In 1965, the novel was turned into a movie, which can be seen with [[English language | English]] subtitles and is considered one of the best war movies ever made [(00:10:18)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEI_15ut5rQ&t=618s). - The book and movie are highly regarded in the French military, with many officers having read the book or seen the movie, and it is a great example of how French officers imagine their service and the valor and courage of their predecessors [(00:10:55)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEI_15ut5rQ&t=655s). - The novel and its adaptation evoke a sense of hero worship amongst fans in the modern French military, rather than nostalgia for Indochina or the colonial period [(00:11:19)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEI_15ut5rQ&t=679s). ## Vasily Grossman, "Life and Fate" [(00:11:25)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEI_15ut5rQ&t=685s) - Vasily Grossman's novel "[[Life and Fate]]" is an extraordinary book translated from [[Russia | Russian]], and it's part of a story that begins with the book "Stalingrad" and has a third book that hasn't been read by the reviewer yet [(00:11:27)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEI_15ut5rQ&t=687s). - "Life and Fate" carries the story through [[World War II]], focusing on a middle-class family from Stalingrad and their experiences during the war, including phenomenal combat scenes and time spent in concentration camps and POW camps [(00:11:54)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEI_15ut5rQ&t=714s). - The book is considered one of the most important written in the 20th century, providing insight into [[Stalinism | Stalinist]] rule, the Stalinist purges, and the experiences of [[Soviet Union | Soviet]] citizens during the [[German language | German]] invasion and the war [(00:12:21)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEI_15ut5rQ&t=741s). - The novel has an epic sweep similar to Leo Tolstoy's "[[War and Peace]]," but it's set in the late 1930s and 1940s during the Stalinist era in World War II, focusing on middle-class Russians instead of rich aristocrats [(00:13:05)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEI_15ut5rQ&t=785s). - The book is a powerful portrayal of the implications of Stalinist rule and the experiences of Soviet citizens during World War II, making it a must-read for those who want to understand this period in history [(00:12:28)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEI_15ut5rQ&t=748s). - The reviewer highly recommends the book, considering it a great novel that they wish they had read earlier, and notes that the movie adaptation is also very good [(00:11:25)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEI_15ut5rQ&t=685s). ## Jonathan Littell, "Les Bienveillantes/The Kindly Ones" [(00:13:35)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEI_15ut5rQ&t=815s) - Jonathan Littell's novel "[[The Kindly Ones (Littell novel) | Les Bienveillantes]]" or "The Kindly Ones" is a powerful and horrifying book that tells the story of a sociopathic SS intelligence officer living through [[World War II]] [(00:13:35)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEI_15ut5rQ&t=815s). - The protagonist is a gay sociopathic SS officer, making him a complex and contradictory character [(00:14:27)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEI_15ut5rQ&t=867s). - The book is a fictional memoir of the protagonist's experiences during World War II, including the [[Battle of Stalingrad]] and the atrocities committed by the [[Einsatzgruppen]] [(00:14:19)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEI_15ut5rQ&t=859s). - The novel is a riff on Gustave Flaubert's "[[Sentimental Education | L'Éducation sentimentale]]", with the protagonist even carrying a copy of the book with him [(00:14:50)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEI_15ut5rQ&t=890s). - The protagonist is a self-absorbed young man who is often oblivious to the horrors around him, but is also affected by the atrocities he witnesses and participates in [(00:15:18)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEI_15ut5rQ&t=918s). - The book's tension comes from the possibility of redemption for the protagonist, with some characters trying to reach out to the good person within him [(00:16:11)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEI_15ut5rQ&t=971s). - However, the protagonist ultimately fails to achieve redemption and instead kills those who try to save him [(00:16:48)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEI_15ut5rQ&t=1008s). - The book is shocking in its depiction of violence, with the author presenting the horrors of war in an unembellished and powerful way [(00:16:55)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEI_15ut5rQ&t=1015s). - The novel is a page-turner, with the reader drawn into the protagonist's experiences despite the graphic content [(00:17:07)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEI_15ut5rQ&t=1027s). - The book has been compared to "[[Forrest Gump]]" in its portrayal of a character who stumbles into major historical events, but with a much darker tone [(00:17:43)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEI_15ut5rQ&t=1063s). - The [[English language | English]] translation of the book is reportedly very good, and readers can find links to both the original and translated versions in the description [(00:18:08)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEI_15ut5rQ&t=1088s). ## Erich Maria Remarque, "All Quiet on the Western Front" [(00:18:17)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEI_15ut5rQ&t=1097s) - Erich Maria Remarque's 1928 [[German language | German]] novel "[[All Quiet on the Western Front]]" is considered the mother of all modern war novels and is extraordinarily good [(00:18:20)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEI_15ut5rQ&t=1100s). - The story follows a young idealist who joins the war with his school buddies, full of patriotism and enthusiasm, but his idealism is blown away by the constant shelling, gore, and death [(00:18:36)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEI_15ut5rQ&t=1116s). - A powerful scene in the book depicts the protagonist killing a [[French language | French]] soldier and then being stuck with the body, leading to feelings of regret, remorse, and tragedy [(00:18:57)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEI_15ut5rQ&t=1137s). - The novel's themes and storyline have influenced other works, such as "[[Starship Troopers]]", and it is hard to imagine the latter without "All Quiet on the Western Front" [(00:18:33)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEI_15ut5rQ&t=1113s). - The 1930 movie adaptation of "All Quiet on the Western Front" is considered one of the best war movies of all time, possibly ranking as number one, two, or three on a list of greatest war movies [(00:19:27)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEI_15ut5rQ&t=1167s). - A recent version of the movie adaptation is excellent in some ways but still not as good as the 1930 version [(00:19:21)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEI_15ut5rQ&t=1161s). ## Sources - [website](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEI_15ut5rQ?si=IBu19pgFANGWPnfE)