With “shattering prose,” the New York Times–bestselling author of From Here to Eternity captures the intense combat in the battle of Guadalcanal (San Francisco Chronicle). In August of 1942 the first American marines charged Guadalcanal, igniting a six-month battle for two thousand square miles of jungle and sand. In that gruesome stretch sixty thousand Americans made the jump from boat to … Americans made the jump from boat to beach, and one in nine did not return. James Jones fought in that battle, and The Thin Red Line is his haunting portrait of men and war. The soldiers of C-for-Charlie Company are not cast from the heroic mold. The unit’s captain is too intelligent and sensitive for the job, his first sergeant is half mad, and the enlisted men begin the campaign gripped by cowardice. Jones’s moving portrayal of the Pacific combat experience stands among the great literature of World War II. This ebook features an illustrated biography of James Jones including rare photos from the author’s estate.
more
I got about a quarter of the way into this book and deleted it from my library. It is slow, slow, slow. None of the characters in the book are likeable, and the author spends an inordinate amount of time describing the soldiers becoming sexually aroused by inappropriate things (dead bodies, bombings). I rarely give up on a book, but this one …
While it is not widely known today, the United States Army fought in the battle for Guadalcanal during the Pacific Campaign in World War II. (The Marine Corps made the initial amphibious landings and fought inland; the Army came later as replacements and a follow-on force and participated in the ongoing battles to secure Guadalcanal.)
This book …
James Jones is an excellent author and this is one of his best.
This is the book for fans of war fiction heavy on battle action that is described with a literary flair. Charlie Company is sent to Guadalcanal to enter the jungle and do battle with an unseen, fanatical enemy who lies in wait. Jones puts us with the men in the discomfort of the jungle, as they fear hidden mortal dangers, and in quiet moments when …
Ponderous
could not finish it
Tedious and painstakingly slow paced.
One of the best War books ever
As a debut novel, it was well done. However, it lacked a lot in the reality spectrum. I think a little more time in the development of battles and the proper use of military weapons would have added a realism the book was lacking. For reference, I would compare it to Star War’s ground combat scenes in the movies — completely unrealistic.
Learn about fully conformed soldiers
very graphic historical novel about WWII battle in the Pacific
Overdone portrayal of nearly every character’s mental flaws. Not an enjoyable read.