The Thin Red Line by James Jones Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Thin Red Line
Book Review: "MUST READ" for any siblings of WWII Pacific Vets
Summary: 5 Stars
Originally read when I was 12 or so back in the early 70's. Saw Dad reading various war novels ("Run Silent, Run Deep", "Where Eagles Dare", etc.) and was intrigued. Had a lot of questions at an early age concerning the trials and tribulations of war as dad was a Korean War vet...so much that felt this book contributed to my decision to join the USMC after college. Still remember the book..black, 2 plus " thick with a thin red line across the spine and cover of the book with the title on the back. No frills or overt marketing schemes...just a black cover depicting the grim reality of the text within. Didn't remember the author, only the extreme impact the book made on a me as a young man. Was surprised to learn that a major motion picture is forthcoming in light of "Saving Private Ryan". Kind of feel cheated as this book was never known or publicised in the military community. In fact, none of my military counterparts had ever ! read or heard of "The Thin Red Line". My bit of personal discovery with my father as a young boy. Looking forward to re-reading after all these years. Even after all these years, can still remember some of the vivid scenes depicted in the text. WOW, can't imagine having gone through that; the human condition that allows the inhumanity of war and the acceptance/rationalization of the means to the ends. Looking forward to getting the original copy from my father and re-living past memories. Truly a novel worthy of comment. Glad I called dad today!!! He told me about the forthcoming movie. The producers had better "get it right". I know what a novel like this represents.Book Review: Gritty and realistic book about the brutality of combat
Summary: 5 Stars
I thoroughly enjoyed this excellent book by Jones. Jones has a clear grasp of the brutality of combat and the precarious existence of the infantryman. It's detailed, it's in your face it's bold and it's gritty - It's a great read!Book Review: The Thin Red Line is excellent!
Summary: 5 Stars
I have to be honest. I intially read Thin Red Line for the cast of the movie. (I was espiecally concerned about finding out if George Clooney's, John Cusack's, and John Travolta's characters meet fatal ends.) I honestly enjoyed the book, even though it was not something I would have picked up on my own. The characters were believable and their struggles were so huge...I could only imagine what it would be like to be out there in that jungle. From the looks of it, some of Hollywood's best and brightest (those who have showed all of their potential *like Travolta and Harrelson* and those waiting for their big payoff. *the underrated and spectacularly talented Clooney* Way to go, Mr. Jones and thank you George, John, John, Bill, and Woody for getting me interested in this fine bit of literature!Book Review: masterful...breathtaking...no one chronicles war like jones!
Summary: 5 Stars
the thin red line is a stunning compliment to the classic novel from here to eternity. the men of c-for-charlie company are terrifyingly real. when jones describes the fetid heat and sweltering humidity of guadalcanal, the reader can feel sweat dripping messily down his own back. jones is one of the finest authors i have ever encountered at revealing the instrinsic cowardice and bravery of men at war. truly an inspired novel. one may have to work to get through it (it is as dense as the jungle itself), but once through, the reader is very handsomely rewarded. if you ever wanted to know what it is like to risk death in a far away land, this novel will tell you. sensational. i can not recommend it enough. (moreover, the trade paperback format is really very nice!)Book Review: A great psychological study
Summary: 5 Stars
Although this book does contain its share of blood and guts (sometimes literally), it is mainly a psychological study of the effects of combat on the human mind and personality. It's written with an intensity and richness of detail that could come only from someone who knows the subject first hand, and the psychological aspects are brought out in the context of a gripping narrative. Far from idealizing WWII soldiers into invincible heroes, Jones shows them in their full humanity, from the cowardly to the courageous, and even to the brutally reckless. He also shows how the successful, battle hardened soldier is formed, and what some of the costs are. And on top of all this, he gives an accurate and often humorous description of internal workings of all armies, which are as timeless as war itself. It's one book whose readers won't soon forget it.