War novels, a genre dedicated to exploring the multifaceted nature of armed conflict, often place a strong emphasis on the individuals caught within its grasp. Whether the primary action unfolds on a battlefield or in a civilian setting, these narratives delve into how characters prepare for, suffer the effects of, or recover from war. The genre uses its characters to illuminate the profound human cost of conflict, moving beyond mere descriptions
of battles to explore the psychological, emotional, and moral journeys of those involved. This focus on individual experience is a defining characteristic, allowing readers to connect with the broader themes of war through personal stories.
Diverse Characters in the Crucible of War
Characters in war novels come from all walks of life, reflecting the widespread impact of conflict. In Michael Ondaatje's 1992 Booker Prize-winning novel, "The English Patient," the narrative centers on four dissimilar people brought together in an Italian villa during World War II's Italian Campaign. These include an unrecognizably burned man, presumed to be English, who is the titular patient; his Canadian Army nurse; a Sikh British Army sapper; and a Canadian thief. The story unfolds through the incremental revelations of the patient's past actions and the emotional effects these disclosures have on the other characters. This diverse ensemble allows the novel to explore different perspectives on war, trauma, and human connection amidst devastation.
Similarly, Frederick Forsyth's 1974 novel "The Dogs of War" features a small group of European mercenary soldiers. Initially presented as ruthless killers-for-hire, these protagonists are gradually shown to adhere to a relatively moral mercenary code as the story progresses. The novel delves into their preparations for a coup d'état in a fictional African country, detailing soldier recruitment, training, reconnaissance, and the logistics of acquiring weapons and transport. Through these characters, Forsyth explores the complex morality and practicalities of professional soldiers operating in a conflict zone, highlighting that even those engaged in violence can possess internal codes and motivations that are difficult for civilians to fully grasp.
The Civilian Experience and Psychological Impact
War novels are not solely confined to the experiences of soldiers; they also frequently explore the civilian setting, or home front, where characters are preoccupied with the war's effects. Omar El Akkad's "American War" provides a compelling example of this, set in a near-future United States ravaged by climate change and a second civil war. The plot is told through the eyes of a future historian, Benjamin Chestnut, about his aunt, Sarat Chestnut, a climate refugee. Sarat's journey begins at six years old when the war breaks out, living with her family on the climate-ravaged coast of Louisiana. Her father is killed in a terrorist bombing, leading her family to relocate to a refugee camp.
Sarat's experiences at Camp Patience, her befriending of a rebel recruiter, and her subsequent involvement in the conflict illustrate the profound psychological and physical toll war takes on civilians. She witnesses a massacre, loses family members, and eventually becomes a member of a rebel group. Later, she is captured and subjected to torture, leading to a deep disillusionment with the corrupt leadership. Her story, interspersed with fictional primary documents, highlights how war can transform ordinary individuals into figures shaped by extreme circumstances, driven by revenge, and ultimately contributing to further devastation, as seen in her role in the "Reunification Plague." The novel uses Sarat's personal tragedy to underscore the long-lasting and devastating impact of prolonged conflict on individuals and society.
