Bicara Buku

  Title: All Quiet on the Western Front (Im Westen nichts Neues) Author: Erich Maria Remarque Translated into English by A W Wheen Publisher: Random House, London Year published: 2014 208 pages This powerful anti-war novel was first published in 1929. The story follows Paul Bäumer, a young German soldier who enlists in World War I with his classmates after being inspired by patriotic speeches from their schoolteacher. However, their initial enthusiasm quickly fades as they experience the brutal realities of trench warfare.   Paul and his comrades face unimaginable horrors on the Western Front, including constant shelling, gas attacks, and the psychological torment of losing friends in battle.  The novel vividly depicts the dehumanizing effects of war, showing how young soldiers are transformed from idealistic boys into hardened men struggling to survive. They endure terrible living conditions, hunger, disease, and the ever-present threat of death.   Through...

  Spitfire delves into the historical context surrounding the creation of the aircraft, emphasizing its importance during Britain’s darkest hours in World War II.  Holmes traces the Spitfire’s origins from the design board of R.J. Mitchell, highlighting the technical innovations that made it a breakthrough in fighter aircraft engineering.  Its elliptical wings, Rolls-Royce Merlin engine, and remarkable agility allowed the Spitfire to outperform many enemy planes, making it crucial in air combat. The book also provides a vivid account of the Spitfire's role during pivotal moments of the war, most notably the Battle of Britain.  Holmes describes how Spitfire pilots, facing overwhelming odds, defended the skies over Britain against the German Luftwaffe, securing a turning point in the war.  Through interviews and first-hand accounts, readers gain insight into the bravery and skill of these pilots, whose courage was as remarkable as the plane they flew. In addition ...

  Title: War Author: Janne Teller Publisher: Simon & Schuster, London Year published: 2016 63 pages A thought-provoking short novel that explores the brutal realities of war from a deeply personal perspective.  The book is structured as a fictional letter addressed to a Danish teenager, urging the reader to imagine what life would be like if Denmark were suddenly plunged into war.  It challenges readers to consider how they would cope with the chaos, loss of home, family, and identity.  By reversing the roles and placing Europe as the war-torn region, it forces readers to empathize with refugees and the displaced, offering a powerful commentary on the human cost of conflict and the fragility of peace.

"Man of War" by John Masters, published by Warner Books in 1998, tells the story of Bill Miller, a career soldier whose extensive service spans key historical events, including World War I, the Spanish Civil War, and World War II.  Known for his tactical brilliance and bravery, Miller faces not only the challenges of war but also battles within the military establishment that scorn his unorthodox methods and humble background.  The novel delves into his personal struggles, including strained relationships and a relentless drive for success.  This narrative serves as both a compelling portrait of a soldier and a fitting epitaph to Masters' distinguished writing career, offering a nuanced exploration of duty, class, and personal sacrifice.

It is not true that Napoleon ever charged in person: he incessantly ordered his battalions to advance--to charge---to bear down upon the Enemy--he impetuously urged them forward--he inflamed their ardour by the recollection of past, as well as the prospect of present victory, and the promise of plunder and reward; but he never led them on to battle himself--he never once braved the shock of British arms. ( Footnote , page 25)  Title: The Battle of Waterloo Author: A near observer Publisher: Osprey Publishing, Oxford Year Published: 2015 (Originally published in 1815) Started reading: 31 May 2024

Title: Bombs Away: The Story of a Bomber Team Author: John Steinbeck Publisher: E-book Year Published:  Started reading: 23 May 2024 About the book: First published in 1942, it offers an insightful and patriotic account of the training and experiences of a World War II bomber crew.  Commissioned by the U.S. Army Air Forces, Steinbeck’s narrative is both informative and inspiring, capturing the camaraderie, dedication, and courage of the young men preparing for aerial combat.  Through his vivid descriptions and keen observations, Steinbeck highlights the rigorous training, technical skills, and psychological resilience required of bomber crews.  While the book serves as wartime propaganda, its compelling storytelling and empathetic portrayal of the airmen make it a valuable historical document and a tribute to the bravery of those who served.

Title: Telegram from Guernica Author: Nicholas Rankin Publisher: Faber & Faber, London Year Published: 2003 Started reading: 18 March 2024 From the back cover: George Lowther Steer (1909- 1944) was a classical scholarwho fought against dictatorship.  Perhaps our greatest war correspondent, he reported the Italian invasion of Ethiopia, the Russian invasion of Finland and single-handedly exposed the truth behind Nazi involvement in the bombing of Guernica in 1937.  In 1940 he joined the British Army and pioneered front-line psychological operations in Africa and Asia.  Nicholas Rankin's exhilarating biography evokes the restless life and turbulent times of a warrior for freedom, whose apt epitaph was 'scriptor et miles', writer and soldier. #reading #books #bookstagram #read

  Title: The American Revolution Author: John Fiske Publisher: iBooks MALAY SEAMEN IN THE AMERICAN NAVY Leaving these eighteens out of the account, the force of the Bon Homme Richard was about equal to that of a thirty-two-gun frigate. This singular vessel was manned by  a crew as nondescript as herself, a motley gang of sailors and marines from nearly every country in Europe, with half a dozen Malays into the bargain. To these a hundred New England men were afterwards added, bringing up the whole number to 380. FIRST HOISTING OF THE STARS AND STRIPES After this useful exploit, Colonel Willett returned to the fort and hoisted the captured British standards, while over them he raised an uncouth flag, intended to represent the American stars and strípes, whích Congress had adopted in June as the national banner. This rude flag, hastily extemporized out of a white shirt, an old blue jacket, and some strips of red cloth from the petticoat of a soldier's wife, was the first America...