Rockets' red glare

The author of "Dog Soldiers" picks five great contemporary war novels.

Published October 11, 1999 4:00PM (EDT)

Tiger the Lurp Dog by Kenn Miller
The kind of book that casually and effortlessly incorporates a deep understanding of war. Its authenticity makes its unpretentious whimsy and grim humor doubly effective. It is a memorable and touching novel almost in spite of itself.

One Very Hot Day by David Halberstam
A stylish, sardonic invocation of the early days of the Vietnam War, with a strong central character.

The Things They Carried by Tim OBrien
Nothing casual here except perhaps for the sleight of hand of great art. This is the beautifully executed work of a major writer.

An Ice-Cream War by William Boyd
Boyds complex characters, irony and humor seem to combine properties of the traditional English novel with innovative psychological intimacy.

Advertisement:

Horn of Africa by Philip Caputo
Terrific battle scenes, described with great verve and skill by a Vietnam veteran and war correspondent.


By Robert Stone

Robert Stone is the author of seven books of fiction, including, most recently, "Damascus Gate."

MORE FROM Robert Stone


Related Topics ------------------------------------------

Books Readers And Reading