A Soldier of the Great War
A Soldier of the Great War
Book Brief
880
Novel • Fiction
Italy • Early 20th century
1991
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
A Soldier of the Great War by Mark Helprin follows Alessandro Guiliani, a 74-year-old Italian World War I veteran, as he recounts his wartime experiences to Nicolo Sambuca during a journey over the Alps to Rome. Through flashbacks, Alessandro recalls his youth, his time as a soldier, his capture and escape, and his encounters with art and love, culminating in reflections on faith and belief. Sensitive topics include wartime violence and death.
Contemplative
Melancholic
Inspirational
Bittersweet
Nostalgic
Reviews & Readership
8,684 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Helprin's A Soldier of the Great War is praised for its lyrical writing, vivid descriptions, and profound philosophical reflections, making it a profound meditation on love, war, and beauty. Critics, however, note its extensive length and occasional digressive passages, potentially deterring less patient readers. Overall, it's a richly textured narrative that rewards careful reading.
Who Should Read A Soldier of the Great War?
Readers who appreciate richly poetic prose, philosophical musings, and epic tales of love and war will revel in Mark Helprin's A Soldier of the Great War. Fans of Gabriel Garcia Marquez's One Hundred Years of Solitude and Michael Ondaatje's The English Patient will be particularly captivated by Helprin's masterful storytelling and intricate character development.
8,684 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Mark Helprin, the author of A Soldier of the Great War, is known for his vivid descriptions and lyrical prose, which have often been compared to the works of classical writers like Marcel Proust and Henry James.
The novel is noted for its philosophical reflections on the nature of beauty and love, themes that Helprin explores through a richly detailed narrative set against the backdrop of World War I.
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Helprin, who has also served as an adviser to political leaders, infuses his writing with a deep understanding of historical and political contexts, adding layers of depth to the storytelling in A Soldier of the Great War.
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880
Novel • Fiction
Italy • Early 20th century
1991
Adult
18+ years
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