The Big War

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First US edition TheBigWar.jpg
First US edition

The Big War is the second novel by American writer Anton Myrer, published by Appleton-Century-Crofts in 1957. While Myrer is best known for his 1968 novel Once an Eagle , this was his first commercial and critical success.

Contents

The novel is based on Myrer's experience serving in the South Pacific during World War II. [1] The ordinary Marine's perception of battle is described in this book in a manner much like Saving Private Ryan or Band of Brothers , although in this work Myrer also gives a detailed description of life on "the home front" for both Marines (during leave) and their families.

Critical reviews

Clifton Fadiman compared The Big War to The Naked and the Dead . Commonweal compared it to War and Peace and The Red Badge of Courage . The Boston Herald described it as a modern Iliad .

The New York Times called it "almost never exciting". [2]

Adaptations

This novel became the basis for the 1958 movie In Love and War , starring Robert Wagner, Jeffrey Hunter, Bradford Dillman and Hope Lange.

References

  1. ↑ H. M. (May 28, 1978). "BEHIND THE BEST SELLERS". New York Times. ProQuest   123690089.
  2. ↑ Dempsey, D. (May 5, 1957). "A battle of nuances". New York Times. ProQuest   113963292.