The Greatest British "War" Books of All Time

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 305 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

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  1. 26. The Eagle Has Landed by Jack Higgins

    In this gripping World War II thriller, a group of German paratroopers is given a secret mission to kidnap Winston Churchill from a remote village in England. As they meticulously plan their operation, tensions rise within the team, and unexpected alliances are formed. With a race against time and the fate of the war hanging in the balance, the paratroopers must navigate treacherous obstacles and face their own inner demons to complete their daring mission.

    The 2055th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 27. The Ghost Road by Pat Barker

    "The Ghost Road" is a historical novel set during World War I that follows the experiences of a British army officer undergoing treatment for shell shock at a mental hospital. The narrative alternates between his perspective and that of his psychiatrist, who is fascinated by the psychological effects of war. The novel explores themes of trauma, memory, and the brutal realities of war, while also delving into the psychiatrist's own past experiences with a headhunting tribe in the South Pacific.

    The 2255th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 28. To the North by Elizabeth Bowen

    The novel follows the life of a young woman who, after the death of her husband, moves to London and falls in love with her sister-in-law's lover. The narrative dives deep into the complexities of human relationships and emotions, exploring themes of love, betrayal, and loss. As the protagonist navigates her way through grief and fresh love, the readers are offered a profound exploration of her internal struggles, painting a vivid picture of her emotional journey.

    The 2443rd Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 29. Her Privates We by Frederic Manning

    "Her Privates We" is a gripping and gritty account of the life of a British soldier during World War I. The novel provides an unflinchingly honest portrayal of the horrors of war, the camaraderie among soldiers, and the struggle to maintain humanity in the face of relentless suffering. It explores the protagonist's internal conflict as he grapples with the morality of war, the value of life, and the cost of duty.

    The 2443rd Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 30. Back by Henry Green

    "Back" is a novel about a British man who returns home after being a prisoner of war during World War II. He struggles to adjust to civilian life and is haunted by the loss of his lover, who died while he was away. As he tries to move on, he becomes entangled in a complicated relationship with his lover's half-sister, leading to a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the human capacity for resilience.

    The 2443rd Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 31. The Singapore Grip by J. G. Farrell

    "The Singapore Grip" is a satirical historical novel set in Singapore during the Second World War. The story revolves around a British family who owns a successful trading company and their experiences as the Japanese invasion looms. The book explores themes such as colonialism, greed, love, and the fall of the British Empire, providing a critical and humorous commentary on the era's socio-political landscape.

    The 2800th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 32. Mr Standfast by John Buchan

    "Mr Standfast" is a thrilling espionage novel set during World War I. The protagonist is a British intelligence officer who is tasked with tracking down a German spy. The mission takes him on a dangerous journey across war-torn Europe, where he encounters a variety of characters and faces numerous challenges. Along the way, he uncovers a plot that could change the course of the war. The novel is a blend of suspense, action, and romance, with a strong emphasis on patriotism and duty.

    The 2942nd Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 33. War Poems of Siegfried Sassoon by Siegfried Sassoon

    The book is a collection of poetry that vividly depicts the harsh realities of war. Written by a soldier who served during World War I, the poems capture the grim and brutal experiences of combat, providing a stark contrast to the romanticized notions of warfare. The author's vivid imagery and emotive language provide a powerful commentary on the futility and horror of war, making it a significant contribution to war literature.

    The 3462nd Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 34. Master Georgie by Beryl Bainbridge

    "Master Georgie" by Beryl Bainbridge is a historical novel set in the mid-19th century during the Crimean War. The story revolves around the life of George Hardy, a talented but troubled surgeon, and the people who are drawn into his orbit. Through the perspectives of different characters, the book explores themes of love, war, and the complexities of human relationships. The narrative unfolds through a series of vivid and haunting images, capturing the harsh realities of war and the emotional struggles of the characters.

    The 4879th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 35. The Eye in the Door by Pat Barker

    "The Eye in the Door" is a historical novel set during World War I. The story follows a British army officer suffering from shell shock, as well as his psychologist, as they navigate the traumas of war and the tumultuous political climate. The book explores themes of mental illness, homosexuality, and the societal pressures of the time, all against the backdrop of the war and its effects on those involved.

    The 5510th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 36. A Place of Greater Safety by Hilary Mantel

    This historical novel centers around the French Revolution and explores the lives and relationships of three of its key figures: Georges Danton, Maximilien Robespierre, and Camille Desmoulins. The story delves into their political and personal struggles, their rise to power, and their eventual downfall. The novel provides a detailed and vivid account of the tumultuous period, highlighting the chaos, violence, and upheavals of the revolution, while also giving an intimate portrayal of the characters' lives, friendships, and rivalries.

    The 5656th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 37. The Deceivers by John Masters

    "The Deceivers" is a historical novel set in 1825 India, focusing on the British colonial rule and the practice of Thuggee, a secret cult of mass murderers. The protagonist is a British officer who infiltrates the cult to expose and eradicate them. The narrative is a thrilling blend of suspense, adventure and romance, offering a profound exploration of British colonialism, Indian culture and the clash between the two.

    The 5920th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 38. The Origins of the Second World War by A. J. P. Taylor

    This book delves into the causes and events leading to the Second World War, challenging traditional views and suggesting that it was not a premeditated act of aggression by Germany, but rather a series of miscalculations and blunders by various nations. It argues that the war was not inevitable, but was the result of flawed diplomacy and the failure of the League of Nations. The author presents a detailed analysis of the actions of major players, including Britain, France, and Russia, providing a fresh perspective on the political climate of the time.

    The 6169th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 39. Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein

    "Code Name Verity" is a gripping historical fiction novel set during World War II. The story follows two best friends, a British spy and a pilot, as they navigate the dangerous world of espionage and warfare. When their plane crashes in Nazi-occupied France, their friendship and loyalty are tested as they face interrogation, betrayal, and the harsh realities of war. Through alternating perspectives and a complex web of secrets, the book explores themes of bravery, sacrifice, and the enduring power of friendship.

    The 6272nd Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 40. How I Live Now by Meg Rosoff

    A 15-year-old New Yorker is sent to live with her eccentric British cousins on a remote farm in England, where she falls in love with her cousin. Their idyllic summer is shattered when war breaks out and the country falls under martial law. The protagonist must learn to survive in this brutal new world, while also grappling with love, loss, and the complexities of adolescence.

    The 6474th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 41. Day by A. L. Kennedy

    "Day" is a powerful novel about a World War II veteran who returns to the scene of his former imprisonment as an extra on a film set. The protagonist is haunted by his experiences as a tail gunner and a prisoner of war, and the narrative alternates between his time in the stalag and his present day experiences on the set. As he grapples with his past, he also seeks to reconnect with a woman he once loved, adding a poignant layer to his journey of self-discovery and healing.

    The 6948th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 42. A Ship Of The Line by C S Forester

    In "A Ship Of The Line" by C.S. Forester, the story follows the adventures of Captain Horatio Hornblower as he commands the HMS Sutherland, a powerful ship of the line, during the Napoleonic Wars. As Hornblower faces various challenges, including battles at sea, political intrigue, and personal dilemmas, he must rely on his intelligence, resourcefulness, and leadership skills to navigate through the dangerous waters of war and emerge victorious. With vivid descriptions and compelling characters, the novel offers a thrilling and immersive glimpse into the world of naval warfare in the early 19th century.

    The 7960th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 43. Flying Colours by C S Forester

    In this historical fiction novel set during the Napoleonic Wars, a British naval officer named Horatio Hornblower is given the task of escorting a convoy of merchant ships through dangerous waters infested with enemy ships. As he faces numerous challenges and battles, Hornblower demonstrates his exceptional leadership skills and strategic thinking, earning the respect and admiration of his crew. With thrilling naval battles and a compelling protagonist, "Flying Colours" is an exciting tale of adventure and heroism on the high seas.

    The 7960th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 44. Poor Man's Tapestry by G. Oliver Onions

    In "Poor Man's Tapestry" by "G. Oliver Onions," the story unfolds in a small English village where the lives of several characters intersect. As secrets and hidden desires come to light, the delicate balance of the community is disrupted, leading to unexpected consequences. Through vivid descriptions and compelling storytelling, the author explores themes of love, betrayal, and the complexities of human relationships, leaving readers captivated until the final page.

    The 7960th Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 45. The Siege by Helen Dunmore

    "The Siege" is a historical fiction novel set during the Siege of Leningrad in World War II. The story revolves around the Levin family and their struggle to survive the harsh winter and the brutal blockade imposed by the German army. The narrative explores the themes of love, hope, and endurance in the face of adversity, providing a poignant depiction of the human spirit's resilience during one of the most tragic periods in history.

    The 8107th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 46. Achilles by Elizabeth Cook

    This lyrical novel reimagines the life of the legendary Greek hero Achilles, focusing on his deep bond with Patroclus and his fateful role in the Trojan War. The narrative delves into themes of love, fate, and the human condition, exploring Achilles' journey from his divine origins to his mortal end. The book interweaves myth with a poetic sensibility, offering a fresh perspective on an ancient tale that highlights the timeless nature of human emotions and the inescapable pull of destiny.

    The 8373rd Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 47. Something Like A House by Sid Smith

    "Something Like A House" is a poignant and thought-provoking novel that explores the complex relationships between family members and the impact of secrets on their lives. Set in post-war Britain, the story follows a young boy named Joe who is sent to live with his estranged grandparents in a dilapidated house. As Joe uncovers the truth about his family's past, he must navigate the emotional turmoil and challenges that arise, ultimately discovering the power of forgiveness and the importance of finding one's own identity.

    The 9629th Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 48. The Silence of the Girls by Pat Barker

    The novel is a retelling of the Trojan War from the perspective of Briseis, a queen turned slave to the legendary Achilles. It explores the brutal realities and hardships endured by women during wartime, often silenced in traditional narratives. The book delves into themes of power, survival, and the female experience in a male-dominated world, offering a fresh, feminist perspective on a classic tale.

    The 9809th Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 49. The Separation by Christopher Priest

    "The Separation" by Christopher Priest is a thought-provoking novel that explores the concept of alternate histories. Set during and after World War II, it follows the lives of twin brothers, Joe and Jack Sawyer, who find themselves on different sides of the conflict. Through a series of intertwining narratives, the book delves into the consequences of their choices and the impact it has on their personal lives and the world at large. Blurring the lines between reality and fiction, the novel raises profound questions about identity, memory, and the nature of truth.

    The 10492nd Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 50. War Music by Christopher Logue

    "War Music" is a modernist adaptation of Homer's "Iliad," retelling the epic tale of the Trojan War in contemporary language. The narrative focuses on the final weeks of the ten-year war, highlighting the intense conflict between the Greek hero Achilles and the Trojan prince Hector. The book features vivid and imaginative descriptions of battles, and the characters are portrayed with psychological depth, making the ancient story accessible and engaging for modern readers.

    The 10669th Greatest Book of All Time

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