The Young Lions
Irwin Shaw, 1948, (repr., New York: Open Road Media, 2013)
This is a magnificent story that illustrates the faces and attitudes of war. Shaw's epic narrative follows World War II through the eyes of an obedient German sergeant, an insecure young Jewish soldier, who endures the prejudice of fellows soldiers, and a cynic from Broadway trying to define himself. The story begins in the late 1930s and follows the lives of these men until the end of the War. Shaw paints a picture of men evolving from civilians into hardened soldiers. As this was written in 1948, the voice of war was not tainted by time. Shaw, himself a soldier during WWII, clearly relates the history he lived. His prose is flawless and engaging. The vast opinions of the period are expressed through the characters, with Shaw tacitly incorporating his own beliefs into the narrative. Further, the actual battles that Shaw incorporates into the narrative are detailed and the actions taken by the characters are often times disturbing. Overall, the reader is afforded the opportunity to experience the effects war has on the souls of those who endure. This is a timeless masterpiece and a must read, not only for fans of historical fiction but for those who appreciate a wonderful literary experience.
