The award-winning author of four novels and numerous works of non-fiction chooses his favourite works of war reportage. His latest book, "Homework: A Memoir", is out now.
The Face of War
A record of multiple conflicts – from the Spanish Civil War to Vietnam and beyond – over several decades, with characteristic unflinching attention and sympathy. As she put it: "I gave up trying to think or judge, and turned myself into a walking tape recorder with eyes."
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Brave Men
Ernie Pyle, 1944
Hard to appreciate now and from the perspective of the UK just how widely read and loved Pyle was as America's voice from the front lines of Europe. He shared the dangers of the soldiers he was writing about. He also shared their exhaustion but forced himself to go on, to cover the Pacific War, where he was killed by a Japanese sniper.
Dispatches
Michael Herr, 1977
An intoxicating mix of new journalism, stoned combat reportage and memoir that achieved the perfect form and style to convey the dreadful futility unleashed by America on Vietnam.
The Soccer War
Ryszard Kapuscinski, 1978
Kapuscinski was a – the – Polish foreign correspondent, famous for having witnessed almost 30 revolutions and coups in the postwar period of decolonisation. Wildly original and inventive – to a fault, since it has turned out that, despite his stated compulsion to experience everything for himself, he didn't always witness the events he claimed to be reporting on. He remains a giant of global literature and a far worthier recipient of the Nobel Prize than some who received this ultimate accolade.
The Forever War
Dexter Filkins, 2008
A compelling and profoundly moving narrative of fragments and stories detailing the long aftermath of the US invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq. The central piece, Pearland Habibi, clinches the case: this is reportage on a par with fiction of the highest quality.
-
Elizabeth Gilbert’s favorite books about women overcoming difficultiesFeature The author recommends works by Tove Jansson, Lauren Groff, and more
-
Book reviews: ‘Listening to the Law: Reflections on the Court and Constitution’ and ‘Dark Renaissance: The Dangerous Times and Fatal Genius of Shakespeare’s Greatest Rival’Feature A Supreme Court justice sets out her philosophy and the English Renaissance’s wild child
-
Critics’ choice: Three small yet magical Korean restaurantsFeature A chef creates magic from scallops, a restaurant’s no-waste ethos, and more
-
Music reviews: Dijon and Big ThiefFeature “Baby!” and “Double Infinity”
-
Sabrina Carpenter: Pop’s clown princessFeature The pop star shows humor in her latest album
-
6 sought-after homes in San FranciscoFeature Featuring a 1900 painted lady Victorian North of the Panhandle and views of the Golden Gate Bridge in Russian Hill
-
Film reviews: The Long Walk, Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale, and The BaltimoronsFeature Young men must keep moving or else, the avowed capper to a beloved British series, and an unlikely romance takes hold on Christmas Eve
-
Spinal Tap II: The End Continues – laughs are sadly ‘thin on the ground’Talking Point Disappointing sequel to the classic rock’n’roll spoof
