War, its background, and its debilitating effects are controversial topics most people would tiptoe around. However, war novels can also be jam-packed with life lessons beyond the action and attacks they narrate.

Some of the greatest novels that helped mold and change the course of society weren’t about love; instead, they revolved around war. Stories that depict the loss of peace and the darkest times for humans became the light that guided them forward. These war novels may seem more corrupting and unwholesome as they narrate bloodbaths, the carnage from conflict and struggles. But they also detail consequential parts of history, most of the humans’ massive victories, and the most heartwarming stories.

People don’t only learn from optimism and tenderness. Often, they also learn from their grimmest experiences. From what they could have done better to what they shouldn’t do next time, despair ushers others toward development and improvement.

Without knowing what occurs during the war, people wouldn’t appreciate peace or seek it. Nobody would strive to maintain peace unless they were aware of what leads to war and what happens as a consequence of it. Everybody would be mindless about their interactions with each other. Nobody would care without knowing about the repercussions. These are what war novels offer to their readers.

War Novels of Struggle

Gang conflicts to ethnic and civil conflicts are some of the underlying reasons why friction becomes wars. These events stem from one’s abuse of power. Novels focusing on these are integral toward understanding a variety of subjects involving a technical outlook on human nature and the power dynamics between nations. These act as dialogues about forces that move countries, a breathtaking look at the grounds and foundations of war.

However, war is often birthed because of aggression and kindness – the desire to help a beaten-up comrade stand up and recover from antagonism. This tugs not only readers’ minds into the marvel of human nature. But they also tug their hearts for the heartwarming stories they share. Such war novels teach people about happiness, love, and compassion – fundamental factors to help them live better lives and change the world.

One of these novels discusses the “splendid little war” due to America’s compassion and support of another’s struggle.

The Letters of C.M. Case by Virginia R. Degner is a Spanish American war memoir book. This is a heartening book following a man’s experiences throughout the war, which he had personally and sincerely written to share. His letters didn’t only account for what happened along the way but also provide wisdom for his family and to anyone reading his letters.

While they’re primarily narratives about his war experiences, these letters are also rich with wisdom. They have as much to say about life and how people function as they’re about conflicts.

Love Births Life

Only a few people have first-hand experiences with war. They don’t know what exactly goes down during these events. However, readers are exposed enough to media and war novels to imagine and picture the circumstances. It doesn’t take an experience to truly empathize and understand how people would feel during these situations.

They would know how bleak life would seem for these soldiers. And it’s easy to understand how hopeless they would have become, surrounded by explosions and deaths.

While it sounds too sentimental and pessimistic, it can become tempting to give life up when in these situations. These individuals may believe there’s no point living when they can’t be promised tomorrow. At war, everything is uncertain. But this shouldn’t be grounds for giving up. Humans crave relationships. While it’s, in essence, a massive display of conflict, war is still also about companionship. It shows people the power of genuine friendship and unity. And how they transcend national war and struggle. This love between companions and country should be enough for soldiers to push through with every challenge. It’s what makes life worth living.

If there’s one thing war novels teach readers, it’s love. And how the persistence to protect and serve others for this very emotion can attain goals that may seem unattainable. War teaches people how living for others can be fulfilling. It doesn’t have to be done in an extremist sense as going into war. But being compassionate and kinder can already be a great start.