The Red Badge of Courage

by Stephen Crane
The Red Badge of Courage cover
Good Books rating 3.69
Historical Fiction
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Paperback • £12.99–£13.99
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  • ID: 8806
  • Added: 2025-12-22
  • Updated: 2026-02-03
  • ISBN: 9781625585455
  • Publisher: Simon and Schuster
  • Published: 2012-12-12
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 4

The Red Badge of Courage is a seminal work in American literature, renowned for its stark portrayal of the American Civil War. The novel follows a young soldier who grapples with fear and self-doubt before ultimately finding courage on the battlefield. /n/n Stephen Crane's masterpiece is celebrated for its realistic depiction of war and its profound exploration of the human psyche. The book's success catapulted Crane to international fame and remains a staple in literary studies.

Reviews
Luminous Libro · Luminous Libro · 2023-02-02
disappointing 2.00

The story is not one the reviewer enjoys, as they struggled to connect with the characters. The narrative style and character development are seen as less engaging.

The reviewer from Luminous Libro expresses a less enthusiastic view of The Red Badge of Courage, stating that it is not the sort of story they typically enjoy. They mention struggling to connect with the characters, partly due to the way they are referred to in the narrative. The reviewer finds the novel's style and character development less engaging, which affects their overall enjoyment of the book. Despite this, they acknowledge the novel's historical significance and its impact on war literature.

Quick quotes

    It's just not at all the sort of story that I enjoy.

    I didn't connect with any of the characters, partly because they are rarely referred to by name.

    The narrative style and character development are seen as less engaging.

Grounded Curiosity · 2022-09-25
insightful 4.25

The novel is considered a must-read for military personnel, especially junior officers, due to its relevance and insights. It touches on universal themes that resonate deeply.

Grounded Curiosity's review emphasizes the novel's significance for military personnel, particularly junior officers. The reviewer finds the novel's exploration of war and its psychological impact to be highly relevant and insightful. The themes touched upon are universal, making the novel a compelling read for a wide audience. The reviewer also appreciates the novel's quick pace and engaging style, which makes it accessible despite its heavy themes. The novel's relevance to modern military experiences is particularly highlighted, making it a valuable resource for those in the field.

Quick quotes

    The Red Badge of Courage is a must read for all military personnel and especially relevant for junior officers.

    It touches on what is all too often overlooked in discussions of war.

    The novel's relevance to modern military experiences is particularly highlighted, making it a valuable resource for those in the field.

I Would Rather Be Reading Blog · I Would Rather Be Reading · 2020-12-13
impressive 4.00

The book is as much a psychological novel as it is about war, with Henry's character laid bare throughout. The narrative is both intense and introspective.

The reviewer from I Would Rather Be Reading Blog is impressed with how The Red Badge of Courage delves deeply into the psychological aspects of war. They highlight the novel's ability to lay bare the character of Henry, making it a deeply introspective and intense read. The blogger appreciates the way Crane portrays the internal struggles and emotions of the protagonist, offering a unique perspective on the experience of war. The review suggests that the novel's psychological depth is one of its most compelling aspects, making it a standout work in war literature.

Quick quotes

    I was impressed with how this book was just as much a psychological novel as one about war.

    Throughout the novel, Henry's character is laid bare.

    The narrative is both intense and introspective.

The Guardian · 2014-04-14
profound 4.50

The novel is seen as a foundational text in the modernist movement, with its influence still felt today. Its exploration of war and psychology is both profound and timeless.

The Guardian highlights The Red Badge of Courage as a seminal work in the modernist movement, noting its enduring influence on literature. The review emphasizes the novel's depth in portraying the psychological and emotional turmoil of war, making it a timeless exploration of human nature. The book's ability to capture the essence of battle and the internal struggles of its protagonist is praised for its realism and impact. The Guardian suggests that Crane's work continues to resonate with readers, offering a unique perspective on the American Civil War and the human condition.

Quick quotes

    Some critics see The Red Badge of Courage as a founding text in the modernist movement, a seminal novel whose influence haunts the composition of many later works.

    The novel is a seminal work whose influence haunts the composition of many later works.

    The Red Badge of Courage is a profound and timeless exploration of human nature.

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