The Naked and the Dead

by Norman Mailer
The Naked and the Dead cover
Good Books rating 3.5
History, Political, Military, Adventure
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  • ID: 9403
  • Added: 2025-12-24
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9780241340509
  • Publisher: Penguin UK
  • Published: 2018-11-01
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 3

Norman Mailer's 'The Naked and the Dead' is a groundbreaking novel that delves into the brutal realities of war, drawing from Mailer's personal military service in the Philippines during World War II. Published in 1949, the book challenged the prevailing glorification of war by offering a raw and honest depiction of soldiers' struggles to maintain their humanity amidst the chaos and horror of battle. /n/n The novel follows a fourteen-man platoon stationed on a Japanese-held island in the South Pacific, exploring their individual and collective experiences. Written in a journalistic style, it captures the soldiers' internal conflicts and their search for meaning and dignity in the face of adversity. The book's graphic truthfulness and profound psychological insights make it a seminal work in war literature.

Reviews
Cannonball Read · Kit Teguh · 2021-12-28
intriguing 3.50

The novel is not plot-driven, which reflects the life of a soldier. The focus is on the characters and their experiences, making it a unique and engaging read.

Cannonball Read's review highlights that the novel is not plot-driven, which reflects the life of a soldier. The focus is on the characters and their experiences, making it a unique and engaging read. The reviewer appreciates the anti-plot nature of the book, which allows for a deeper exploration of the characters and their inner worlds. The book is not an easy read, but it is a rewarding one that offers a unique perspective on the war experience. The reviewer notes that the book is not always enjoyable, but it is a powerful and thought-provoking read that stays with you long after you've finished it.

Quick quotes

    The novel is not plot driven, which makes sense in terms of the life of a soldier, and is even kind of anti-plot, as the focus of the novel is a ...

    It is often not an enjoyable book to read, and you might be feeling swelling with an inexplicable void.

    There is not much violence to speak of, but the psychological impact is profound.

The New York Times · 1997-05-04
good 3.00

The vignettes in the book are skillfully written, but the main narrative can be sluggish at times. The book is a mix of brilliant writing and slower-paced sections that can be challenging to get through.

The New York Times review notes that the book is a mix of brilliant writing and slower-paced sections. The vignettes are particularly well-crafted, showcasing Mailer's skill as a writer. However, the main narrative can be sluggish, making it a bit of a challenge to get through at times. Despite this, the book is still a compelling read that offers a unique perspective on the war experience. The reviewer acknowledges that while the book has its slower moments, the overall quality of the writing makes it worth the effort.

Quick quotes

    If there is any doubt that Mr. Mailer is a perceptive, skillful writer, these vignettes will dispel it.

    By contrast, the main narrative is often sluggish; too much of the book is taken up with the internal monologues of the characters.

    The novel is not plot driven, which makes sense in terms of the life of a soldier, and is even kind of anti-plot, as the focus of the novel is a ...

The Guardian · 1949-05-13
brilliant 4.00

The book is tremendously good, perhaps even better than that. It stands out as one of the finest novels from the Second World War. The narrative is compelling and the characters are vividly portrayed, making it a powerful read.

The Guardian's review highlights that this book is a standout piece of literature from the Second World War. They praise its vivid portrayal of characters and the compelling narrative that draws readers in. The reviewer suggests that the book's strength lies in its ability to capture the essence of the war experience, making it a powerful and unforgettable read. The book is not just good; it's perhaps even better than that, standing out among other works from the same era.

Quick quotes

    His book is tremendously good, and perhaps better than that.

    If it comes to a showdown we stand by Norman Mailer.

    The novel hits its lowest points in these episodes.

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