I really loved the following:
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The Kindly Ones by Jonathan Litell (one of my favorite books ever)
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Blood Meridian, and The Road, both by Cormac McCarthy
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The Handmaid's Tale
Amongst other works of a more realistic, grim approach to reality.
Well, I really liked the movie Civil War (2024). I’m specifically searching for books that offer a realistic, grim portrayal of war and/or politics. Realism is key for me—I’m not interested in flashy action scenes, goofy and Tarantino-like military strategy, or soap-opera drama. Instead, I prefer books that delve into the gritty details of geopolitical conflicts or political situations with a high level of authenticity.
I read the Divided we fall trilogy and I could not stand the author's idealism, the cheesy military strategy and the unrealism in general of the books. On contrast, I really enjoyed Our War, by Craig DiLouie.
If you know of any books focused on an American second civil war, WW3, or intricate political scenarios that fit this description, I’d really appreciate your suggestions!
Thanks a lot!
by CthulhuCaomunista
2 Comments
The Chronciles of Max by JL Bourne though it’s written 1st person journal style.
If you’re looking for geopolitical war though I always recommend Larry Bond and Harold Coyle. They’re not pulpy and there’s a fair amount of grit, similar to Red Storm Rising by Tom Clancy.
**Parable of the Sower** by Octavia Butler would definitely be worth checking out. It follows a young woman travelling through a dystopian United States which is slowly collapsing into anarchy from climate disasters, social breakdown, and political conflict. It’s more about the characters than the broader political scene, but is still an explicitly political book – similar to *The Handmaid’s Tale*. It’s phenomenally written, incredibly grim but also all too realistic.