From Here to Eternity by James Jones
From Here to Eternity by James Jones
“That was one of the virtues of being a pessimist: nothing was ever as bad as you thought it would be.”
― James Jones, From Here to Eternity
Published in 1951, From Here to Eternity is the debut novel from James Jones. Set at the Schofield Army Barracks on Oahu in the Hawaiian Islands, the story revolves around army life directly before and during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor that launched the U.S. into World War II.
The novel features a rebellious “thirty-year man” named Private Robert E. Lee Prewitt and his ongoing battle with his fellow soldiers, and more importantly, himself. “Prew” was a talented welterweight boxer and an exceptional bugler in past units. Due to personal reasons, he requested a transfer to an infantry unit. Big mistake!
The rest of this lengthy and well written novel is a literary powerhouse of character development involving Prew, his fellow soldiers and the women they love. Like life itself, this novel has peaks and valleys, but is ultimately one heck of a ride.
Also, give The Thin Red Line a try for more from James Jones.
Check out the wonderful Academy Award winning film! (though the book is better!)
Dan @ Central