The Big War [Paperback]

Anton Myrer (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 1981

They were our husbands, our fathers, our lovers, our sons. They were Americans and Marines. And this is their story: The Big War, Anton Myrer's panoramic novel of Marines in the Pacific in World War II. This is the story of Alan Newcombe, the Boston society Harvard man; Danny Kantaylis, the natural-born leader; Jay O'Neill, the barroom scrapper. Myrer does not glorify war; he does not flinch from describing what the actual experience of warfare was like for a desperate group of Marines trapped in some of the worst fighting conditions of the war. We learn about their lives at home and their fates on the battlefield.

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Right after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Anton Myrer enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served for three years in the Pacific. Wounded on Guam, he returned to Harvard, graduated, and began an illustrious literary career in which he wrote such memorable novels as The Big War, The Last Convertible, and A Green Desire. He died in 1996. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback
• Publisher: Berkley (June 1, 1981)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0425046729
• ISBN-13: 978-0425046722
• Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 4.2 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,225,436 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Big War, February 20, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: The Big War (Paperback)

Like all Myrer's books, an excellent literary adventure. But, be sure to have a dictionary near by, as nearly every page a new, unfamiliar word pops up! If you like war stories and interesting characters, as well as good writing, you'll like this book.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Vivid depiction by someone who lived it, May 23, 2008

By 

Ken (North Carolina) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Big War (Paperback)

In 1942 Anton Myrer went from being a Harvard college kid to a marine in the Pacific. He served for four years, was wounded on Guam, and occupied the Mariannas. Set in both the "home front" and the Pacific, "The Big War" vividly depicts the hopes, frustrations, and horror experienced by those who served. It does not glamorize war, but does show the valor of the every-day enlisted man, and the sacrifices that they (and their families) made. The writing is outstanding: In one scene, you will find yourself ready to put the book down, locate, and punch out a petty character who "has it in" for Danny Kantaylis. Myrer captures the feel of the United States at the time and concludes by attempting to express the emotions that motivated the veterans who returned. If you want a depiction of war by someone who lived it, then this is fiction that reaches beyond entertainment and gives us a window into the times. "Critical Reviews" (missing from the Amazon site) based on the original publication are inserted as a "comment" to this review for your further reference.

16 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely perfect, real, sad and true., August 5, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Big War (Paperback)

Myrer's "Big War" is a true-color picture of the cruelty and sorrow which can be brought only by war. Perfectly written, very impressive and worth reading.