Many of these novels also focus on the human element. They show how people from different backgrounds come together or are torn apart by the war. In 'Slaughterhouse - Five', the main character's experiences show how war can be disorienting and how individuals struggle to find meaning in the chaos. They also often have a sense of hope or redemption in the face of such a dark time, like in 'Atonement' where the characters are seeking atonement for their actions during the war.
One characteristic is the portrayal of the brutality of war. Novels often show the physical and psychological damage done to soldiers and civilians alike. For example, in 'All Quiet on the Western Front', we see the constant fear and the senseless destruction.