Another characteristic is the exploration of human nature. In the face of a WW3 scenario, characters in these novels usually display a range of emotions and behaviors. Some might show great heroism, like trying to save others or fight for justice, while others might succumb to fear and desperation. In 'The Road', the father's unwavering love for his son in the midst of a post - apocalyptic world is a great example of exploring human nature in a WW3 - like setting. These novels also often deal with themes of survival, morality, and the value of human life.
All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque is a great one. It vividly depicts the horrors and futility of war from the perspective of a young German soldier. The book shows the physical and mental toll war takes on the soldiers.
A really good ww2 espionage novel is 'Operation Mincemeat'. It's based on a true story of a brilliant deception plan during the war. Then there's 'Fatherland' which, while set in an alternate history where the Nazis won, still has elements of espionage that are related to the ww2 context. 'The Odessa File' is also a great pick, with its thrilling plot about a journalist uncovering secrets related to former Nazis and the espionage activities that are part of the post - ww2 scenario but have their roots in the war.
Some popular WW2 detective novels include 'The Postman Always Rings Twice' by James M. Cain. Although not strictly a WW2 - centered detective story, it has the noir feel that was popular during and after the war. 'The Thin Man' by Dashiell Hammett also has elements of detective mystery that were characteristic of the era. And 'All the Light We Cannot See' by Anthony Doerr. While it's more about the human experience during WW2, there are elements of mystery and discovery much like a detective novel as it follows the lives of a blind French girl and a German boy during the war.
There's also 'War Stories: A Graphic History of World War One'. This one contains multiple short stories that give different perspectives on the war. It has some amazing art that really helps bring the era to life. And 'To End All Wars: The Graphic History of World War One' is also very good. It not only shows the battles but also the political and social aspects of the time.
One great WW11 fiction novel is 'The Book Thief' by Markus Zusak. It tells a powerful story from the perspective of a young girl in Nazi Germany. Another is 'All the Light We Cannot See' which beautifully weaves the tales of a blind French girl and a German boy during the war.
A key characteristic is the exploration of love in the face of adversity. In WW2, there were so many obstacles - separation, death, and moral dilemmas. The best novels show how love can persevere through all these difficulties. They also may touch on themes like sacrifice, where a character might sacrifice their own happiness or safety for their loved one or for a greater cause related to the war.
One great WW2 visual novel is 'Rose Guns Days'. It has a complex story set during the war, with well - developed characters. Another is 'Muv - Luv Alternative', which combines mecha elements with a WW2 - like scenario in an interesting way. And 'Katawa Shoujo' also has some storylines that touch on the themes of the war and its impact on the characters, though it's not solely focused on WW2.
Another notable WW1 spy novel is 'The Riddle of the Sands' by Erskine Childers. It combines elements of sailing and espionage. The story unfolds as the protagonists discover a German plot during WW1 while sailing in the North Sea. It's a unique take on the spy genre for that era.