5 Books Like The Red Badge of Courage You'll Want to Read Next

If you loved Stephen Crane’s The Red Badge of Courage, a classic Civil War novel that delves deep into the psyche of a young soldier, you might be wondering what to read next. To help you find your next great read, we’ve compiled a list of 5 similar books that explore themes like war, personal growth, and coming of age. So, without further ado, let’s dive in!

1. All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque

All Quiet on the Western Front is a devastating portrayal of World War I from the perspective of a German soldier named Paul Bäumer. As Paul faces the horrors of war alongside his fellow schoolmates, he starts questioning the notion of patriotism and questions the meaning of life itself. The novel is a powerful exploration of the disillusionment felt by those who fought in the trenches and a profound anti-war statement.

Read or listen to All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque

2. A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway

Set during World War I, A Farewell to Arms follows the story of Frederic Henry, an American ambulance driver in the Italian army. As Frederic faces the chaos and brutality of war, he finds solace in his love affair with a British nurse, Catherine Barkley. A powerful portrayal of love and tragedy amidst the backdrop of war, this novel offers a striking contrast between the harsh realities of war and the potential for human connection even during the toughest times.

Read or listen to A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway

3. The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien

This collection of interrelated short stories takes you to the battlegrounds of the Vietnam War, alongside Lieutenant Cross’s platoon of American soldiers. Through these stories, you’ll learn about the weights these soldiers carried with them – both physically and emotionally – as they fought and tried to make sense of their experiences. This semi-autobiographical work effectively portrays the individual struggles of soldiers and explores themes of love, loss, and the human capacity for resilience.

Read or listen to The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien

4. Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier

This epic novel tells the story of W.P. Inman, a wounded Civil War Confederate soldier who embarks on a treacherous journey to reunite with his beloved, Ada Monroe. Meanwhile, Ada struggles to survive as Cold Mountain’s society breaks down in the final days of the Confederacy. Cold Mountain is more than just a historical novel; it’s a deeply moving exploration of perseverance and the human spirit in the face of hardship.

Read or listen to Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier

5. War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy

This masterpiece of Russian literature delves deep into the lives of numerous aristocratic characters during Napoleon’s invasion of Russia in 1812. Through the eyes of these characters, Tolstoy explores themes of love, friendship, war, and the search for life’s meaning. Although the novel is lengthy, it’s well worth the investment, as it offers unparalleled depth and complexity in its narrative, characters, and portrayal of life during the Napoleonic Wars.

Read or listen to War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy

In conclusion, if you enjoyed The Red Badge of Courage and are looking for similar themes and emotional depth, these five books are excellent options to explore next. Each offers a unique perspective on war and the individual human experience, while also delving into the complex nature of humanity itself. Don’t miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in these captivating and thought-provoking novels.

Read or listen to The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane