The Thin Red Line

The Thin Red Line
ISBN: 9780141393247
Publication Date: 23 July 2014

'Is it really worth it to die, to be dead, just to prove to everybody that you're not a coward?'

On Guadalcanal in the south Pacific, the soldiers of C Company are about to enter the war. The men know they face their baptism of fire. But none know if they will be one of 'the lucky ones' to make it safely off the island. From Captain Stein, who feels like a father to his troops, and 'Mad' Sergeant Welsh, condemning all nations while swigging gin from his canteen, to Private Bell, who just wants to get home to his wife, they will discover the line that divides sanity from madness, and life from death.

A scathing critique of heroism, The Thin Red Line is among the greatest masterpieces of war writing.

About the Author

James Jones (1921-1977) was born in Robinson, Illinois and enlisted in the US army in 1939, serving in the 25th Infantry Division in Hawaii during Pearl Harbor and later in Guadalcanal in the Pacfic, where he was wounded in action. He is the author of many acclaimed novels, including the National Book Award-winner From Here to Eternity.