A Midnight Clear
A Midnight Clear
Book Brief
224
Novel • Fiction
Ardennes Forest • 1940s
1982
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
A Midnight Clear by William Wharton is a historical fiction novel set in the Ardennes Forest during World War II, where a small squad of young American soldiers, led by 19-year-old Sergeant William Knott, encounters a group of German soldiers who are unexpectedly reticent to fight. Sensitive topics include graphic depictions of death and wartime trauma.
Melancholic
Mysterious
Bittersweet
Contemplative
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
2,104 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
William Wharton's A Midnight Clear is praised for its poignant portrayal of World War II, vividly capturing the emotional complexities of young soldiers. Critics commend its character depth and atmospheric writing. However, some find its pacing uneven. Overall, it is considered a compelling yet somber exploration of wartime humanity.
Who Should Read A Midnight Clear?
A reader who enjoys A Midnight Clear by William Wharton would appreciate character-driven narratives set against the backdrop of war, much like Erich Maria Remarque's All Quiet on the Western Front. Fans of introspective, poignant stories that explore the human condition amidst conflict will find this novel compelling.
2,104 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
In 1992, A Midnight Clear was adapted into a film of the same name, starring Ethan Hawke and Gary Sinise, and it received critical acclaim for its atmospheric portrayal of World War II.
William Wharton based some elements of A Midnight Clear on his own experiences as an American soldier in Europe during World War II, drawing from the themes of camaraderie and the absurdity of war.
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The novel was first published in 1982 and contributed to William Wharton's reputation as an author who examines the complexities of human relationships under the strains of war.
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224
Novel • Fiction
Ardennes Forest • 1940s
1982
Adult
18+ years
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