Originally published in 1960, this early novel by bestseller-list veteran Matheson (What Dreams May Come; I Am Legend) was probably inappropriately classified upon its original publication as just another post-WWII potboiler. Read again 40 years later, in the wake of more cynical and sophisticated literary responses to subsequent wars, it becomes evident what a marvelous character study it is. Pvt. Everett Hackermeyer arrives on the western front of the Allied advance into Germany on December 8, 1944. The Americans are preparing to storm the infamous Siegfried Line and advance into the Reich, knowing that they will meet their stiffest resistance yet. In the course of the next 14 days, Hack is transformed from a bewildered, somewhat indifferent teenager into a battle-scarred veteran. Gradually, he develops into a first-rate soldier, then into an almost maniacal killer of Germans, and finally into a reliable leader as he wrestles with his "inner war" and comes to terms with life, death and the meaning of human compassion. Guided by his squad leader, Sergeant Cooley, a believably drawn and nonstock father figure, Hack lives a full lifetime in less than two weeks and emerges from his "baptism by fire" as a fully developed man, warrior and hero—but one without illusions. This is a sensitive and carefully wrought study in character, not only of the troubled protagonist, but also of the other squad members, each of whom must face his personal demons even as death and destruction rain all around. (May)
