War Trash
War Trash
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2004
Book Brief
368
Novel • Fiction
Korea • 1950s
2004
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
War Trash by Ha Jin follows Yu Yuan, a Chinese academic and soldier, who becomes a POW during the Korean War and navigates the perilous political tensions between Communists and Nationalists within the camps, ultimately facing significant challenges upon his return to China. The novel deals with themes of war, imprisonment, political ideology, and personal sacrifice.
Dark
Mysterious
Contemplative
Melancholic
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
4,250 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Reviews of War Trash by Ha Jin highlight its compelling narrative and rich historical detail, bringing to life the experiences of Chinese POWs during the Korean War. Critics praise its emotional depth and meticulous research, though some note slow pacing and dense sections. Overall, it's lauded for its nuanced portrayal of loyalty and survival.
Who Should Read War Trash?
Fans of Ha Jin's War Trash will appreciate an in-depth, humanizing portrayal of war’s impact on individuals, particularly within the context of the Korean War. Readers of Tim O'Brien's The Things They Carried or Erich Maria Remarque's All Quiet on the Western Front will find this novel equally compelling for its gritty realism and emotional depth.
4,250 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
368
Novel • Fiction
Korea • 1950s
2004
Adult
18+ years
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