Many writers tell in their works about events, the witnesses and direct participants of which they happened to become. That is how the Irvine Shaw novel “Young Lions” was born. In his book, the author tells about the events that happened during the Second World War. It is known that he himself took part in it as a war correspondent.
What is the novel “Young Lions” by Irvine Shaw
So what is this work about? Readers are presented with interconnected stories of people whose youth fell on the period of World War II. The novel “Young Lions” by Irvine Shaw tells about the misadventures of the Jew Noah Ackerman, the German Christian Distle and the American Michael Whitehair. The fates of the characters are intertwined, and this happens in the most bizarre way.
He saw and experienced all the events that the author talks about. The novel was completed in 1948.
main characters
The work “Young Lions” by Irvine Shaw presents the following key characters to readers.
- Christian Distle. That is the name of the young German, who at first only arouses sympathy. The hero goes through almost the entire war. He does not doubt the victory of Germany, he is convinced that he is obliged to serve in the army and fight in the name of the greatness of his native country. Gradually, the hero changes, his life attitudes are becoming less attractive.
- Noah Ackerman This is the name of a young Jew born and raised in the United States. The character's father was a bad guy, he passed away early. Noah is constantly humiliated because of his nationality. However, his character only hardens, he becomes stronger.
- Michael Whitacre. Another important character is an American actor and playwright. He leads a luxurious life, spends his time on entertainment. Everything changes when Michael is in the army against his will. At first, he strenuously resists change, but eventually turns into a real soldier.
Before the Second World War
Is it worth it or not to read the novel “Young Lions” by Irvine Shaw? A brief summary will help to understand this. The first pages of the work are devoted to events that take place several years before the Second World War. Christian Distle is still working as a ski instructor. He meets a young American Margarita and shares with her his opinion on Hitler's course. In conversation, Christians fully support the ideas of the dictator, including the possibility of Jewish oppression. He believes that every resident of his country should do everything possible for the greatness of Germany.
Noah Akkerman's father dies in his arms. An emigrant from Odessa leaves his young son in poverty. In search of a better life, Noah moves from a small town to New York. There he meets a guy named Roger, who becomes a close friend to him. A friend helps Ackerman find a job and introduces him to a girl named Hope.
Michael Whitacre leads a luxurious life in Hollywood. High earnings allow him to satisfy any of his desires. But the hero has long had no purpose in life. When the wife leaves him, he has an affair with Margarita.
After the outbreak of World War II
What happens in the book “Young Lions” by Irvine Shaw when the Second World War begins? Christians take part in the occupation of Paris. German troops capture the capital of France easily and almost bloodlessly, which makes them dream of a “real” war. Distle reflects on how to excel and benefit your home country. During a trip to Berlin, he meets the young beauty Gretchen, the wife of his commander. Christians fall in love with her, and she subordinates him to her will, forcing her to make expensive gifts. Then Distle returns to Paris, and then leaves with his unit in Africa. The hero falls into the thick of it, is seriously wounded and realizes how low the price of human life is.
Noah marries a girl named Hope, whom his friend Roger introduced him to. Then he tries to enlist in the army, but does not pass a medical examination. Ackerman masters a civilian specialty, works in the field of shipbuilding. His life begins to improve, but then he is drafted into the army, where his colleagues are taken to mock him. Noah, tired of the attacks of his opponents, challenges them to a fist duel. With great damage to himself, he manages to win, which forces others to treat him with respect.
The third key character in the book “Young Lions,” Michael goes to the army not of his own free will. He falls into one unit with Ackerman, draws close to him. Whitacre pities Noah, but cannot really help him.
Further developments
The Christian gradually turns into an experienced soldier, able to cope with any task. He easily takes human lives, commits crimes against morality. Murders, denunciations, perjury - the hero is ready for anything in order to remain safe and sound.
Michael manages to transfer to London, where he takes on the organization of entertainment in the troops. The hero still does not manage to understand the meaning of the war and his role in it. Noah grows up, learns to survive, performs orders of his superiors well. He landed with his colleagues in Normandy, undergoes difficult tests and is injured. Then Ackerman meets with Michael, after which they together join the old company and fight in its composition until the spring of 1945.
Of the three main characters of The Young Lions, only one manages to survive all the horrors of war. Michael remains alive, while Noah and Christians die at the very end. Before this, fate brings heroes together. Distle is in the prison camp, which Ackerman and Whitacre participate in. Christian kills Noah in a shootout, and then he dies at the hands of Michael.
Criticism
How did the public accept the book “Young Lions”? The reviews of professional critics were generally positive. The credibility and scope of the novel were noted. Also, many drew attention to the brilliant writing style of Irwin Shaw. Authoritative publications included the work in the list of 1948 American bestsellers.
The critic Jonathan Yardley was delighted with the novel. In 2009, he published a note in which he included Young Lions in the list of the four most epic American works of war created in the post-war era. Nearby he staged "From Now and Forever and Ever", "Riot on" Kane "and" Naked and Dead. "
Also, the work was included in the list of 1000 books that everyone needs to read, compiled by the British edition of The Guardian.
Readers' Opinion
Did readers like the work “Young Lions” by Irwin Shaw? Reviews indicate that it often leaves a positive impression than a negative. Many find the book extraordinary, realistic, believable and exciting. The readers are not indifferent to the dramatic fate of the heroes, they enjoy the magnificent style of the author.
Opinions about the main meaning of the novel are also often found in reviews. According to many readers, Irwin Shaw shows three different stories of the war. Heroes change as events unfold. Christian Distle at the very beginning makes a good impression, but then loses his human appearance. The weak and shy Noah Ackerman is gradually turning into a strong and courageous person. Michael, the only surviving hero, only at the very end understands what it means to be a soldier.
Irwin Shaw also pays much attention to the true face of war. Some make fortunes and break other people's fates, while others are ready to sacrifice themselves for the sake of humanity.
Film adaptation
The novel “Young Lions” The show was so successful that the question of its adaptation could not help but arise. In 1958, Edward Dmitryk took up this task. The director assigned the key roles to Marlon Brando, Dean Martin and Montgomery Clift. The picture was nominated three times for the Oscar. The film also won several other prestigious awards.
It is interesting that the writer himself did not like the film adaptation of his work. First of all, Irwin Shaw did not like the fact that significant changes were made to the script of the film.