Nothing good comes from war. These books and films remind us why violence is never the answer.
Singapore has remained free from combat since World War II ended in 1945, but the horrors of war around the world are still very real. Take the recent war in Ukraine that’s left us all in shock, and the many ongoing conflicts in several countries that are endangering the lives of hundreds and thousands of civilians and innocent children. Even if Singapore is far from the bloodshed, these books and films about war help to remind us that violence is never the answer.
Books on war you can read in Singapore
1. The Guns Of August
A classic for the ages, this book by historian Barbara W. Tuchman won the Pulitzer Prize for General Nonfiction in 1963. We love that it contains an intriguing account of the first month of World War I, covering in detail the first 30 days of the summer of 1914 that determined the course of the conflict, the century, and our present world.
The Guns Of August, borrow from the National Library Board or purchase a copy at Kinokuniya and Book Depository
2. The Librarian Of Auschwitz
Courage and hope abound even in the darkest times. This captivating book tells the story of real-life Auschwitz prisoner Dita Kraus during the Holocaust. At the age of 14, she’s sent to a Nazi concentration camp and takes charge of eight precious volumes of books that were snuck past the guards – thus becoming the librarian of Auschwitz, risking her life to keep the magic of books alive during the war.
The Librarian Of Auschwitz, borrow from the National Library Board or purchase a copy from Kinokuniya, Book Depository or Times
3. Singapore Burning: Heroism And Surrender In World War II
Written by author Colin Smith, this is an account of war that hits closer to home. This book covers the terrifying story of the fall of Singapore in 1942, which led to the bloody and heartbreaking deaths of thousands of allied men and women in the country. Expect to uncover forgotten acts of heroism, treachery, loyalty, compassion and brutality experienced by our forefathers.
Singapore Burning: Heroism And Surrender In World War II, read for free on Kindle Unlimited or purchase a copy from Amazon
4. A Thousand Splendid Suns
Familiar with The Kite Runner? This novel, published in 2007, is also written by Afghan-American author Khaled Hosseini. Within its pages lie a deeply moving account of survival, family and happiness from two generations of characters across three decades of Afghan history. We’d say this is a timely read after the recent takeover of Afghanistan by the Taliban in 2021.
A Thousand Splendid Suns, borrow from the National Library Board or purchase a copy from Kinokuniya, Book Depository or Times
5. Vietnam: A History
If you’re looking for a complete account of the Vietnam War, this is a great book to add to your list of must-reads. We love how it’s filled with insights and fresh revelations drawn from exclusive interviews and secret documents. There’s no doubt that author Stanley Karnow has succeeded in painting a riveting picture of this epoch in history.
Vietnam: A History, purchase a copy from Amazon, Kinokuniya or Book Depository
Films on war you can watch in Singapore
6. Unbroken
Produced and directed by Angelina Jolie, Unbroken follows the extraordinary survival story of American Olympic distance runner Louis Zamperini, an Air Force bombardier during World War II in 1943. After spending 47 days lost at sea when his plane crashes into the ocean, he’s captured by the Japanese military and taken as a prisoner of war.
Unbroken, stream on Netflix
7. The Bombardment
While this movie starts off at a slow pace, its events will eventually leave you pondering on the damaging effects of war for days. The film covers the accidental bombing of a school in Copenhagen in World War II, causing the loss of life of several innocent children and civilians. Watch the characters’ seemingly disconnected lives come together as they face death, destruction, loss of hope and faith.
The Bombardment, stream on Netflix
8. Platoon
This 1986 war film is based on director Oliver Stone’s own experience from the war. It tells the story of US Army volunteer Chris Taylor after he’s assigned to an infantry platoon in South Vietnam that’s close to the Cambodian border. Watch as his idealism fades in the midst of battle and terrifying violence.
Platoon, rent on Amazon Prime
9. Forgotten Heroes
This documentary gives us a glimpse into the various roles some Singaporeans played during World War II, covering several legendary individuals whose stories would otherwise be lost amidst more well-known tales. Expect to find out more about a pilot who was caught in a dogfight with enemy fighter planes, and a sailor who saw the downing of ships in the icy waters of the North Atlantic.
Forgotten Heroes, stream on Mewatch
10. Full Metal Jacket
Directed by Stanley Kubrick, Full Metal Jacket is a 1987 war film that covers the hellish mayhem endured by a group of soldiers during the Vietnam War. While hardened on the outside by the multiple grim events faced on the battlefield, the mental and physical stresses of war wear them down on the inside.
Full Metal Jacket, rent on Amazon Prime
Bookmark this page for books and films on war that you can read and watch in Singapore.