Winner of the 2022 Edgar Award for Best Novel “War, imprisonment, torture, romance…The novel has an almost operatic symmetry, and Kestrel turns a beautiful phrase.” New York Times Five Decembers is a gripping thriller, a staggering portrait of war, and a heartbreaking love story, as unforgettable as All the Light We Cannot See. nominated for Best Novel in the 2022 EDGAR AWARDS NOMINATED FOR BEST THRILLER IN THE 2022 BARRY AWARDS FINALIST FOR THE HAMMETT PRIZE 2021 "Read this book for its palpitating story, its perfect emotional and physical detailing and, most of all, for its unforgettable conjuring of a steamy quicksilver world that will be new to almost every reader." Pico Iyer December 1941. America teeters on the brink of war, and in Honolulu, Hawaii, police detective Joe McGrady is assigned to investigate a homicide that will change his life forever. Because the trail of murder he uncovers will lead him across the Pacific, far from home and the woman he loves; and though the U.S. doesn't know it yet, a Japanese fleet is already steaming toward Pearl Harbor. This extraordinary novel is so much more than just a gripping crime story—it's a story of survival against all odds, of love and loss and the human cost of war. Spanning the entirety of World War II, FIVE DECEMBERS is a beautiful, masterful, powerful novel that will live in your memory forever.
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James Kestrel
Author
Five Decembers
by James Kestrel
Books Like Five Decembers
If you're looking for books similar to Five Decembers, here are some recommendations based on themes, tone, and narrative style.
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A historical fiction novel set in France during World War II, following two sisters who resist the German occupation in their own unique ways. Like Five Decembers, it combines elements of war, love, and personal survival. The novel offers a compelling narrative of courage, sacrifice, and the resilience of the human spirit during one of history's darkest periods.
All the Light We Cannot See
Anthony Doerr
A Pulitzer Prize-winning novel set during World War II, following a blind French girl and a German boy whose paths ultimately cross. Like Five Decembers, it offers a deeply human perspective on war, exploring themes of survival, connection, and resilience. The novel masterfully weaves personal stories against the backdrop of global conflict, providing intimate insights into individual experiences during wartime.
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A novel about a Russian aristocrat sentenced to house arrest in a luxury hotel during the Russian Revolution. Like Five Decembers, it explores themes of survival and personal resilience during tumultuous historical periods. The book offers a unique perspective on adapting to changing circumstances and maintaining hope in challenging times.
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A novel about an Australian doctor's experiences as a prisoner of war during the construction of the Burma Railway. Similar to Five Decembers, it explores themes of survival, love, and the human cost of war. The book offers a profound meditation on human endurance and resilience.
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A true story of survival, resilience, and redemption during World War II, following Louis Zamperini's incredible journey from Olympic athlete to airman to prisoner of war. Similar to Five Decembers, it explores themes of endurance and human spirit in the face of extreme adversity. The book provides a gripping account of survival against overwhelming odds during wartime.
Catch-22
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A satirical novel set during World War II, exploring the absurdity of war and military bureaucracy. Like Five Decembers, it offers a critical examination of war's impact on individuals. The book provides a darkly humorous yet profound commentary on the human experience during wartime.
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The Thin Red Line
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A powerful war novel set in the Pacific theater during World War II, focusing on the experiences of American soldiers during the Guadalcanal Campaign. Similar to Five Decembers, it provides a raw and unflinching look at the human cost of war. The novel explores the psychological impact of combat and the complex relationships between soldiers facing extreme circumstances.
The Sympathizer
Viet Thanh Nguyen
A Pulitzer Prize-winning novel about a Vietnamese spy navigating the complexities of war and identity. Similar to Five Decembers, it explores themes of conflict, survival, and personal moral dilemmas. The book offers a nuanced perspective on war, blending elements of espionage, cultural identity, and personal transformation.
The Things They Carried
Tim O'Brien
A collection of interconnected short stories about American soldiers during the Vietnam War. Similar to Five Decembers, it explores the psychological and emotional experiences of soldiers during conflict. The book offers a deeply personal and introspective look at the impact of war on individual lives.
The Alice Network
Kate Quinn
A historical fiction novel spanning World War I and World War II, focusing on female spies and their extraordinary experiences. Like Five Decembers, it combines elements of historical drama, espionage, and personal struggle. The novel offers a unique perspective on war, highlighting the often-overlooked roles of women during times of global conflict.
City of Thieves
David Benioff
A novel set during the Siege of Leningrad in World War II, following two young men on an impossible mission. Like Five Decembers, it combines elements of survival, adventure, and human resilience. The book offers a gripping narrative of friendship and survival during extreme circumstances.
The Quiet American
Graham Greene
A novel set in Vietnam during the early stages of the French colonial conflict, exploring themes of political intrigue and personal moral complexity. Similar to Five Decembers, it provides a nuanced look at war and its impact on individual lives. The book combines elements of espionage, romance, and political commentary.
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