A Midnight Clear: A Novel - Softcover

Wharton, William

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1557042578 ISBN 13: 9781557042576

Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks, 1999

Synopsis

Set in the Ardennes Forest on Christmas Eve 1944, Sergeant Will Knott and five other GIs are ordered close to the German lines to establish an observation post in an abandoned chateau. Here they play at being soldiers in what seems to be complete isolation. That is, until the Germans begin revealing their whereabouts and leaving signs of their presence: a scarecrow, equipment the squad had dropped on a retreat from a reconnaissance mission and, strangest of all, a small fir tree hung with fruit, candles, and cardboard stars. Suddenly, Knott and the others must unravel these mysteries, learning as they do about themselves, about one another, and about the "enemy," until A Midnight Clear reaches its unexpected climax, one of the most shattering in the literature of war.

About this title

About the Author:

A self-described painter who writes, William Wharton is the pen name for the author of two memoirs—Houseboat on the Seine and Ever After—as well as eight novels—Birdy, Dad, A Midnight Clear, Scumbler, Pride, Tidings, Franky Furbo, and Last Lovers. His works have been acclaimed worldwide and have been translated into over fifteen languages.

Review:

It is a fine book, sad and witty, even profound. -- San Francisco Chronicle

Put it on the same shelf with The Red Badge of Courage. It has mythic quality. -- Chicago Tribune

There are surprisingly few 'classic' novels of World War II. This is one of them. -- The Village Voice

"There are surprisingly few 'classic' novels of World War II. A Midnight Clear joins the best." -The Village Voice --The Village Voice

About this edition

• Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks
• Publication date: 1999
• ISBN 10: 1557042578
• ISBN 13: 9781557042576
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 256