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Nobody Comes Back: A Novel of the Battle of the Bulge
Donn Pearce, the author of Cool Hand Luke, again revisits the subject of men under tremendous pressure, living and dying according to oppressive circumstances. Now, he brings you another tragic hero, thrust out of the only world he knew and forced to create one on his own terms . . . or die trying.
Toby Parker was America's unwanted son. Only sixteen years old, he was too young to be enlisted in the army, but old enough to know that he didn't want to return to the life he knew: moving from new home to new home, neglected by his mother, ignored by his father, overlooked by everyone else.
The war overseas promised exotic locations and adventure, but what it delivered was something else entirely. The Nazis were beginning to fall back, and the war was all but over. But the fighting still raged on in pockets of Europe. Out of the critical focus on France, only one last position needed to hold: the city of Bastogne. Thrown into battle almost immediately upon arrival, he soon found himself wounded and alone, struggling to survive and looked upon to lead. It was here that Toby was to learn what war really was, and what kind of man he was destined to become.
Many American boys went into World War II, and each one lived their own nightmare, critically shaped by what they experienced. Told with gritty authenticity, Donn Pearce captures the very essence of what it means to be caught under the worst circumstances imaginable, while having the strength and humanity to rise above them.
At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
Toby Parker was America's unwanted son. Only sixteen years old, he was too young to be enlisted in the army, but old enough to know that he didn't want to return to the life he knew: moving from new home to new home, neglected by his mother, ignored by his father, overlooked by everyone else.
The war overseas promised exotic locations and adventure, but what it delivered was something else entirely. The Nazis were beginning to fall back, and the war was all but over. But the fighting still raged on in pockets of Europe. Out of the critical focus on France, only one last position needed to hold: the city of Bastogne. Thrown into battle almost immediately upon arrival, he soon found himself wounded and alone, struggling to survive and looked upon to lead. It was here that Toby was to learn what war really was, and what kind of man he was destined to become.
Many American boys went into World War II, and each one lived their own nightmare, critically shaped by what they experienced. Told with gritty authenticity, Donn Pearce captures the very essence of what it means to be caught under the worst circumstances imaginable, while having the strength and humanity to rise above them.
At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2005
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
April 16, 2014
Can't remember when I last struggled so much with a book. I had high-hopes for this, but by page 20 I was frustrated with Pearce's scatter-shot writing. I never connected with this sad story on any emotional plane. Single dimensional characters. No geographical connection. Nothing but capture, escape, capture, escape. Tedious. And there was more needless profanity flying around then Nazi bullets. I have read scores of excellent war-time literature, but this one seemed both contrived and disjointed.
March 21, 2015
The book is nonstop, remorseless action, violence, and death. A reviewer quoted on the book observed that it's "Saving Private Ryan without the schmaltz." I agree with that to an extent, but don't think it really capture completely what the power of this book is.
The action in the book is not glorified and it's not some adventure romp through the Battle of the Bulge. Actually, about 3/4 of the way through the book I'd become completely numb to the violence, and I believe that is exactly Pearce's intent. When you live through this book and realize how much endless, endless stress and strain was put on the men who fought in WWII especially at places like the Battle of the Bulge, it gives a new appreciation for the almost unfathomable suffering they endured. I fought in OEF, but nothing I experienced ever came close to what these guys saw. It's simply unbelievable and elevated my already high esteem for the men who fought in WWII.
Unapologetic, uncompromising, and unflinching...this book made me feel tremendous sympathy for the men who suffered in the war, and it also made me feel proud as hell to be American. I know that's an unfashionable notion now and most people reading this review will wrinkled up their noses and roll their eyes and mutter something like, "Meh, Sweden is better." Whatever...this book is powerful and infinitely worth reading.
I think it was Hemingway who said writing shouldn't be "about" its subject, it should "be" its subject. That's what I think this book accomplished. It hammers at your nerves just like the endless artillery hammered on the nerves of the men who fought.
Pearce, just as with Cool Hand Luke, writes tough, minimalist prose. At times (just a few) it was almost too minimal and I wasn't really sure what was happening because I hadn't been given enough details to "see" the scene. But, that is the one very minor knock on a book I greatly enjoyed.
The action in the book is not glorified and it's not some adventure romp through the Battle of the Bulge. Actually, about 3/4 of the way through the book I'd become completely numb to the violence, and I believe that is exactly Pearce's intent. When you live through this book and realize how much endless, endless stress and strain was put on the men who fought in WWII especially at places like the Battle of the Bulge, it gives a new appreciation for the almost unfathomable suffering they endured. I fought in OEF, but nothing I experienced ever came close to what these guys saw. It's simply unbelievable and elevated my already high esteem for the men who fought in WWII.
Unapologetic, uncompromising, and unflinching...this book made me feel tremendous sympathy for the men who suffered in the war, and it also made me feel proud as hell to be American. I know that's an unfashionable notion now and most people reading this review will wrinkled up their noses and roll their eyes and mutter something like, "Meh, Sweden is better." Whatever...this book is powerful and infinitely worth reading.
I think it was Hemingway who said writing shouldn't be "about" its subject, it should "be" its subject. That's what I think this book accomplished. It hammers at your nerves just like the endless artillery hammered on the nerves of the men who fought.
Pearce, just as with Cool Hand Luke, writes tough, minimalist prose. At times (just a few) it was almost too minimal and I wasn't really sure what was happening because I hadn't been given enough details to "see" the scene. But, that is the one very minor knock on a book I greatly enjoyed.
October 8, 2012
I had high hopes for this book, but was really disappointed. I guess I wanted to learn something about the battle of the bulge, or like one of the characters in the story, or feel good about something, but it didn't give me anything. I don't like to give one star reviews, but there is nothing to recommend in this book. Having just read Killer Angels, which I thought was excellent, probably didn't help either. Could have been done much better.
May 4, 2018
Consistently gripping war novel that really pushes its believability. One of the most unromantic looks at prewar American life and the war itself I've seen--in fiction, anyway. Loaded with period detail and WWII slang; if I had read this in high school it would have been the greatest novel ever written. As it is, I enjoyed it, but after a while I just couldn’t accept what was happening to the protagonist as plausible.
November 27, 2014
Well written book about a 16 year old soldier from a rough background who gets caught in the Battle of the Bulge in World War II. Written by the author of Cool Hand Luke, it has a similar feel but a style all its own. I have read many WWII novels and none were quite like this. Not overly long (250 pages)it had me staying up past midnight to finish it.
July 24, 2013
I found it boring. Never could get into it. Only read about 50 pages.
December 4, 2017
In some sense, this is another “supersoldier” novel, where the lone man takes on large numbers of the enemy and survives while others do not. Toby Parker is the main character and as we learn when he experiences flashbacks, his was a difficult childhood. There was not a lot of money and the relationships between many of his closest relatives were very strained. Of course, most of this was during the Great Depression, where every aspect of life was strained.
As soon as he can effectively lie about his age, Toby signs up for the U. S. military and is a foot soldier sent to France. It is late in 1944 and to many it appears that Germany is on the verge of defeat. Allied forces are closing in on the eastern and western borders and Toby is like many others, believing that he may not even get into the fighting.
All of that changes in December, 1944 when the Germans launch their last major offensive in the west, catching the Allied forces by surprise. Toby is captured by the Germans, escapes and then captured again, joining and leading rag-tag units of men that found themselves isolated, yet surrounded by Germans. These ad hoc units are called Team Snafu and they conduct themselves as best they can, the best phrase to describe them is as “ants in the underwear of the Germans.”
The problem is that while he is seriously wounded, Toby manages to survive all the battles while the others are killed. The Germans shoot straight when aiming at his companions, but always manage to miss when shooting at him. Some of this is acceptable, but there comes a point when there is too much. That line is slightly crossed in this novel. However, it is well written.
As soon as he can effectively lie about his age, Toby signs up for the U. S. military and is a foot soldier sent to France. It is late in 1944 and to many it appears that Germany is on the verge of defeat. Allied forces are closing in on the eastern and western borders and Toby is like many others, believing that he may not even get into the fighting.
All of that changes in December, 1944 when the Germans launch their last major offensive in the west, catching the Allied forces by surprise. Toby is captured by the Germans, escapes and then captured again, joining and leading rag-tag units of men that found themselves isolated, yet surrounded by Germans. These ad hoc units are called Team Snafu and they conduct themselves as best they can, the best phrase to describe them is as “ants in the underwear of the Germans.”
The problem is that while he is seriously wounded, Toby manages to survive all the battles while the others are killed. The Germans shoot straight when aiming at his companions, but always manage to miss when shooting at him. Some of this is acceptable, but there comes a point when there is too much. That line is slightly crossed in this novel. However, it is well written.
June 3, 2024
Probably one of the best war books I’ve read that looks unflinchingly at the horrors and futility of human conflict. The characters are unique, but the narrator is really memorable. Such a wonderful and brutal and exhausting read.
February 14, 2019
I'm not sure why this novel isn't more widely known and read.
December 5, 2020
Very well written. I felt like I was in the midst of the action.
April 17, 2021
Great, unapoligitic, story of a WW2 soldier's bravery and heroism
August 5, 2025
An almost stream of consciousness story of a 16 year old fight in the Battle of the Bulge. Nonstop action from page one. Highly recommended.
February 19, 2014
Original review posted at Layers of Thought.
Quick take: A gritty historical fiction set during the Battle of the Bulge in WWII – think an updated The Red Badge of Courage crossed with a dose of Catch 22.
Description: As WWII reaches its climax, an unsettled Toby Parker is too young to enlist in the American Army but can’t think of anything else to do. To date his life has been characterized by neglect, instability and struggling to make ends meet. He manages to finagle his way into the army and after some brief training finds himself shipped off to France. It is late 1944 and Germany is struggling to hold back surging Allied forces - but Hitler decides to make one last major offensive push in the Ardennes with the ensuing “Battle of the Bulge” totally taking the Allies by surprise. After landing Toby is almost immediately thrown into a vicious battle.
Any thoughts Toby might have had about the nature of war are soon swept away. Quite apart from the terrifying and bloodthirsty engagements with the enemy, what he experiences is bewildering, confusing, totally chaotic and at times absolutely illogical. Having to learn quickly, a wounded Toby tries desperately to survive, but it is sometimes not clear if the greatest danger comes from the Germans or from some on his own side. A lifetime’s worth of experiences are crammed into just a few searing days.
A historical footnote for those that are interested - the Battle of the Bulge was the largest and bloodiest battle fought by the United States in WWII. It also severely depleted Germany's war-making resources, thereby restricting Germany’s ability to defend itself during the final stages of the war.
John’s thoughts: This book doesn’t pull any punches about the nature of war; it is very graphic and feels authentic. Apart from the viciousness of humans, one of the overriding themes of the story is the chaos of war. For sure the Battle of the Bulge was a confusing engagement and I’m not sure if Pearce has accurately reflected that or whether he has embellished it a bit – but it certainly makes for a compelling story. The development of the Toby Parker character over just a few days is remarkable. I’ve no right to comment on whether or not it is realistic, but it certainly does ram home the awful nature of war and what it does to people.
The element of Catch 22 comes in with the idiotic behavior of some people and the bureaucratic and nonsensical orders that had to be followed. There is also some deep irony in enemies sometimes treating people better than supposed friends.
There is a lot to like about this book. It is easy to read, interesting and pulls you along. Sometimes the action almost got to be almost too much – but there again what was I expecting in choosing to read a book like this? If you like historical fiction set in times of war then I’d certainly recommend this book. I’d rate it three stars.
Quick take: A gritty historical fiction set during the Battle of the Bulge in WWII – think an updated The Red Badge of Courage crossed with a dose of Catch 22.
Description: As WWII reaches its climax, an unsettled Toby Parker is too young to enlist in the American Army but can’t think of anything else to do. To date his life has been characterized by neglect, instability and struggling to make ends meet. He manages to finagle his way into the army and after some brief training finds himself shipped off to France. It is late 1944 and Germany is struggling to hold back surging Allied forces - but Hitler decides to make one last major offensive push in the Ardennes with the ensuing “Battle of the Bulge” totally taking the Allies by surprise. After landing Toby is almost immediately thrown into a vicious battle.
Any thoughts Toby might have had about the nature of war are soon swept away. Quite apart from the terrifying and bloodthirsty engagements with the enemy, what he experiences is bewildering, confusing, totally chaotic and at times absolutely illogical. Having to learn quickly, a wounded Toby tries desperately to survive, but it is sometimes not clear if the greatest danger comes from the Germans or from some on his own side. A lifetime’s worth of experiences are crammed into just a few searing days.
A historical footnote for those that are interested - the Battle of the Bulge was the largest and bloodiest battle fought by the United States in WWII. It also severely depleted Germany's war-making resources, thereby restricting Germany’s ability to defend itself during the final stages of the war.
John’s thoughts: This book doesn’t pull any punches about the nature of war; it is very graphic and feels authentic. Apart from the viciousness of humans, one of the overriding themes of the story is the chaos of war. For sure the Battle of the Bulge was a confusing engagement and I’m not sure if Pearce has accurately reflected that or whether he has embellished it a bit – but it certainly makes for a compelling story. The development of the Toby Parker character over just a few days is remarkable. I’ve no right to comment on whether or not it is realistic, but it certainly does ram home the awful nature of war and what it does to people.
The element of Catch 22 comes in with the idiotic behavior of some people and the bureaucratic and nonsensical orders that had to be followed. There is also some deep irony in enemies sometimes treating people better than supposed friends.
There is a lot to like about this book. It is easy to read, interesting and pulls you along. Sometimes the action almost got to be almost too much – but there again what was I expecting in choosing to read a book like this? If you like historical fiction set in times of war then I’d certainly recommend this book. I’d rate it three stars.
October 27, 2013
This thrilling novel was well worth my time. It is an excellent example of historical fiction and one of the better World War II books I have read. Pearce follows a single character, Tobias Parker, through his struggle during the Battle of the Bulge. This effectively paints a grotesque image of war, and therefore, this novel is not for the faint of heart. It utilizes detailed imagery to depict the horrible scenes of war, as well as strong language to accurately depict the soldiers. However, I think that this adds an excellent realistic view of the gruesome battle. Pearce effectively uses flashbacks throughout the novel to provide background for Parker, often while Parker is asleep. Through these flashbacks, the reader sees Parker's humble, and even unfortunate, beginnings from poverty. From these beginnings, Parker is able to rise up during the war to receive his medal, providing a classic hero motif, even though he may not fit the classic hero stereotype. This was an excellent historical fiction and I would recommend it to anybody who enjoys World War II or U.S. history of any kind.
June 28, 2011
Toby Parker is a teenager thrust into the Battle of the Bulge. The downside of such a view is that Toby isn't particularly reflective; the up side is that it is easy to sympathize with a kid thrown into the worst days of the infantry war. His very lack of experience means that the focus is on how he acquires experience. (Contrast it with the tough, hardbitten veteran of G.F. Borden's "Easter, 1941.")
November 9, 2008
Nobody Comes Back is a gread book. It tells you a story through one guys life in the army during the Battle of the Bulge. Its very discriptive and gives you a feeling of what those men were going through in the war. A great book for anyone that like bloody, gorey details about war and what goes on in highly intense battles.
February 3, 2009
It's like The Red Badge of Courage updated for WWII. I liked it, but the flashbacks didn't really do anything for me. I would have liked to have understood the character's feelings more rather than getting background information on him that didn't seem related to what was going on most of the time.
February 14, 2014
One of the all time best explorations of the depth of a man's humanness amidst the basest activity. Concise and profound, the book also quite simply offers the sheer and petty ludicrousness of men in charge.
September 12, 2015
An amazing, engrossing roller coaster ride through the hell that was the Battle of the Buldge. It mixes the main character's past and his present in a very intelligent way and you see him grow as you begin to understand who he was and where he came from. I highly recomend
May 7, 2009
Thinking of my father
June 5, 2011
Not too much plot, or character development since nearly everyone gets killed within two chapters.
May 16, 2014
I really don't know why I read this book. I guess I can't walk out of library used book sale without a book (or six).
July 21, 2014
Great writer and great friend.
August 25, 2014
Good story that ended asbrubtly
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews