The Ambulance Drivers

Brief Summary

The Ambulance Drivers by James McGrath Morris delves into the intricate friendship and fierce rivalry between two towering figures of early American literature, John Dos Passos and Ernest Hemingway. The book masterfully portrays their shared experiences as ambulance drivers during World War I and their subsequent literary journeys. As the narrative unfolds, readers are taken from the horrors of trench warfare to the peace of the 1920s and 1930s when their literary careers took shape. The relationship between Hemingway and Dos Passos evolved amidst their differing worldviews on war, adventure, and artistic expression, ultimately leading to a public falling-out marked by personal ambitions, jealousy, and ideological differences.

Main Themes and Topics

The book addresses numerous themes, including the impact of war on individual consciousness and the creative process. It explores how the experiences of Hemingway and Dos Passos during World War I informed their literary output, making their works emblematic of the "lost generation." The juxtaposition of their perspectives—Hemingway's romanticism versus Dos Passos's disillusionment—highlights the diverse responses to war and its aftermath. At its core, the book is an exploration of friendship and rivalry, examining how initial camaraderie can deteriorate into conflict due to diverging ideals and personal quests for recognition.

Writing Style and Tone

James McGrath Morris employs a rich, narrative style that brings to life the historical backdrop against which Hemingway and Dos Passos's lives unfolded. His tone is both informative and evocative, employing vivid descriptions to transport readers to settings as varied as Parisian cafes and the streets of Pamplona. The narrative is well-researched, and Morris's meticulous attention to detail offers readers an immersive experience, capturing not only the personalities of the two writers but also the zeitgeist of their era.

Criticism

While The Ambulance Drivers is lauded for its rich narrative and historical accuracy, some critics argue that the book occasionally dwells too much on the minutiae of the writers' lives at the expense of deeper analysis. This may leave readers seeking a more comprehensive critique of their literary works and contributions slightly wanting. Nevertheless, the book serves as a fascinating portrait of the complexities of friendship, especially against the backdrop of personal ambition and historical upheaval.