"The Ambulance Drivers" narrates the complex relationship between two iconic American writers, Ernest Hemingway and John Dos Passos, amidst the turmoil of World War I. Their initial friendship is grounded in mutual respect and shared experiences as ambulance drivers for the Red Cross in the war-torn landscapes of France. This period forged a bond between them, influencing their literary careers and personal lives dramatically, with the war serving as both a backdrop and a catalyst for their evolving connection.
The book explores the contrasting personalities and literary styles of Hemingway and Dos Passos, highlighting how these differences began to drive a wedge between them. As Hemingway embraced a more individualistic and bravado-driven approach to writing, Dos Passos leaned towards social criticism and a collective narrative viewpoint. Their contrasting perspectives on life and art grew more pronounced as the war progressed, ultimately leading to a fallout that would shape their futures.