In "The Ambulance Drivers," author James McGrath Morris delves into the complex friendship between two literary giants, Ernest Hemingway and John Dos Passos, set against the backdrop of World War I. The narrative explores their experiences in the ambulance corps and the war’s impact on their lives and careers. Morris highlights their shared ambition and literary talents, but also reveals how the war ultimately strained their relationship.

The quote, "This novel business is an awful business. Why the hell did I ever get mixed up in it?" captures the sentiment of disillusionment both authors faced. The pressures of writing during tumultuous times led them to question their choices and the value of their pursuit. Morris effectively showcases how war not only shaped their writing but also the bond they shared, which became fraught with tension and competition as they navigated their respective paths in literature.