Although War was published in 1985, it makes use of 1944 texts. Thus one finds the Duras of two periods.

There is a plot in the classical tradition, since these anecdotes are based on personal memoirs. Yet the characteristics of Duras's more mature works are also present: simple syntax, abstractions, lack of transitions, and startling juxtapositions. The final anecdote, "Aurelia Paris" is particularly striking in its musicality and use of dialogue.

The role of interior monologue is important throughout the book and is especially evident in the first part.

Duras's prose is intense, often ironic and always passionate. Like her other works, this one is also written in a distilled, haunting style, difficult to capture in translation, but skillfully rendered by Barbara Bray, who has translated other Duras novels.