A War Story Not Strictly About War
Dexter Filkin's book the Forever War is a collection of short first-person war stories about his experiences as a NY Times correspondent in Iraq and Afghanistan. The short pieces are informative and lucid descriptions of what he saw and how he felt about it at the time. FW reminds me of a book of short takes Ernest Hemingway wrote about the Spanish Civil War; short, insightful and clear-minded all written in a minimalist form. The stories make good points while at no time being political, partisan, or propaganda for any side. Filkins has unique point of view, but it isn't a political one. He writes as a human observer of other humans who do good, bad, evil, stupid, smart, heroic and noble things for and to each other. Often the same people, too, just on different days.
Don't read FW if you are looking for a comprehensive view of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars though. FW isn't that kind of book. If you want a narrative of military and political operations in Iraq and Afghanistan read Thomas Ricks' Fiasco: The American Military Adventure in Iraq or Lawrence Wright's The Looming Tower: Al Qaeda and the Road to 9/11.
I recommend this book but only with the warning that a typical war narrative as we've come to understand the genre isn't what you're going to get here. I still think it's worth the read though.
From the gut
I don't read a lot so I found the style of this book a bit disconcerting. It wanders continiously in place and time. Nonetheless, I couldn't put it down and finished in two days. The author gives us a sweeping view of Iraq and Afganistan. Often visceral, frequently nalytical, always compelling. It resonates with authenticity. This opinion from one who has served in a Muslim country.
"A Must Read'
Purchased book for my wife. She says it is excellent, not an easy read due to content but most informative. She highly recommends it.
best account of insurgent warfare I've ever read.
This book brings the Iraq war into focus,like no other account has. Filkins writes with clarity and precision. There is no doubt that he sees, smells, feels and touches the war as it is, not as we would like to see it in our fantasies.
His book will be a classic of warfare in the 21st Century and of young warriors." As All Quiet On The Western Front", brought World War 1 into the reality of war in the new 20th Century, so shall " The Forever War" bring the reality of war in the 21st Century.
I hadn't followed the war as closely as I probably should have...
As my review title suggests, I had not followed the conduct of the war as closely as I might have over the years. Mr. Filkins' work is quit amazing. I suggest this book to anyone with a thirst for understanding. Well done.
(37 reviews)
