book review : The Good Soldiers by David Finkel
Dusty. Bloody. Enlightening. Harrowing.
The Good Soldiers is all of these, sometimes all at once. David Finkel reveals the men behind the soldiers on the front line in Iraq in this involving and illuminating book. Finkel begins each chapter of the book with a quote from then-President, George W. Bush. The transposition of Bush’s media-friendly quotes with the reality of life in a war zone is effective in exposing the distance between what we are told and what this really means for the soldiers in Iraq.
We are introduced to the leader of the 2-16, who Finkel shadowed from January 2007 through to June 2008. 40-year-old lieutenant colonel Ralph Kauzlarich makes every attempt to create meaningful relationships with the local Iraqi men, women and children. In his cramped and dusty office, he keeps a box of soccer balls for distributing amongst the local children. It is heartwrenching to read of the many young soldiers of 2-16 who arrive, hopeful and somewhat naive, ready to represent their country and protect their fellow men, only to be coated with dust and blood at best, or losing their sight or their limbs in random attacks.
Finkel is a quiet observer, not revealing himself or his relationships with the men of the 2-16. While this enables us to focus more on Kauzlarich and his men, I wanted to know how Finkel related to these professional soldiers, the Good Soldiers.
This is not an anti-war book, nor is it an advertisement for the army, but it is thoughtful and sensitive in its depiction of war and the human beings who bring their hopes, fears, unique personalities and ambitions into this tragic and savage arena.
Don’t read it for any great political insight, but to remind yourself that behind the khaki and shiny boots are young, vulnerable and likable men who have wives, children and friends who love them. Men who have stories of their own. Pulitzer Prize-winning Washington Post reporter David Finkel has received lashings of praise for The Good Soldiers and justifiably so. Though it may not appear on Oprah’s Book Club anytime soon, this is food for long and passionate discussion.
Thoroughly recommended.
By Catherine Woods
