Review of Memoir of a Deserter

[Elisabetta Galati]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Memoir of a Deserter" by Thomas Foster.]

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2 out of 5 stars

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The book tells a story, but not just any story. The protagonist, who grew up in an unstable and turbulent family environment, finds stability when he decides to enlist in the army.
His dream of serving in the medical field and having a peaceful service quickly vanishes when he is sent to Afghanistan and then Iraq. His encounter with this world of violence and survival leads him to question his principles and his way of life, leading him to make a drastic choice that will influence his future... Will he continue to fight as a soldier loyal to his country, or will he try to distance himself from that world in any way possible?

As a story written by someone who has experienced it first-hand, I can say that I appreciated the direct and raw tone that was used. It mirrors and reflects the rigid structure of the military, which contrasts with his disorderly life. I therefore appreciated the lack of filters, especially in the description of certain dynamics. The writer manages to draw the reader into that world, making them emphasize with the protagonists.
I appreciated the fact that drugs and prostitution were discussed openly, as these were forms of entertainment used by soldiers to cope with and face the dangers and violence they experienced every day. This is not a given, because these are taboo subjects: soldiers must always project the image of a perfect person, without fragility, who represents their country in the best possible light.
I appreciated that relationships, in general, were portrayed in their entirety. They were presented as they were, without trying to exaggerate or hide anything: if it was a toxic, superficial or unhealthy relationship, the description perfectly conveyed this idea.

What I didn't like was mainly one thing: it felt like reading a list of things done, put in order. Probably, being used to other genres, I was influenced, but having read other memoirs, I think there may be more interesting ways to tell the story. For example, starting from the present and using flashbacks to recall the past, or starting from an emotion and recounting what triggered it. In fact, I wasn't particularly enthusiastic about it. Perhaps I would have preferred more reflections or insights in the first part.

I give this book 2 out of 5 stars for the reasons listed above. I didn't find any errors of any kind and the editing is well done.
I recommend this book to those who are curious about military life and those who like books that are, in fact, memoirs. These are very personal books that can offer food for thought.

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Memoir of a Deserter
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[Kibet Hillary]

It appears that the book had a nice story to be told but the execution did not meet the reader's expectation. The book poses some interesting questions, though, and I would, undoubtedly, like to read it. Thank you for the brilliant review, @Elisabetta Galati.