Cartography: Navigating a Year in Iraq

Cartography is a memoir by Katherine Schifanis that describes her time deployed in Iraq as a counterterrorism advisor with U.S. Special Forces in 2011. It is the story of a gay woman serving under the military's Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy, who realizes that the policy repeal she has long awaited is overshadowed by a hostile environment. Schifani's memoir examines the perils of being undertrained and underequipped to perform the job assigned to her and the unique situations her gender created in such an irregular combat environment.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 28 June 2022
Publisher: University of Nebraska Press

Cartography is a captivating memoir by Katherine Schifanis, who served as a counterterrorism advisor with U.S. Special Forces in Iraq in 2011. It delves into her time in the country, navigating the uncharted terrain with questionable interpreters, limited guidance, and an ambiguous purpose. The book is a poignant portrayal of a gay woman serving under the military's Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy, realizing that the repeal she longed for is overshadowed by a hostile environment that makes remaining closeted more critical than ever.

At the core of Cartography lies Schifani's unwavering quest to comprehend the Iraqi landscape and the unique culture of the Special Forces men she worked alongside. Her memoir explores the perils of being undertrained and underequipped for the demanding role assigned to her as an advisor, as well as the unique situations her gender created in such an unconventional combat environment.

Deployment in Iraq was an exhilarating journey of exploration, observation, and navigating a foreign land. Schifani vividly describes the challenges she faced, from the complexities of cultural interactions to the physical demands of the terrain. She sheds light on the complexities of working alongside men in a predominantly male-dominated field, highlighting both the support and discrimination she encountered.

Through her memoir, Schifani offers a profound reflection on the human cost of war and the resilience of the human spirit. She challenges societal norms and stereotypes, showcasing the strength and adaptability of women in combat roles. Cartography is a testament to the indomitable human spirit and the power of resilience in the face of adversity.

In conclusion, Cartography is a captivating memoir that delves into the experiences of Katherine Schifanis in Iraq as a counterterrorism advisor with U.S. Special Forces. It is a testament to the bravery and resilience of women in combat, challenging societal norms and stereotypes. Through her vivid storytelling, Schifani provides a profound reflection on the human cost of war and the indomitable human spirit.

Dimension: 225 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781640124509