Hell of War Comes Home: Imaginative Texts from the Conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq

Owen W. Gilman Jr. emphasizes the US experience of war in the twenty-first century, arguing that imaginative responses to it have been powerful and measure up to World War II's literature and film. However, he argues that American culture's inclination to demand distraction limits learning from these responses, leading to misunderstanding and the anguish endured by veterans betrayed by war.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 264 pages
\n Publication date: 30 August 2019
\n Publisher: University Press of Mississippi
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Owen W. Gilman Jr. delves into the profound impact of war on the United States in the twenty-first century, emphasizing the imaginative responses that arise wherever and whenever conflicts occur. Since the tragic events of September 11, the American experience at war has been vividly captured in a diverse array of texts, including creative nonfiction, journalism, film, poetry, and fiction. These responses, according to Gilman, possess immense power and rival the literature and film of World War II in their significance. In his comprehensive volume, Gilman examines a selection of these new works, including Kevin Powers' debut novel "The Yellow Birds" and Phil Klay's short stories "Redeployment." He also takes a look at key films such as "The Hurt Locker," "American Sniper," and "Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk." To provide context, Gilman also references some touchstones from the Vietnam War. While these newer materials have been read and watched by smaller audiences and sparked less discussion compared to some of the major works on Vietnam, they offer valuable insights into the human experience of war.

However, Gilman argues that the circumstances in American culture currently hinder the significant impact of literature and film on our recent wars. He suggests that Americans' inclination for distraction limits their ability to learn from these compelling responses to war in the past decade. According to Gilman, where clarity and depth of knowledge are essential, we encounter misunderstanding and the anguish endured by veterans betrayed by war, as well as our lack of understanding.

Gilman's book serves as a powerful exploration of the ways in which art can shape our understanding of war and its consequences. He challenges us to confront the complexities of our recent conflicts and to seek a deeper understanding of the experiences of those who have served and sacrificed. Through his insightful analysis and compelling storytelling, Gilman encourages us to engage with the literature and film of our recent wars in a more meaningful and impactful way, enabling us to learn from the past and work towards a more peaceful future.

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Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781496823342\n \n