Phil Klay Knihy

Válka. Jak vyjádřit hrůzu, kterou v sobě ukrývá, jak přetlumočit osudy, do nichž zasáhla? Povídkový soubor Zpátky do boje od Phila Klaye můžeme směle zařadit ke klasickým dílům literatury s válečnou tematikou, k jakým patří slavné romány Hlava XXII, Komu zvoní hrana či Na západní frontě klid aj. Stěžejním motivem všech dvanácti různě rozsáhlých povídek je bojové nasazení a válečný konflikt v Iráku. Klay dokáže i na malé ploše bravurně, bez okázalých prostředků a otřepaných frází čtenáři obnažit pocity člověka vystaveného dennodennímu tlaku válečné mašinerie. Zabij, nebo zemři, to je příkaz, který hrdinové Klayových povídek bez výjimky plní, protože jiná možnost není. Nebo ano? Prožité hrůzy se nedají ani sdělit, ani zamlčet, a tak protagonisté tápou i po návratu ze služby, kdy by mělo být vše zlé definitivně pryč. Ovšem to je jen zdání a bývalým vojákům nastává nový boj.

After leaving the Marines a decade ago, Phil Klay joined a community of veterans confronting the significance of their wartime experiences for themselves and the nation. American identity has always been intertwined with war, from the Revolutionary War to the World Wars that established the U.S. as a superpower. The current conflicts raise questions about our national identity and civic responsibility. Unlike previous wars, the post-9/11 conflicts remain largely unacknowledged by the broader public, creating a disconnect between those who serve and the civilian population. This disconnect manifests as a moral blind spot, which Klay explores in his powerful essays. He examines the implications of American military actions abroad, often overlooked yet profoundly impactful. The tension between military and civilian life in America is a central theme, prompting critical reflections on the reasons we ask young Americans to fight and sacrifice. Klay's work challenges readers to confront these difficult questions, emphasizing their importance in shaping the future of a divided nation. How we respond to these inquiries will significantly influence the direction of our troubled country.

After leaving the Marines a decade ago, Phil Klay joined a community of veterans confronting the meaning of their wartime experiences and their implications for American identity. War has always been integral to this identity, from the Revolutionary War to the World Wars, but the current post-9/11 conflicts remain largely invisible to most Americans. While a small group of soldiers and their families are deeply affected, the broader population often remains unaware of the ongoing nature of these wars. This disconnect creates a significant divide between military and civilian life, leading to a moral blind spot regarding the consequences of American military actions abroad. Klay's powerful essays explore this chasm, posing critical questions about the sacrifices asked of young Americans and the underlying reasons for these demands. He examines what binds the nation together and how these inquiries are interconnected. The answers to these questions will significantly influence the future trajectory of the country, making Klay's reflections on these pressing issues both timely and essential.

An astonishing novel about the moral cost of war, from the author of the National Book Award-winning Redeployment.