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lilyreads01's review against another edition
4.0
Once Upon A Time in Iraq by Jason Bluemel and Renad Mansour is a compelling nonfiction book written in multi faceted first hand testimonies by those who lived and experienced the horrors of the Iraqi war. It is an insightful, complex and intricate look at the conflict that began with the invasion of Iraq in 2003 in order to overthrow Saddam Hussein’s regime. The reverberations of this decision and the void of power and restructuring would gravely impact the lives of millions in Iraq and the West. The book examines the multiple events and issues that many still face today - violence, mass migration, the rise of the Islamic State - which can be linked to the political, social and economic choices made in the period following the invasion. This is an essential, gripping book that illuminates all sides of the conflict from the working class Iraqi families, the soldiers, journalists, and politicians to create an in-depth, intricate and informative narrative. This is a book about the past and how it continues to shape the world today.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a review copy of this book in exchange for honest feedback.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a review copy of this book in exchange for honest feedback.
themorsecode's review against another edition
5.0
Absolutely devastating, impossible to read without becoming angry and depressed about this disaster of a conflict and my country's role in it. The first-hand interviews are from a range of voices, ranging from US Servicemen, war photographers, Iraqi civilians and even Saddam zealots, but none come away with anything good to say about the war. It's clear that the US and UK (interviewees mention on several occasions how we are just as guilty as the Americans) went in with no long-term plan or attempts to reconstruct the country, nor any clear understanding of the geo-political and religious complexities of Iraq. I found the final chapters focusing on the rise of ISIS particularly painful, inflicting horrific brutality on the civilians and almost certainly wouldn't have occurred without the war. I doubt I'll read a better non-fiction book this year.
emilymacgregor99's review against another edition
3.75
Really interesting and good to see a range of voices from different people affected by this conflict.
However women’s voices are barely present and the impact on them, particularly under ISIS occupation, should have been explored much more in my opinion.
I also think that each chapter could have done with more expository prologue just giving an overview of key players like prominent parliamentarians or milita groups being discussed.
Overall though this was a good introduction and very engaging.
However women’s voices are barely present and the impact on them, particularly under ISIS occupation, should have been explored much more in my opinion.
I also think that each chapter could have done with more expository prologue just giving an overview of key players like prominent parliamentarians or milita groups being discussed.
Overall though this was a good introduction and very engaging.
whaleworld's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
fast-paced
5.0
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