A review by trilbynorton
The Sheriff of Babylon: The Deluxe Edition by Tom King

challenging dark emotional sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

In his introduction to this deluxe edition, Tom King says that he wanted to write a story about the American occupation of Iraq that captured its confusion and messiness without making a political point. I think he succeeded, to a degree. There is an underlying (and very American) sense that, for all of the destruction and suffering it caused, the invasion of Iraq was fundamentally a good thing. After all, they got Saddam, right? But there is also a surprisingly sensitive understanding of the various factions at play in Iraq, even before the invasion, as well as a very clear condemnation of the sorts of insensitive and inhumane operatives and operations which characterise American foreign policy. Ultimately, The Sheriff of Babylon is a very human story, a humanity most visible in the couple of standout introspective issues which seem to be King's specialty as a writer.