unwisely 's review for:

American War by Omar El Akkad

5.0

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I really waffled between 4 and 5 stars. This was *really* good. I found it All Too Plausible. I suspected (and just confirmed) that the author has some experience with refugee camps; they felt very real. Plus Guantanamo (I read this before the 20th anniversary) and all that.

Not just a future history, with the war and violence, but also a story of what happens after. And even after. A touch of dystopia, but really readable, even given *gestures at everything*. And a female protagonist, but not like any other that I've read lately.

I've thought a lot about the ending, and

Spoiler

while I was initially aghast he burned the important historical record, I have come around to having her deeds forgotten. (Although I'm still a little appalled. I hate unsolved mysteries.)