A review by lilyreads01
Once Upon a Time in Iraq by James Bluemel, Renad Mansour

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.